Moving a senior loved one into an assisted living facility is a big step, full of challenges but also opportunities. As you and your loved one research options in the Orlando area, keep these suggestions in mind to find a community where they’ll truly thrive.

Have the Talk

First things first, have an open and honest conversation with your aging parent or loved one about how they feel about assisted living. Go over what daily life is typically like—meals, activities, care services. Get their input on what environment and amenities would help them feel at home. Listen for any concerns they have so you can address them. This will give you crucial insight into where they’ll transition most smoothly.

Take their personality and interests into account too. Are they more introverted or extroverted? What hobbies and passions would they want to continue pursuing? Do they enjoy a schedule of activities or prefer more spontaneity? Discussing lifestyle preferences along with care needs will help identify the right community fit.

Tour Together

Once you’ve narrowed down some options on paper, visit communities together. Pay attention to your loved one’s reactions as you tour. Do they seem comfortable or uneasy? Notice what draws their interest, like the campus layout, furnishings or dining. Don’t underestimate the power of intuition here. Your gut, and their gut, will tell you a lot.

To help your loved one envision life at the assisted living facility, have them participate in an activity or meal during the tour. This gives them a taste of social life and the planned programming. Stepping into experiences first-hand rather than just observing passively can make the community and transition feel more real.

Compare Costs and Care

Assisted living facilities generally provide similar core services, like meals, housekeeping, care assistance, and activities. But take a close look at the details of daily life. Review staff-to-resident ratios, the types of care offered, enrichment activities, dining menus, etc. Also be sure to get accurate quotes on all costs. Find a community that offers robust care and engagement at a reasonable price.

Some key questions to ask:

What is the base monthly fee? What exactly does it include?
Are there different fees for various service levels or units? Get quotes for your specific needs.
Which additional services cost extra fees, like medication management, transportation, etc.?
What care services are bundled in the base fee? For example, are incontinence supplies included or do they incur added charges?
Is advanced care available for conditions like dementia? Is there an additional fee?

Thoroughly understanding the pricing structure will prevent surprise charges down the road. Don’t hesitate to ask the sales staff detailed questions until you have clarity on total anticipated costs.

Consider Health Needs

Factor your loved one’s health conditions and mobility levels into the search. Tour the fitness classes, therapy rooms and health clinics. Ask how medication, chronic conditions, and mobility are handled. Some places offer even greater health services like nurse practitioners. If your loved one has dementia, look for specialized programming. Finding a facility to meet current and future care needs avoids another move down the road.

Some key health-related questions include:

Is staff trained to assist with mobility devices and disabilities if needed?
What type of on-site health services are available? Are providers available by appointment?
How are medications, injections, or wound care managed?
What safety features are in place for memory care residents if risk of wandering is a concern?
What types of therapy and rehabilitation services are offered?

Gaining a handle on the health services available will allow you to make the best choice to meet both your loved one’s current and potential future needs.

Meet the Staff

The people who will care for your loved one are arguably the most important factor. Are the staff warm, patient and knowledgeable? Ask about training and turnover rates. Long-tenured staff signal a supportive workplace culture. Your aging parent will thrive when surrounded by empathetic professionals who get to know them as an individual.

Notice how staff members interact not just with you but also with residents. Do they seem rushed or present and attentive? Pull an employee or two aside out of earshot and ask for an honest insider’s perspective on the workplace culture and what they enjoy about their job.

Location, Location

Consider proximity to family members, shops, healthcare, parks, places of worship, etc. Frequent visits and outings will ease the transition. Plus, robust transportation options keep your loved one connected to the community. And match the location to their lifestyle, whether they prefer urban, suburban or a more pastoral setting.

If the facility is further away, inquire about transportation options for resident outings, shopping trips, doctor visits and more. While on-site amenities are great, access to the surrounding community enhances quality of life.

Engaging Activities

Social and recreational opportunities are vital, so see if the activity calendars cover a wide range of interests with diverse options like fitness, art, music, community service, continuing ed classes and more. An activity for every interest prevents boredom and isolation.

Beyond scheduled activities, what social spaces exist like sitting areas, porches, gardens, game rooms, bars or lounges? Are there volunteer opportunities, community excursions and intergenerational programs? How do staff get to know resident interests and incorporate them into programming? Custom, personalized engagement is ideal.

Dig into Dining

Be sure to have a meal at the assisted living community—and ideally more than one—to sample the food. Is it tasty and nutritious? Are dietary restrictions and preferences accommodated? How flexible are meal times? Is the dining area relaxed or rushed feeling? A family-style, restaurant environment promotes enjoyment and socializing.

Ask if chefs can provide recipes or ingredient lists if your loved one must follow a therapeutic diet. Are nutritious snacks and beverages available outside main meals? Dining plays a big role in the day-to-day experience.

Assess the Apartments

Take time to visit model apartments and rooms. Are different layouts and sizes available? Is the décor neutral enough to feel homey while allowing for personalization? Are safety handles, call buttons, adjustable cabinets and other senior-friendly features available?

Can residents have pets? What options exist for couples who wish to live together? What’s the policy for personal furniture and décor? Make sure your loved one’s individual needs and tastes could be comfortably accommodated.

Start Early

Begin visiting the assisted living community a few weeks or months before move-in. Have your loved one participate in activities and meals to get acquainted. Starting the transition early helps eliminate some of the anxiety and builds pleasant anticipation.

Join support groups geared toward new residents and families to ease the adjustment period. Opening the lines of communication early on encourages everyone to be proactive partners in your loved one’s wellbeing.

Finding the right assisted living situation involves research, tours, and conversations. But making the effort pays off exponentially in your loved one’s quality of life. With the right guidance and community, the coming years can be their most fulfilling yet.

Finding the Right Fit: Researching Assisted Living Facilities in Orlando