Finding the Right Assisted Living Facility

For many Colorado families, the decision of putting their loved one in an assisted living facility is nothing short of time consuming. Because the long-term care of elderly family members is such an important choice for so many people, it often requires deep thought, careful planning and thorough investigation.

One of the best things families can do when researching facilities is to look at each establishment’s culture and environment in comparison to the needs and character of their loved one. The Huffington Post suggests some of the signs that people can look for to determine a good fit. These include the following:

• How effectively a facilities resources will be in providing for their family member’s health care needs.
• Which insurance plans are accepted and whether or not they can afford the facility’s required payments.
• How close the facility is to other family members and if its location allows them to visit as desired.
• The ability of the facility to provide acute care in emergency situations.
• How many staff members there are in relation to how many patients are housed in the facility. They should also observe how many patients are overseen by a single staff member at one time.
• The overall condition of the facility including its cleanliness standards, transparency and general maintenance.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4 out of 10 assisted living residents in the U.S. require immediate help with at least three daily activities. Over half of all of the residents are at least 85-years-old.