What to Look for When Touring Assisted Living Facilities

Posted by oysterbayseniorcampus on March 7th, 2019

If it's time for you or a loved one to benefit from the services of a Long Island assisted living facility, you may be wondering what the most important qualities to look for are. After narrowing down your search online and contacting potential facilities by phone, it's essential that you tour each facility and that you know what to look for. Here are some things to keep in mind during your tour.

First Impression

Just like with most other things in life, the first impression can tell you a lot. Make sure the atmosphere of the entry area feels warm and inviting and that it's clean and comfortable. At the same time, depending on the level of care you're looking for, you should consider security features as well. 

Common Spaces

Another important consideration is the common spaces. There should be plenty of room for residents to gather to spend time with each other as well as with visiting friends and family. These areas should be homey and inviting, but they should also be easy to navigate safely. That means there needs to be plenty of room for wheelchairs and other mobility devices and that there are handrails for added safety. You may want to consider additional features of shared living spaces like plants or shared pets.

Private Rooms

The residents' private rooms will become an essential part of their new home, so this is another important thing to closely examine. Check to see if rooms can be shared or inhabited privately, according to your preferences. Pay attention to how much closet and storage space there is as well as areas that the resident can display personal items to make the place more like home. Good lighting as well as the view from the window is another thing to consider.

Activities

It's also important to learn about the type of activities that are offered as well as the frequency of activities. Some residents may prefer to remain engaged in the community they live in while others are more interested in activities within the facility. 

Food

The food in Long Island assisted living centers can vary widely so be sure to ask about the number of meals provided as well as snacks. Inquire about where residents are allowed to take meals and if visitors are permitted to join them for meals. It's a good idea to see an actual meal that's provided to the residents as well.