Making an informed decision when looking for a senior living community may be difficult for you or an older loved one. It’s easy to allow visually appealing rooms to influence your choice. While a spotless, well-maintained community is necessary, other aspects of senior life are even more crucial. A commitment to resident satisfaction and safety, team member experience, and the caliber of support services are just a few. Here are 5 recommendations for evaluating environments for senior living in Lawrenceville, GA, objectively!
Begin Your Research Online
The majority of senior living facilities have a website and a social media presence. To acquire a general idea of the services and amenities they provide, as well as the levels of care they offer, you can start online. Social media posts and images, particularly those on Facebook, can offer a window into the lifestyle of a community. Get a sense of the neighborhood by reading the online reviews. Examine both the positive and the negative reviews. Was there an answer? Did the response show a collaborative, open mindset?
Call the Community
Once you have a preliminary list of senior living places to assess, make a list of questions to ask when you call.
Set aside some uninterrupted time to get in touch with every community. When you are on the phone, be sure to take thorough notes. Even though you may believe you can remember what you discussed after speaking with several different communities, this can be challenging.
Don’t confine your attention to the information that you compile. Consider how they responded to your queries and situation. Did they ask you more to find out what you wanted and needed?
Examine Community Survey Findings from the State
The laws governing senior living environments vary by state. The state will conduct routine inspections of the licensed service lines, such as assisted living, memory care, and healthcare (skilled and rehab), to make sure they are abiding by state laws.
Most states make their survey findings available online. It is easy for the prospective resident and their families to review them because of this. Ask to see a copy of the results in person if your state doesn’t publish them online.
Plan a Physical or Virtual Tour
A tour, whether it be virtual or in person, is a crucial part of your decision-making process.
While touring, pay particular attention to how residents interact with team members, how neat and organized the community appears, and whether residents seem engaged. Does it seem like a nice and positive environment? Does it have the appearance and atmosphere of a place your loved one could call home? Schedule a tour of our vibrant community today!
Consider the Advantages and Disadvantages
Finally, go over your notes thoroughly. Consider your preferences and the degree to which each community satisfies your needs and desires. Eliminating certain communities will be easier than others. If possible, take advantage of a community’s respite program. Under this program, a prospective resident can have a brief, complementary stay and get a feel for the community. This enables the family and the potential resident to conduct a more thorough assessment.
