Tips For Communicating with An Assisted Living Facility

Developing a level of communication with an assisted living facility can be something of a challenge to those of us dealing with an aging loved one for the first time. You are putting a lot of trust into the facility and their staff to care for your loved one which means you want to have open lines of communication on how they are doing.

Developing the right strategy on how you want that communication to go is going to be vital to your confidence in the assisted living facility you choose. There are a few tips that can help you define that level of communication and make sure it stays satisfactory ongoing.

Tip 1: Start the Relationship Off Right

It is always easier to start a relationship with the correct expectation from both sides than it is to go back later and try to fix it. Nothing is different when you first begin the selection process of an assisted living facility. Tell them what your expectations are around being updated on your loved one. Ask them what does and doesn’t warrant communication (behavior changes, a fall, etc.). If their expectations don’t match yours, you need to select somewhere else or inform them that you will need exceptions to their normal rules.

Tip 2: Meet the People That Will Be Helping Your Loved One

This seems like something very small but it is actually important in making the care your loved one receive more personal. Don’t hesitate to tell them personal stories about your loved one and it can help the caregiver make better evaluations around cognitive changes, etc.

Tip 3: Tell the Assisted Living Facility About a Loved One’s Personal Preferences

Letting the care facility know the details around a loved one’s preferences will make their job easier and make your loved one feel much more comfortable in their new settings. Are they social and prefer to have a shared dining experience? Or do they prefer to eat in private while watching TV? Letting the caregivers know can lessen the possibility for disagreements and make your loved one much happier.

Tip 4: Never Assume, Always Communicate Any Changes

If your loved one’s physician recommends making changes to medication or even required daily physical activity, you need to let the caregivers know. It is also important to let the administration know and have it on record so other future caregivers will know what your parent requires. Don’t ever assume they know or should know what your parent needs.

Tip 5: Don’t Hide the Bad Stuff

Aging loved ones can be difficult and might be challenging to you through abusive language and can sometimes even get physical. It is a hard thing for us to admit but hiding this during the interview process with an assisted living facility is not the right answer. Be upfront with the challenges so that they can ensure proper care for your loved one.

Get ahead in the communication process by following these tips to avoid future headaches down the road. Honesty and open communication can be what separates good care from great care.