Many seniors and those with seniors in their lives often wonder: when is it time for assisted living? In this guide, our caring professional at St. Paul’s Senior Services assist you in answering that question. Generally speaking, if you have a loved one senior in your life who needs more and more care with each passing, it may be time to consider assisted living or other senior care services services.
On a more specific level, your individual needs or the needs of the senior in your life will determine just what type of assisted living may be the best fit. Below, our experts here at St. Paul’s Senior Services have put together an Assisted Living Checklist to help you get a better understanding for when it is time for assisted living.
Assisted Living Checklist
Use the following Assisted Living Checklist to determine if it’s time to consider assisted living center or nursing care for yourself or your loved one.
- Are you or your senior loved one having increased difficulties with daily tasks?
- Are you or your senior loved one incurring injuries due to falling, clumsiness, and fragility more often than before?
- Do you or your senior loved have a growing list of intensive medical needs?
- Are you or your loved one experiencing increased isolation?
- Are your currents needs or the needs of your senior loved one placing stress on family, friends, and/or in-home caregivers?
If you answered “yes,” to any of the above questions, it may be time to consider assisted living for yourself or your loved one. Use the checklist below while touring prospective assisted living communities to help you find the right community for your needs. This list also applies to skilled nursing facilities you may be interested in.
- Overall Environment: Are the grounds of the community well-maintained? Do the residents and staff seem happy and cheerful? Are there outdoor areas for residents to enjoy?
- Rooms and Apartments: Do the floor plans differ from one to the next? Is there ample closet space in the apartments? Does the living space offer private kitchens and baths? What furnishings are included?
- Safety: Are the stairs and hallways well lit? Are all exits well marked? Do doors and windows have safety locks? Are there security and fire alarms located throughout the premises?
- Food and Dining: Does a chef or dietitian plan menus? How are special dietary needs handled? Are there set dining times? Is there a sit-down restaurant for residents and their guests?
- Recreation and Amenities: Is there an activities program with a posted daily schedule of events? Is there a fitness facility? Does the community offer religious services? What about housekeeping and laundry?
- Staff and Licensing: Are staff background checks conducted? Is there staff training, and what does it entail? Is the community staffed at night/weekends? Is the community state-licensed and Medicare-certified?
- Fees and Finances: What types of financing are accepted? What are the entrance fees? What’s the monthly rent? Are there other fees?
Learn More
For more assistance on making the move to assisted living, please contact our professionals here at St. Paul’s Senior Services or better yet, come in and visit our San Diego senior living community today!