Assisted living in Ventura County is a form of housing for individuals who need various levels of medical and personal care. Residents can live in individual rooms, apartments, or shared facilities. Assisted living generally provides a home-like setting and is designed to help residents maintain their independence as much as possible. Residents may receive services to assist with daily living.
Services Provided by Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living communities may offer the following services:
- One to three meals a day
- Personal care, including dressing and bathing
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Medication monitoring
- Medical services
- 24-hour emergency care
- Social and recreational activities
How to Decide What Services a Resident Needs
When searching for assisted living in Ventura County, have a conversation with family and caregivers about what services you may need. Think about what services are important to you before visiting an assisted living community.
Answering these questions may help provide additional direction:
- Why do I want/need to change my living arrangements?
- What daily activities do I struggle to do (bathing, dressing, using the restroom, eating, regularly taking medications)?
- How often do I need help?
What to Look For in an Assisted Living Community
When touring assisted living facilities, ask the following questions.
General
- Does the residence have valid licensing?
- What type of insurance does the facility have to protect residents and personal property?
- What is the staff approach to medical emergencies?
- What are the terms of visitation?
Staff
- Do staff members undergo routine training?
- What is the staff turnover rate?
- How do staff members treat residents?
- 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 and comfortable?
- What do residents, visitors, and volunteers say about the facility?
- Do the residents seem to be good potential neighbors or roommates for you or your loved one?
- Do the residents have similar levels of physical and cognitive functioning to you or your loved one?
Medication and Health Care
- What is the policy regarding medication storage, assistance, and record keeping?
- Does the facility allow self-administration of medication?
- Who coordinates medical visits from a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, or other health care specialist?
- Do residents receive routine visits or medical checkups from a physician or nurse?
- Does the facility have access to a certain pharmacy? Can medications be delivered?
Services
- Are staff members available to provide 24-hour assistance?
- Which of the following services does the assisted living facility provide:
- Personal care (Dressing, eating, hygiene and grooming, bathing, toileting, and incontinence)
- Getting around
- Using the telephone
- Shopping
- Laundry
- Housekeeping in the unit
- Transportation to doctor, hairdresser, or other activities
- Delivery of pharmacy medication
Features of Individual Units
- Does the facility offer different sizes and types of units?
- Are there units available for single and double occupancy?
- Do residents have their own lockable doors?
- Do residents have access to a 24-hour emergency response system from their unit?
- Does the facility have private bathrooms? Do the bathrooms accommodate wheelchairs and walkers?
- Is the facility fully furnished or should residents bring their own furniture?
- Are units equipped with a telephone and cable television? How is billing handled for these services?
- Does the kitchen area/unit have a refrigerator, sink, and cooking element?
- Can residents keep food in their units?
- Is smoking permitted in the units or in public areas?
If you’re searching for assisted living in Ventura County, reach out to Total Senior for guidance, support, and useful information.
