Q: How do I choose assisted living that is the best fit for my loved one?
“Start with the person you’re looking for. After nearly 25 years in the industry,” says Rebecca Root, Executive Director for The Blake at Hamlin, “that may be the most difficult piece of advice I can offer. Keep yourself out of the equation as best you can and think about the person who will be staying. What are their needs and wants? Do they have medical needs? What level of care will they require?
“Also, compare apples to apples. Make a list of questions and ask the same questions of everyone. If, one or two visits in, you come across something you forgot to ask in the early stages, call them up and ask it!
“Here are some of the top questions I that should be on your list, in no particular order: Is there transportation? Are you pet friendly? Ratio of care providers to residents? Who provides meds and what is their training? What’s security like? How many staff in the building at a given time? And food! Always a big concern. Take a meal when you take your tour if possible.
“Compare apples to apples. Make a list of questions and ask the same questions of everyone.”
Finally, start your research early. Don’t wait until it’s an emergency and you’re forced to make a quick decision. Also, visit your top contenders twice. Schedule a tour. Then go back a second time, unannounced, preferably during mealtime. They’ll be busiest then. You’ll see firsthand how the staff and residents interact with one another—and you’ll get a feeling. That feeling is how you’ll decide.”
