5 Signs to Watch for When a Loved One is in a Senior Living Community

I have worked in the senior living industry for many years. In the first ten years, I worked in a skilled nursing facility as a Social Services Director, and for the past 19 years, I have worked as an Administrator in assisted living communities. My passion has always been to make sure that our seniors live longer, happier lives in their new homes. That’s why I want to share with you the five things you should not ignore when your loved one is in a senior living community.

 Unhappy staff

Once you have moved your loved one into your chosen community, it's expected that there will be a transition period for them. Make sure to follow up and visit them to ensure that your loved one is happy and adjusting. If you see signs that they are not adjusting after four weeks, there might be a reason. Pay attention to how friendly the staff are towards your loved one and other residents, as well as any visitors. If other residents or staff seem unhappy, this might be a sign that the community you have chosen may not have the best environment to meet your loved ones needs. This should be a significant warning sign. It is vitally important that staff are happy where they work, because if the staff is happy, then the residents are happy. Always remember that. 

Bad personal hygiene

Hygiene is also a good indicator. Are your loved one’s hygiene needs being met? Are they in clean clothing and well-groomed when you come to visit? If this is a concern and your loved ones' hygiene is an issue, you should immediately speak with the Administrator or Care Coordinator. If things don’t change, and your loved one is receiving inadequate care and support, you might consider if it is time to search for another community that will better meet your loved one's needs.

Poor-quality meals

Meals are the last true thing that residents still have control over—what they like to eat and not eat. There will always be hard to please residents even when provided with the best food in town, but you, as a loved one, know the difference between good food and bad food. This is why, if your loved one complains about their meals, make sure that you go and have several meals at the community to see what they are serving and to ensure that the food tastes good. Food is a big part of life in senior living. Residents are provided three meals a day, and you want to make sure they are getting the nutrition they need.

Lack of engaging activities

Activities play a crucial role in keeping senior residents involved and happy. When you visit, check to see what activities are going on and that residents aren’t just sitting around doing nothing. Look to see what activities are scheduled and when. There should be options, even on the weekends.

Absence of cleanliness

The appearance of the community is also a sign to look for. When you first pull up to the community, are the grounds and parking lot clean? When you enter the community, are the lobby, activity, and dining room areas clean? And most importantly, is your loved one’s apartment clean and odor-free when you come to visit?

The happiness of your loved one is what matters the most. Pay attention to these five signs. Ensuring your loved one lives in a place where they are happy will also bring happiness and peace of mind to you.

- Alana Reyes

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