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LEAVE A COMMENTThere are many considerations when choosing the right North Phoenix assisted living community for yourself or a loved one. Choosing the right path for the future comes with many questions and concerns. When you or an aging loved one can no longer live on their own, it may be time to consider assisted living. Assisted living is similar to independent living but with a few key differences.
We’ll explain what it means to move to assisted living and suggest a list of questions to ask as you look at your options.
What is Assisted Living? Is it the Right Fit?
The very heart of assisted living in Anthem is providing older adults with personalized care in a community. Some seniors aren’t ready for skilled nursing or advanced residential care yet but may need help with one or more Activities of Daily Life (ADLs), such as toileting or managing medications.
Assisted living communities are built around offering the level of care residents need while still encouraging them to live an active and social lifestyle.
Some common supports in an assisted living setting may include:
Assisted living communities often have social activities and programs designed to help residents live wholesome lifestyles. You or your loved one may be given an individualized service plan to meet certain areas of need and ensure that care caters to their exact requirements.
Questions You Should Ask an Assisted Living Facility
1. How Does Your Community Welcome a New Resident?
The first days and weeks in a new community can significantly impact how you or your aging loved one feels about their new home. Ask the assisted living team about what you can expect — along with support systems in place for adjusting to a new environment.
You’ll want to ensure that assisted living in Anthem staff gets to know their new residents and makes an effort to welcome newcomers. Ask about what type of engagement you can expect, what questionnaires they may have to better understand their residents, and how much time staff will spend with new community members during the first few weeks.
2. What Kind of Training Does Your Team Undergo?
You want what’s best for yourself or your aging loved one, which means asking about what type of training staff undergoes to work in the community. A well-educated and certified staff helps facilitate satisfied and happy living.
Ask about company compliance standards and whole-person care. Listen to what the assisted living team has to say about its philosophy, orientation practices, and evaluations. You can also ask about the number of team members in each department, such as nursing, social activities, kitchen, therapy, and more.
3. How Many Residents Do You Have?
Similarly to getting to know the staff’s capacities, you can ask about the community’s number of residents. This can point out any red flags that may emerge in facilities with too few staff and too many residents.
4. Do You Have Staff on-Site 24/7?
Assisted living in Anthem facilities typically have teams that work both day and night to ensure the health, wellness, and happiness of residents. However, it may be worth asking what type of personnel will be available 24/7. You can include questions about bathing care, dressing, medication management, and even nursing practitioners.
Ask about which staff are on-site or on-call during non-business hours in case of an emergency, and make sure you know how to reach them and how they can reach you.
5. What Kind of Meal Services Do You Offer?
When looking for an assisted living facility, ask about the dining choices. This includes meal plans, menu options, and meal locations, such as cafeterias, cafes, snack shops, or dining rooms.
A good assisted living community will offer dietary accommodations and plenty of options.
6. What Types of Activities Are Available?
One of the more popular routes North Phoenix assisted living communities take is implementing a monthly activities calendar or schedule to encourage residents to be engaged and active. Ask about what types of activities are offered.
Some places encourage residents to have a say in activity planning through questionnaires, suggestion boxes, or activities committees. You’ll want to make sure the staff actively pursues the residents’ input while also offering opportunities for growth. Look for activities that are intellectually engaging, physically active, sociable, or even spiritual. You can give a visit to Anthem Senior Homes or contact 602-909-9550 for more details.
