There are many types of assisted living facilities all over the state of California. When you start your search for choosing an assisted living facility, it’s important not to get overwhelmed by the number of options that you have. To help you from getting overwhelmed, we’ve created a list of items that may be the most important to review in your search.
The number one criteria for a good assisted living facility is not the swimming pool, sauna or amenities, but the quality of the staff and administrator. Assisted Living is all about serving people. So, be sure to do your research on the owners, staff and caregivers.
It is these professionals who can make a major difference in your overall happiness and well being. For example, at a facility like Adagio San Juan, our primary emphasis is always to make the resident feel comfortable and safe. While you will certainly want to review a facility’s amenities, prioritize getting a feel of what the people who run the place are like.
Not all assisted living facilities offer the same services. Before you choose one, it is important to ask the right questions.
No matter what facility you select, we highly recommend going and seeing it in person. When you arrive for your tour, here are some basic questions you should ask:
1. How many staff and how many residents live there? You want to make sure that the place has adequate staff. Many large long term care facilities could have up to hundreds of residents with a staff that is stretched thin to give adequate care to everyone. In a decent assisted living facility the ratio is about 2-3 staff for 5-10 residents. Just remember, the higher the caregiver to resident ration, the better.
2. What are the duties of the staff? Will anyone assist you with your daily living activities? What is the coverage at night? Surely you want to make sure that there is at least one staff at night in case there is an emergency. All this time, you should be observing how the staff interacts with other residents. Plus you also want to know if they appear rushed. Are they warm. Do the residents and the staff look happy?
3. What about the residents? Do they like it here? Are they happy and do they interact with each other?
4. What about the facility? Is it clean? Bright? Does it appear safe? Are the rooms large enough? Is the bathroom accessible? What about the food? Is there variety? Is there a chance you can look at the menu? Do you have the option of eating in your room? Can you ever order out? Some assisted living homes even have their own chef on staff. If you stay at Adagio San Juan assisted living, you can ask the chef to make meals custom to your likes and preferences.
5. Does the facility appeal to you? Do you prefer the smaller setting of a residential home versus a larger institutional feel? Does it have a library, recreation or TV room? Is there a place where you can walk? Is there any transportation in case you need to go to the doctor? Is there a chapel or a place to pray?
6. What are the administrators like? Did they answer all your questions? Do they offer any advice? Are the genuinely interested in you? What is their background? Do they have experience in the medical industry?
7. What happens if there is an emergency? How is it handled? Is there anyone in-house that can look after your non-urgent medical problems if there is a need?
8. Is the facility licensed or in compliance with state laws?
9. What are the costs of living? Can long term care insurance help cover the costs? Are there any government subsidies? Are the rates stable or have they been rising every few months?
10. Will my family come and visit? Is it in a good location? Accessible? Is it easy for visitor to come in and see loved ones? Sometimes, a friendly home is a lot easier for children and grandchildren to come and visit. There are no long hallways or elevators to have to deal with.
In the end, when you are choosing an assisted living facility, it should make you feel safe, comfortable and be friendly. Do not make your decision solely on the décor and expensive furniture- they matter less in the long run. This is going to be your new home, or the new home of a loved one. Make sure it feels like home.
At Adagio San Juan, we offer premium assisted living services in a residential home environment.
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