Visiting Your Loved One in Assisted Living - Top 6 Things to Look For
The transition to assisted living communities can be difficult; from finding a community to being confident you made the right choice. At Westminster Memory Care, we want to ensure that not only are our residents happy, but so are their families. If you want to build confidence in your choice of community, we have some tips for you! Below are 6 things to look for when visiting your loved one to ensure they are where they are supposed to be.
Do you notice a lot of eye contact between the staff members and your loved one? Making eye contact with someone is a great way to determine if they are comfortable with the relationship and how strong the connection is between the two.
Are staff members giving signs of physical reassurance, such as gentle touches or hugs? Oftentimes, this type of physical contact is a great indicator that the two are comfortable with each other and the relationship is strong.
Check your loved one’s personal hygiene. Communities that care about their residents pride themselves on how frequently residents are bathed, clothes are changed, bathroom visits, nail care, and so on.
Do you notice any clutter or foul smells in their room? Contrary to popular belief, assisted living homes should still smell clean and be well-maintained.
Does the community celebrate “big days,” such as birthdays and anniversaries? Making events for the entire community out of these things gives the residents a sense of community and can really make them feel right at home.
Ask your loved one how they feel about the community; do they like the staff and meals served? Do they enjoy the activities offered?
We recognize that visiting an assisted living home can be stressful enough without having to scan for these things; it’s a great idea to plan your visit in advance and remember why you are really there. Keeping connected with your loved one is so important for both you and them. When you have questions or concerns, we are here to help. Learn more about Westminster Memory Care’s resources for caregivers by browsing our website or giving us a call!