
How to Choose the Best Assisted Living Facility
Approximately 3.9 million adults over the age of 50 say their main company is the television. Finding the best assisted living in DC is a great way to give your loved one the senior care and socialization they need.Â
But, how do you find the best assisted living facility?Â
In this article, we discuss how to find the right senior living arrangement for the senior in your life. From short-term needs like amenities to long-term needs like memory care, we cover it all. Continue reading to find the best place for your senior.Â
What Is an Assisted Living Facility?
Before you can find the best assisted living facility, it’s important to understand what assisted living in DC is. Unlike nursing homes, assisted living offers the best combination of senior care and independence.
Services offered at different facilities range from private apartments to shared rooms to memory care services and more. This can be confusing for seniors to navigate if they don’t know what to look for.Â
Senior Living Facility Considerations
Before searching, ‘assisted living facility near me,’ on the internet, it’s important to know what you’re searching for. We recommend taking the time to list out what you or your loved one wants from your senior living facility.
If you aren’t sure what you want, this is a great opportunity to start your research. Start by considering the budget, long and short-term needs, desire for social activities, and desired amenities.
Senior Living Budget
One of the most important aspects of finding assisted living for seniors is setting their budget. When setting a budget, it’s important to factor in all expenses and not just the cost of the senior living facility.
You’ll need to know the type of pricing offered by the facility as well as any additional amenities such as cable or streaming services, car loan payments, groceries, etc. Only with a full picture will you be able to set an accurate budget.
Short-Term And Long-Term Needs
Factoring in both your loved one’s short-term and long-term needs can help them feel settled for longer. While they may only need assisted living right now, they may need additional senior care later on.
Facilities that offer more in-depth care such as memory care can make the transition easier if it’s needed down the road. You should learn about how this transition would work if it’s needed when touring the facility.Â
Social Activities
Seniors living alone may become isolated from friends and family. They may inadvertently withdraw from social gatherings. Before selecting a facility for assisted living in DC, it’s important to consider what types of activities your loved one might enjoy.
Some facilities offer group activities such as yoga, arts and crafts, woodworking, and more. It’s a great way to maintain your dexterity, learn a new skill or hobby, and meet new people in the community.Â
Important Amenities
Finding the best assisted living facility in DC isn’t just about getting good senior care, it’s about being comfortable. For that reason, you should consider which amenities are offered before making a final decision.Â
The right amenities can make an assisted living facility even more enjoyable. Some of our favorite amenities include a movie theater, exercise room, bistro, and private garden.
Finding The Best Assisted Living Facility Near Me
Now that you have an idea of what’s important for you and your loved one in a senior care facility, you can focus on finding the best assisted living facility. To accomplish this, you’ll need a list of questions and considerations as well as a tour.
Taking a tour is especially important when trying to find ‘assisted living near me.’ It allows you to see the facility first-hand and ask questions in real-time. Plus, many facilities offer digital tours so you don’t have to leave your home.
Consider Cleanliness
The first thing you should note on your senior care facility tour is its cleanliness and functionality. Are the grounds well kept? Do the rooms and residents appear adequately cared for?
Don’t forget to consider other features such as food and equipment. You want your loved one to live somewhere that not only takes good care of their equipment but also ensures repairs are made when necessary.Â
Learn About The Staff
Since you’re loved one will spend a lot of their time with the staff, it’s important to learn as much as you can about them. It can also offer you a more accurate impression of the facility as a whole.Â
Staff Background Checks
You want your loved one to be as secure as possible in their new senior living facility. For that reason, it’s important to ask about the facility’s policy on employee background checks.
Ideally, every employee is screened for a criminal record that might impact their ability to provide quality senior care. This will help you get peace of mind that you’re selecting the best assisted living facility for your loved one.Â
Staff-To-Resident Ratio
Even with great amenities, a clean facility, and quality staff, a facility may not be the best choice if it doesn’t have a good staff-to-resident ratio. This term refers to the number of staff members in comparison to the number of residents.
A good ratio helps ensure every resident, including your loved one, receives the senior care they need. Otherwise, there’s not a staff member to address all resident concerns promptly.Â
Get A Feel For Culture
During your senior living facility tour, try to get a feel for the community culture. You want to be sure the employees seem content as well as the residents. This is a great indicator that the facility is a generally happy place to live.
If socialization is important to you or your loved one, you want to determine if that’s part of the facility culture. Find out if residents regularly participate in social activities or if they tend to stay in their rooms.Â
Find The Best Assisted Living Facility Near Me
Finding the best assisted living facility for your loved one can be a stressful process if you don’t know what to look for. Use the above guide to ensure your loved one doesn’t just receive quality senior care but that they are also happy.
If you’re searching for assisted living in DC, schedule your tour today.Â