Assisted living in The Valley is a form of housing for individuals who need assistance with medical care and daily living activities. Facilities may offer individual rooms, apartments, or shared living spaces. Assisted living generally provides a home-like setting and is designed to help residents remain independent.
Services Provided by Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living communities may offer the following services:
- Personal care (dressing, eating, hygiene and grooming, bathing, toileting, and incontinence)
- Shopping
- Housekeeping in the unit
- Transportation to doctor, hairdresser, or other appointments
- Delivery of pharmacy medication
- One to three meals per day
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Medication monitoring
- Medical services
- 24-hour emergency care
- Social and recreational activities
How to Decide What Services a Resident Needs
Before beginning your search for assisted living in The Valley, have a conversation with family members and caregivers about what services you may need. Make a list of services you need before touring an assisted living community.
Ask yourself the following questions when considering assisted living:
- Why do I want/need to change my living arrangements?
- What daily activities do I need help with (bathing, dressing, using the restroom, eating, regularly taking medications)?
- How often do I need assistance?
What to Look For in an Assisted Living Community
When touring assisted living facilities in The Valley, ask the following questions.
General:
- Is the residence licensed by the state?
- What type of insurance does the facility have to protect residents and personal property?
- How does staff respond to medical emergencies?
- What are the visitation guidelines and restrictions?
Staff:
- Do staff members undergo routine training?
- Are staff members available on standby to meet urgent needs?
- Are staff members trained to assist residents who have difficulty with memory, orientation, or decision-making?
Residents and Atmosphere:
- Are residents friendly and do they appear happy living there?
- How do residents, visitors, and volunteers describe the facility?
- Do the residents seem like good potential neighbors or roommates for you or your loved one?
Facility Design:
- Do you like the appearance of the facility and its location?
- Do doorways, hallways, and rooms accommodate wheelchairs and walkers?
- Are there enough elevators?
- Are handrails available to aid in walking?
- Are cupboards and shelves easy to reach?
- Are carpets secured and do floors have non-skid features?
- Is the residence clean, odor free, and appropriately heated/cooled?
Medication and Health Care:
- Does the facility provide medication storage, assistance, and record keeping?
- What is the facility’s policy for self-administration of medication?
- Who coordinates medical visits from health care professionals?
- Has the facility partnered with a certain pharmacy? Can medications be delivered?
Features of Individual Units:
- What sizes and types of units does the facility have to offer?
- Are units available for single or double occupancy?
- Can residents access a 24-hour emergency response system from their unit?
- Are units equipped with private bathrooms? Do the bathrooms accommodate wheelchairs and walkers?
- Is the facility furnished or should residents bring their own furniture?
- Do residents have access to a telephone and cable television from their unit?
- Does the kitchen area/unit have a refrigerator, sink, and cooking element?
- Is smoking permitted in the units? Public areas?
If you’re searching for assisted living in The Valley, reach out to Total Senior for guidance, support, and useful information.
