More than 810,000 people in the US are living in adult family homes. That number is on the rise, too, as more and more people are looking to downsize and share a more communal lifestyle with other seniors.
Best of all, the numbers prove what a great deal an adult family home can be. From a medical standpoint, the same amount of care is half the price.
Here’s a look at what will make the hunt for the best 24/7 adult family homes possible. Determining what you’re looking for is the key to knowing how to choose.
Read on!
Talk About Life Changes
When considering a move to an adult family home, the most important consideration is how well it suits the recipient’s needs. Consider several criteria to be evaluated ahead of making decisions.
Accessibility, safety, and services such as round-the-clock care, culinary options, and recreational activities should be investigated to determine the right fit. The costs, the reputation of the home, and the opportunity to establish relationships with other residents and staff should also be weighed.
Most importantly, all decisions of lifestyle changes are best made with an open, respectful dialogue between the resident, their family, and the staff, who can provide invaluable insights on the right choice.
Review Their Needs
When choosing the right adult family home, comprehensive reviews of the resident’s individual needs are essential. Establish the services needed, like nursing assistance, medical assistance, and lifestyle activities.
Inquire about the extent of medical intervention necessary and the activities provided to enrich the elderly person’s daily life. It is also important to ask about the fees. This will vary depending on the services needed.
Additionally, one should find out about the staff’s knowledge and if they hold a certification in the field of adult family health care. Find out how the home is supervised and what types of regular checks they do to ensure the welfare and safety of the residents.
Finally, one should review the living space and amenities offered to make sure they match the resident’s needs and interests. Click here to learn more about the different care homes in your area.
Get the Information You Need
Research and gather as much information as possible. Talk to family and friends to get referral information. Make a list of potential homes. Search to see past or current clients.
Visit the homes on your list to get a feel for the place and ask about services, staffing, and activities. Make sure to ask about the financial stability of the home.
Take time to assess the physical structure and social environment of the home. Be sure to look out for any signs of abuse, neglect, or violations in the home. Finally, speak to residents and staff to get insight into the quality of care and how the staff interacts with residents.
Focus on the Care Your Loved Ones Needs
When choosing an adult family home for a loved one, it is essential to focus on the care they need. Assess the care provider’s qualifications, experience, and ability to meet the individual’s specific needs.
Ask questions on the variety of specialized services they offer, therapies, and activities designed to meet the individual’s needs best. Ensure the services provided are at an appropriate level of intensity, quality, and safety.
Make sure the family home is associated with any community services or organizations that can easily provide resources and support. Lastly, research the facility, its facilities, and the caregiver’s background.
It is important to ask lots of questions to make sure the home meets the standards that are important to you. Taking the time to research and evaluate a prospective adult family home can help ensure that your loved one will get the proper care.
Check Licensing and Safety
Consider licensing and safety when choosing the right adult family home for a loved one. Evaluate the neighborhood’s safety levels through local news reports and contact the police for additional information.
Ask for the adult care provider’s license number. Call the local adult family home licensing office to verify the number. Check if the licenses held by the home care provider are up-to-date, current, and valid. Ask what safety measures are in place.
Consider an emergency response plan, CPR-trained staff, fire alarm systems and fire drills, safe exits, and elopement prevention. Ensure that all staff members have passed background checks.
Location Is Key
When choosing the proper adult care home, consider the local support system. These can include medical facilities, transportation options, and proximity to family and friends. Also, consider the home’s proximity to attractions and activities that would be interesting and comfortable for the chosen resident.
Consider a home that is located near parks, supermarkets, malls, and other entertainment. This can provide a sense of community and a spirit of independence to the resident.
Finally, consider any outside features that add to the home’s value. This can include outdoor spaces or a quiet community atmosphere.
Ensure Adequate Staff
When choosing the right residential adult home for a loved one, it is important to ensure adequate staff. Staff should be timely, caring, and knowledgeable about the services provided.
An adequate staff will comprise qualified individuals who have passed necessary background checks. It is essential to ask for references from former employees. This is to ensure the staff quality is up to par.
Make sure staff-to-resident ratios are adequate and that there is swelled support in case of emergencies. Ask tough questions to assess how seriously they take the safety and well-being of their residents.
Ensure staff is trained in CPR, first aid, and any special care instructions. Confirm staff goes through regular refresher training.
Investigate the Reputation of the Adult Family Home
Speak with past and present residents and their families, friends, and guardians. Ask them questions about the quality of care, the cleanliness and safety of the facility, and their overall experience.
Inquire if they have experienced any mistreatment or neglect. Ask if they found any difficulty in accessing needed care. Additionally, read online reviews. Talk to other families in the community who may have experience at the adult family home you are considering.
Check with your local licensing agency and ask for information about the home’s history, including any prior complaints or violations. Finally, visit the home and observe the staff, residents, and environment before making any decisions.
Find Out About the Home’s Policies on Admission and Discharge
When choosing the right adult family home, consider the home’s policies on admission and discharge.
Make sure to talk to the home’s administrators to find out what requirements you need to meet to be accepted. Ensure that the home’s policies for admission and discharge make sense for both yourself and your loved one.
Ask some important questions about how long the admission process typically takes. Inquire whether or not potential residents must receive a pre-admission assessment and what the criteria are for discharge.
Additionally, ensure that the home has clear procedures in place for when a resident’s needs or care requirements change. Know how family members and close friends will be informed about changes to the resident’s well-being.
Be Sure to Visit the Home
It is important to visit the residential care home for yourself. Take the time to inspect it first-hand. This is beneficial to look at the physical environment. Also, ask questions about what the home can offer in terms of safety and privacy.
You can determine if the home has kept up with any upgrades as well as get an idea of the quality of care provided.
Additionally, observe how the residents and staff interact with each other during your visit. This will enable you to gain insight into the overall atmosphere of the home.
Finally, it is important to get a feel of the lifetime care plan so you can be sure your loved one is receiving the best care possible.
Choosing an Adult Family Home
When choosing the right adult family home, factors such as location, cost, amenities, and safety should be taken into consideration. Making the right decision for your loved one should come with careful research and deliberation.
Talk to the home’s staff members and senior services in your area for assistance. Start now and reach out for the best and safest care for your beloved family member.
If you’d like to read similar articles, feel free to explore the rest of this section.
