If you’re caring for an older adult, you’re in good company. According to Pew Research Center, there are 40 million unpaid caregivers in the country. About 90% of those care for an aging relative – usually a parent or spouse. While providing personal care to a loved one can be rewarding, it also presents challenges. Adult children can feel pulled in opposite directions, caring for a parent as well as their immediate family. Spouse-caregivers can become overwhelmed by new demands and a shift in their long-established relationship roles. The good news is an assisted living community can relieve your burden and restore your place as a loving family member rather than a nonprofessional caregiver.
What to expect from an Assisted Living community?
For some seniors, a move to assisted living may feel like a sort of surrender of their independence. This simply isn’t the case. To be clear, today’s senior living communities are not what our parents called “nursing homes,” though many reputable communities provide skilled nursing services to residents who need it. A good community will increase assisted living residents’ independence, helping them live a happier life. Assisted Living services begin with help with activities of daily living, or ADLs. ADLs can be anything that stands between a resident and living a fulfilling life. At most communities, ADLs include assistance with the following:
● Bathing ● Dressing ● Medication management ● Toileting ● Diet and dining
With ADLs compassionately managed, your loved one can more easily pursue activities they enjoy – at the community or around town.
Tips for touring and choosing an Assisted Living community
Do your research.
It’s the best way to determine what community is best for your loved one and your whole family. Start online. Scout your local area online. There may be good options closer than you realized. Then go for a visit. This is the best way to evaluate community setting, lifestyle, services, and staff. Be prepared to ask questions and expect candid answers. A reputable community will be forthright and transparent. If you feel they’re holding back information, consider it a red flag. Here are 10 questions to help you gather information during your visit:
What are the size and types of residences available?
Are all residences private?
Are bathrooms private?
Is skilled nursing care available?
Will my loved one have a healthcare plan, and will my family be involved in creating it?
Are additional services offered if a resident’s needs change?
What do residents do during the day?
What amenities will my loved one have access to?
May I look at an activities calendar?
May I look at a monthly or weekly dining menu?
While you’re there, observe and take notes. AARP.com, a national advocate for older adults, recommends making sure a community has the items on this checklist:
● Cleanliness – looks and smells clean, including restrooms ● An emergency generator or alternative power source in case of an outage ● Enough common areas, such as dens and living rooms ● A floor plan that's logical and easy to follow ● Large enough rooms for your loved one’s needs ● Rooms and bathrooms with handrails and call buttons ● Safety locks on doors and windows ● Security and fire safety systems ● Services such as banking, a beauty salon or a café ● Well-lit stairs and hallways with well-marked exits
Additionally, take note of the culture:
● Do residents look content and happy? ● Are residents engaged in activities? ● Is the staff attentive and kind? ● Are residents interacting with each other?
Understanding cost, financial structures and contracts
Paying for assisted living varies by community. Some require large up-front fees plus monthly fees. A rental option may be a better value and provide more financial control.
Your costs may also be affected by the size of the residence and whether one or two people move in. Ask to see the contract and review it fully.
Taking the next best step for your loved one.
For family caregivers, a community like The Grand Royale may be the perfect solution to caregiving stress. For their older loved ones, quality of life will likely improve. Our mission is to improve your overall quality of life by providing the best assisted living experience anywhere. Our dedicated team members take care of all the details, leaving you free to live your best life.
Contact us today and let’s discuss how we can serve your family.
The Grand Royale: We Await Your Arrival
When you choose a place like The Grand Royale, retirement living feels a lot like taking an extended vacation. Here, you can sit back and relax, knowing that your needs will be met.
We offer Independent Living, Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing. Although we are a new community, we’ve recruited some of the top-tenured talents to join us. We’re here to care for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We pride ourselves on our elevated dining experience and provide delicious meals with genuine service while building long-lasting relationships.
At The Grand Royale, you will enjoy a variety of amenities. Join us for a relaxing manicure, pedicure, or a movie and popcorn in our state-of-the-art theater. Our person-centered care, health-focused initiatives, dining options and activities are exactly what we want for our own family.
For more information, contact us today at 816-293-2555 or online.
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