Transitioning a loved one to assisted living
Transitioning a loved one into assisted living can be daunting for both families and their loved ones; change is never easy. Tiffany Olson, RN, Administrator at St. Michael’s Assisted Living, shares valuable insights for helping the process go smoothly.
“Once the decision is made — by either the loved one, the family or hopefully both — that a new living environment is appropriate, keep the lines of communication open. For the person making the move, the more information they have about the place they are going, the easier the transition will be,” Tiffany said.
You can start your research for a new home a number of ways, including searching the internet or asking friends. For those in Wisconsin, contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ARDC) to find services or assisted living available in your area.
When you have identified one or more options, call the assisted living to find out more, including the following:
- What type of care do they provide?
- Do they provide for spiritual care?
- What type of activities program do they offer?
- How are the housekeeping and laundry services set up?
- What other services do they offer?
You can also ask questions about cost of care, but the facility may be hesitant to answer that type of information over the phone. Often fees are based on type of room and care service points, so it would be difficult to explain and easier to understand on paper. Be sure to ask what happens if private pay funds run out, would they allow the person to stay in the home on government assistance.
“I highly suggest that you schedule a tour of the home and bring your loved one with. Make sure that you are introduced to all staff, not just key members of the assisted living,” Tiffany said. “Ask staff how they like working there. Also stop and talk to other residents who live in the home. Ask them how they like living there, how the food is and do they stay busy doing the things they like to do.”
If the tour goes well and you are highly considering the assisted living, go back for another tour but this time make sure it is scheduled over a meal time so you can eat with the other residents to get a feel of the dining services and customer service.
If your loved one has significant dementia, it may be a good idea to wait for them to tour until you have decided that this home is the best fit for them. The tour is important, so that when the final move is made, the person will have a sense of familiarity with the space, care givers and other residents.
“Residents who have the most family support during the process of choosing a home, moving and after the move, have the highest level of satisfaction once they are in their new surroundings,” Tiffany said.
The staff in a good assisted living will also be supportive of the person by checking in with them frequently to make sure their needs and expectations are being met. Staff will also visit with the family to ensure their satisfaction as well.
A good assisted living will always have time for you and your loved one not just during the process of choosing a home but during the transition and beyond!
The Lutheran Home Association offers exceptional assisted living in Minnesota and Wisconsin! Find out more about our different communities and schedule your tour today.