While many people feel a responsibility to take care of their family members or loved ones when they can no longer care for themselves, not everyone has the ability to do this. So if you find yourself in a situation where someone you love needs more care than you can give on your own, the next best thing for you to do is to find a care facility where they will be well looked after. However, this can often be easier said than done.
Because we’ve all heard stories about people being abused at care facilities or certain situations not being as upstanding as they might appear, it can be scary to know what or who to trust when looking for a care facility for your loved one. So to help ensure that you get your family member or friend the best care possible, here are three tips for finding the right care facility for your loved one.
Pick The Right Size Of Facility
One of the first things you should decide is the size of the care facility your loved one wants or needs.
According to Caregiver.org, you should consider both the physical needs of your loved one as well as their social needs. Hopefully, you’ll be able to find a place that can balance both the level of care that’s necessary for your loved one in addition to giving them a sense of community or privacy that they will find best suits them.
Talk With The Current Residents
Once you’ve found a few care facilities that you’re considering using, Bonnie Lawrence, a contributor to PBS.org, recommends that you try to speak with as many of the current residence of that facility as you can.
By speaking with the current residence in addition to meeting with the staff, you’ll be able to see what it would really be like for your loved one to be living there rather than just being told what the staff wants you to hear. This can give you some great insight into whether or not a particular facility will be a good fit for your loved one.
Spend Some Time There
Although this can be hard if you only have a limited time to make your decision, Kara Mayer Robinson, a contributor to WebMD.com, advises that you try to spend some time at the facility during various points of the day. This should ideally include meal times and bedtime.
During these visits, make sure you’re watching for things like the quality of the meals, the care that’s being given, the attitudes of the staff, and the way the residents are being helped and spoken to. Because these can often be stressful times, you’ll be able to see how the facility functions when things may not be running as smoothly.
If you’re needing to find a care facility for your loved one, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you find the right place.