Finding a good board & care facility for your senior loved ones is one of the most important things you can do for them. As they face the sunset of their lives, you’d want to make sure that it’s as comfortable, convenient, and compassionate as possible. Here are some things you should be on the lookout for when searching for a facility that can provide all these to your loved one.
Location
If you want to be able to visit your senior loved one as often as possible, without making too much of a commute, then it’s ideal that you find something closer to your location. Ideally, it’s also going to be a place that’s relaxing and private, and of course, secure.
Staff Capacity
More than the aesthetic of the facility, one of the more important things you should be looking at is the staff capacity. This basically means you need to check the staff-to-patient ratio so you can ensure that your senior loved one will be getting sufficient attention and care they need. You may of course opt for a private attendant, but otherwise, senior care facilities have a team of attendants that rotate to take care of the residents.
Do note that board & care, in particular, do not necessarily have large teams or many facilities. This is also why it tends to be a bit more affordable than established living communities.
Housekeeping
This type of facility takes care of the cleaning and maintenance of the resident’s unit. General housekeeping supplies such as soap and toilet paper are also provided, while laundry services are available within the facility.
Meals and Medication
Eating a healthy balanced diet is especially crucial for seniors. When looking at board & care, make sure to ask what their usual menu looks like. Also, don’t forget to indicate if your senior loved one has any particular dietary restrictions or needs and if the facility can accommodate these. It would be even more helpful if you can see for yourself how the food is prepared and handled, as well as how the meals are provided to the residents.
Facilities and Activities
Depending on the needs of your senior loved one, they may either be in a facility with a mixed population, wherein there are available areas for socialization and interaction with each other. For this, a higher level of training is required for the employees, so they can keep on alert to ensure the residents’ safety and enjoyment in these shared spaces.
Availability of activities is also something you might want to look at. Lack of socialization, physical activity, and entertainment can lead to depression among seniors, especially if they are used to a more active lifestyle. Bingo nights, arts and crafts, dances, movies, and light outings are some of the things that the facility could have prepared for its residents.
There are plenty of other considerations you should take into account, including the cost of the facility, of course. That’s why it’s crucial that you do your research and figure out exactly what you want for your senior loved one. The more informed you are about the available choices, the better your decision-making is going to be. Hopefully, you’ll be able to find the one that suits your loved one’s needs best soon.