While people usually want to remain in their own homes as long as possible, there may come a time when it is necessary to consider alternate living options. If you are at the point of considering such a move, here are some things to keep in mind.

First and foremost, determine the individual’s needs. Is a nursing home or skilled care facility needed? Would a service where a caregiver comes to the house be a possibility? Perhaps an assisted living community would be preferable. There IS a difference! Explore the options available to you.

 

If the decision is made to move into an assisted living community, there are many things to consider before making a final choice. After all, you want the best possible situation for yourself or your loved one. The following are some of the things that staff discuss with potential residents and/or their families.

• How are you greeted and treated when you tour the community? What is your first impression? What do the common areas look like? Are they neat? clean? appealing? comfortable?
• Do the sniff test: How does it smell when you enter the building?
• How does the community administration communicate with you and/or your family or the person who has power of attorney? Via email? Phone only? Is there a newsletter that contains information about community events, photos, calendar of activities, etc. that is distributed to you and your family or the person who has power of attorney?
• How many staff members (caregivers) are on the floor during each shift? What is the average response time by the caregiver staff to a page for assistance? Some states’ standards may not require more than one caregiver on the floor during the overnight shift, but one person is seldom, if ever, enough even though that may be all the state standards require.
• If needed, does the community offer progressive services so that a new placement does not have to be found when and if the resident’s cognitive abilities and/or physical condition declines?
• Does the community offer transportation to and from doctor appointments and other places that the resident might want or need to go, providing they are physically able? Is there a charge for this service?
• Does your current pharmacy make deliveries to the community? If not, is there someone who will be able to pick up medications in a timely manner? If not, you may need to change pharmacies.
• What kind of dining services are offered? Is it restaurant style dining where the resident will have choices of an entrée, vegetables, soup or salad, etc.? Many communities are now moving to this style of dining because it is preferred by residents.
• Is there the option of doing your own laundry? If not, is it okay if your laundry is done by someone else in a more commercial setting? If there is a laundry service, you may need to label all clothing items with your name.
• Measure the room. Then decide which pieces of furniture to bring. It is very hard to turn loose of a house or apartment full of belongings, so it is necessary to choose not what you LIKE, but what you NEED. A bed, dresser with mirror, chest of drawers, comfy chair, and perhaps a love seat (depending on the size of the room) are the usual pieces that are needed and good to have. Utilize the walls for photos and other items to make it feel homey and familiar.

• If your or your loved one’s health is declining, secure a person to serve as power of attorney. If the decline continues, at some point it will not be possible for you or them to designate someone to serve as power of attorney, which can cause a lot of problems farther down the road.
• Are pets allowed? If so, what are the guidelines for having a pet?
• Is there a courtyard or a contained outdoor area where the residents who are not able to leave the community can go outside to get some sunshine and enjoy the outdoors?
• How is mail received/distributed?
• Do you need to arrange for satellite/internet access?
• Remember to submit a change of address and update voter registration. Depending upon the person’s mobility, you may need to request an absentee ballot.

• What opportunities exist to pursue interests such as gardening, cooking, arts and crafts, etc.?
• How close is the community to emergency medical services, family, friends, shopping, hair stylists, and so forth?
• Daily activities should include a physical activity of some sort such as exercises that can be done while sitting, a faith-based option such as a church service or daily devotional reading, and activities that promote socializing and intellectual stimulation.

There are so many things to consider when making this type of decision. Maybe these questions and suggestions will make the choice easier and the transition smoother.

Information for this article provided by Marsha Hudson, Activities Director, Elmcroft Assisted Living Community, Mountain Home, Arkansas.