believe that moving to an assisted living community means giving up their independence, but that is not the case. In reality, assisted living communities are designed to help older adults maintain as much independence as possible while providing the personalized support they need to thrive and stay safe. Residents can focus on the activities and relationships that are meaningful to them with confidence.
When is Assisted Living the Right Choice?
If your loved one doesn’t require a high level of nursing care, but you are noticing the following signs, it may be time to start the conversation about assisted living:
- Activities of daily living, like preparing meals, cleaning and home maintenance are becoming more difficult
- Medication is being mismanaged
- Isolation is causing loneliness and possibly depression
- Poor nutrition is affecting their health
- Personal hygiene is being neglected
- Multiple falls have occurred
Your loved one may be hesitant at first and may worry about losing their independence. But you can help them understand that by receiving help with daily responsibilities, they can enjoy greater freedom, increased social opportunities and the confidence that comes from having support readily available. Including them in the research and decision-making process will ensure they feel heard and will help them see the transition as a positive step toward maintaining their quality of life.
How to Choose a High-Quality Assisted Living Community in Virginia
Selecting the right assisted living community is a major decision with many factors to consider, including your loved one’s health needs and preferences and budget. When researching assisted living communities, asking your family and friends for recommendations is a good start, but it’s also important to do your own research.
Do Your Research
The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) provides details on regulations for each state as well as contact information for state regulators who can give you guidance on how to find information about a facility. The Virginia Department of Social Services website provides information about assisted living communities and their licensing status.
Take a Tour
Once you have compiled a short list of assisted living communities in your area, schedule tours so you and your loved one can get an in-person perspective. “Touring a community is extremely important in the selection process to ensure families and potential residents get a good idea of what to expect, meet staff and see firsthand what a loved one will be experiencing,” says LaShuan Bethea, executive director of NCAL.
Consider visiting a community multiple times, including during mealtimes and when community activities are occurring. Encourage your loved one to ask questions and talk to residents, and watch how staff members interact with residents. Are they compassionate, patient and respectful? Are there enough staff members to meet residents’ needs? What kinds of social, recreational and enrichment activities do residents participate in?
Evaluate Safety and Comfort
As you tour, observe the overall condition of the facility to ensure it is clean and safe. According to an article published by AARP, important features to look for include:
- Clean floors, countertops, furniture, linens and common areas
- Spacious dining rooms and gathering spaces
- A logical, easy-to-navigate floor plan
- Rooms large enough for your loved one’s needs
- Handrails and call buttons in rooms and bathrooms
- Safety locks on doors and windows
- Security and fire safety systems
- Emergency generator or backup power
- Well-lit stairs and hallways and clearly marked exits
Review the Contract Carefully
Once you have chosen an assisted living community, it’s important to review the facility’s contract carefully. Make sure you understand all fees, service levels, policies and what happens if your loved one’s finances change or they require a higher level of care. If there is something you are not clear about, ask questions. Review this checklist from AARP with details about what to look for in the contract to ensure you don’t miss anything important.
Assisted Living in Fredericksburg and Glen Allen, Virginia
Trio Healthcare’s Fredericksburg Assisted Living community in Fredericksburg, VA, and Elizabeth House Assisted Living community in Glen Allen, VA, both provide a warm, welcoming environment where residents receive personalized care and support while maintaining their dignity and independence.
Residents enjoy:
- 24-hour assistance and support
- Private or semi-private rooms
- Delicious meals served in the dining room or the residents’ suite
- Daily snacks
- Assistance with bathing, dressing and grooming
- Medication management and administration
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Therapeutic activities and recreation
- Social activities
- Facility outings
- Multi-faith religious services
- Skilled nursing and rehabilitation services at nearby Fredericksburg Health and Rehab and Elizabeth Adam Crump Health and Rehab
At Trio Healthcare, our care teams are dedicated to making authentic connections with our residents and helping them live to the fullest. By supporting their physical, emotional and social well-being, we empower residents to maintain their independence and quality of life. Contact us to learn more about our assisted living services.