What Three Things Should People Look for at Assisted Living?

December 12, 2017 by ·

When looking to move because of age or some other limitation, assisted living is an option, especially for those 55 or over or, depending on the facility, 65 and over. When a senior has decided that assisted living might be a good decision for them, there are a few things they should look for in any particular facility they are considering.

Assisted Living in Spanish Fort AL: Things to Look for at Assisted Living

Assisted Living in Spanish Fort AL: Things to Look for at Assisted Living

First, it may be more about amenities.

The room should actually be a comfortable environment and something in which the senior will feel good when they go to take a nap, relax, unwind, and go to sleep at the end of the night. Even if they are going to be sharing a room to help offset the cost of assisted living or are planning to have a room by themselves, the comfort and size of the room could make a difference.

Those amenities can also be extremely beneficial. The amenity should offer safety options, whether it’s in the bathroom, walking down the hall, or even simply getting out of bed. Some of the other amenities could include dining, activities, entertainment options, and so much more.

Second, it should have a great support network of staff.

The staff at this particular assisted community should be extremely experienced and dedicated to the safety and well-being of the elderly residents. Ask questions about the staff, what kind of requirements they must meet in order to be hired, how much experience they tend to have, and what kind of support they will actually offer to a resident in need.

Some facilities will provide assistance for residents in getting out of bed or bathing while others may be more limited in what they can offer.

Finally, dining is far too often overlooked.

The dining facility at any assisted living community can be a make or break component. If the dining facility looks more like a high school cafeteria, that is not going to be a comfortable environment. However, if it offers a relaxing environment for all of the residents, and if the menu provides great nutritional options, that can be a wonderful thing to consider when looking around at various assisted living communities.

When going on a tour or some other type of visit to an assisted living facility in the area, its recommended that the senior have some idea what he or she would like in their living environment for the future as that will help them narrow their choices down significantly.

If you or an aging loved one are considering assisted living in Spanish Fort, AL, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living at 251-317-3017.

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About Cindy Johnson

Ashbury Manor’s Administrator since 2008, Cindy Johnson is a long-time expert in the assisted living field. Prior to her arrival at Ashbury Manor, Cindy managed acquisitions and crisis management for existing and new larger senior care project developments for eleven years. As regional manager for an Oregon-based assisted living management company, Cindy was directly responsible for operations for five 50-65 bed assisted living facilities. As manager during the transition to new ownership, Cindy reorganized internal operations and conducted leadership training for Executive Directors. As a result of her management and expertise, one of the company’s facilities (in Ocala, Florida) received a deficiency-free survey, resulting in the lifting of a moratorium on operation.

A nurse for 36 years, senior care has always been Cindy’s passion. Desiring to work more closely with residents, Cindy became a Category II Administrator in 2005. As Ashbury Manor’s Administrator, Cindy understands the complexities associated with dementia and cognitive impairment and she has fallen in love with seniors with dementia or cognitive impairment and their families.

Cindy is Treasurer of the local “Senior Coalition” chapter. She enjoys mentoring new candidates who want to become administrators.

As a 16-bed facility, with Cindy's training and experience, our residents and their families can be sure Ashbury Manor’s carefully selected staff provides the expertise of a larger facility while maintaining the individualized personal care of a small special needs home.
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