Do Chandeliers Equal Great Care?
Does the outward appearance at an Assisted Living equal great care?
When looking at assisted living facilities it is easy to be drawn into the beauty of the building and environment. Tours usually emphasize the fancy amenities available. The subliminal message is that the fancier the building the better the care. Is the message correct?
When my Grandfather was looking for an assisted living he loved the building that looked like a fancy hotel. Big chandeliers in the lobby. Cloth tablecloths and fancy menus in the dining room. He felt like he was on a cruise ship. Living in a nice environment is certainly nice. Being a registered nurse I asked to read the latest audit from the state inspection. The list of problems about care were concerning, so I warned that while he did not need care at move-in, when he needed care there could be problems.
The first few months went well. He enjoyed the fancy dining room. He walked the halls and enjoyed the ambiance. Unfortunately as he aged, more care was needed and he had to move to a different facility. He learned the hard way that the chandeliers were beautiful, but they do not help you to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
At Abiding Joy Senior Care Home we recommend asking facilities the hard questions.
What is there staff to resident ratio.
Is there a registered nurse in the building and what hours?
What is the staff turnover rate?
Read the state inspection report for the last 3 years.
Most importantly ask what care they cannot do. Can they handle catheters? What happens if your loved one becomes unable to feed themselves? What if your loved one can no longer stand on their own?
Our residents love us at Abiding Joy Senior Care Home because we provide the superior care that we would want our own family to receive. Three residents to a caregiver, registered nurse not only lives in the home but also caring for your loved one. We handle all levels of care, including end of life bed bound care. Call us today to find out how we can help your loved one live joyfully. For more information or a tour contact Karen at 682-231-2449.