How To Select a Strong Assisted Living Facility

By Ben Glass, Esquire

Benjamin W. Glass and Associates

. https://www.benglasslaw.com/

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How To Select a Strong Assisted Living Facility

We often hear horror stories in the news about the mistreatment and abuse of assisted living residents. This issue definitely hits home, not just for our own families, but for our society as a whole.

Our seniors deserve the absolute best care possible, and if you're making the decision to transition your parents to a new living situation, you need to know what to avoid. Loving, professional care is available if you know where to look and what to look for.

So, what should you look for in a good assisted living facility?

Appearance of the facility The facility should look and smell clean. The residents who need help should be assisted promptly and all staff members should be located in places accessible to the residents.

Proper nutrition Residents must have their unique nutrition and hydration needs met. Assisted living facilities must serve residents at least three well-balanced meals per day, as well as additional snacks.

Food must be prepared and served in a sanitary fashion and at the proper temperature. Residents should be informed of the food being served. Accommodations should be made for residents who are on special diets, such as a no-salt diet. To monitor proper nutrition, the resident's weight should be recorded weekly.

Assistance with toileting and bathing Many residents in nursing homes require assistance with bathing and using the toilet. These residents should be bathed regularly and should always have access to a staff member who can provide bathroom assistance.

Accommodations Each resident is unique and has different needs. For example, if a resident has had a stroke and their left arm is paralyzed, then he will need to be accommodated so everything is within reach of his right arm. Residents with mobility issues will need to be transported to and from meals, and the facility should have a working elevator if necessary to avoid stairs.

Staffing Understaffing can be a huge problem in assisted living facilities. Without proper staffing, the residents' needs cannot all be met adequately and there is an increased chance for abuse. A facility with plenty of trained staff and nurses is able to provide the best care.

It's all about the resident An easy way to tell if a resident is receiving proper care is to simply look at them. Look for signs of good health, such as clean skin, a healthy weight, and a smile on their faces. If they have complaints, or you don't think that they are being cared for properly, speak up for them.

The best thing you can do for a loved one in assisted living is to be an advocate for them. When all is said and done, it's the time, effort, and love that you give back that will mean the most to your parent. Making sure they are receiving proper care is worth the effort.

Now you have the tools to make an informed decision when it comes to identifying strong quality of care.