If you are looking around for assisted living homes in Mesa AZ and don’t know where to turn, we have this handy guide for you to navigate your choices. You may not be sure of what to look for when searching for assisted living in Mesa AZ, but it can go smoothly if you take it step by step.
What is Assisted Living?
For those who won’t need round the clock medical care, yet they still need assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living), assisted living is ideal. This type of living arrangement offers the assistance they need, while maximizing their independence. Assisted living facilities provide residents with their own apartments or rooms, along with common areas.
If needed, around-the-clock supervision is available, as well as a wide range of services. These can include meal planning, activities, housekeeping and laundry, personal care and medication reminders. Some, like Heritage Lane, also offer mental health programs focusing on positive reinforcement and early intervention.
Some facilities offer specialized services for people with dementia, referred to as memory care, while others offer services tailored to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or perhaps a medical condition such as Parkinson’s disease.
Most assisted living facilities offer rich social environments where residents can interact with others in ways that are beneficial to their health and mental well-being. This can occur through recreational activities, such as book clubs, trips to the movies, and wellness and exercise programs.
Facilities offer many levels of care depending on what each resident needs and what they can afford. It’s important to include your loved one in the decision making process, so take them on tours and involve them as much as possible.
What to Look For
Once you’ve narrowed down your search, it’s time to schedule tours and ask more questions of administrators and staff. If possible, take tours at different times of the day, such as at meal times, in the morning or in the afternoon.
This will give you a better idea of what it’s like to live there. The AARP suggests being on the lookout for:
- Cleanliness
- Emergency generator or alternative power source in case of power outage
- Plenty of common areas, such as dens and living rooms
- A logical floor plan that’s easy to follow
- Rooms that are large enough for your loved one’s needs
- Rooms and bathrooms with handrails and call buttons
- Safety locks on doors and windows
- Security and fire safety systems
- Services such as a beauty salon, bank, and café
- Well-lit stairs and hallways with well-marked exits
Don’t be afraid to ask questions of staff members, including their training and qualifications. On your visits, be sure to observe how employees interact with residents. Ask your loved one how they feel in each facility and which one feels like the best fit for them.
Contact Heritage Lane Behavioral Assisted Living
If you have more questions about assisted living in Mesa AZ, contact us today.
