Transitioning from living alone and independently to living in a care facility can be difficult. However, peace of mind can be achieved through open communication. Change is hard for people at any age, but one way to ease into change is to gather information. The more you know before you or your loved one move into a care facility, like Rivergate Health Care Center, the more comfortable you will feel with the change. You'll find several topics to go over with the facility's director or representative before moving in.
When you move into the rest home, you may still be quite independent. However, you'll want to plan for the future. Is the facility able to provide a higher level of care as your needs increase? Are they trained to work with residents who have dementia or Alzheimer's? Also, what happens if you need surgery? Are they prepared to offer rehabilitation services or will you need to provide other options during your recovery? Being prepared for the worst but expecting the best can give you the information you need to handle whatever may come.
Going from a personal home to dorm-style living can be a big adjustment. If you're worried about your privacy, feel free to discuss your concerns with the staff or director. Most rest homes have individual rooms available and double rooms can be divided by curtains.
Understanding the meal schedule and arrangements is important to feeling comfortable in a care facility. You may not eat a large breakfast or dinner, but enjoy a big lunch. Be sure your needs and preferences are understood. Many care facilities have an in-house chef who prepares healthy meals three times a day. If you're under the weather, you may be able to take meals in your room.
How often are visiting hours? Is the facility open to family and friends at reasonable times? If you're concerned about having your grandchildren come to visit, because you worry it may bother the other residents, ask if there is a child-friendly visiting area. These areas are a new trend for rest homes, the trend is spreading. If there's not one available, you may decide to meet in your room.
Are there activities or outings planned for the residents? One way to tell if it is an active community is to visit at different times of the day. If the majority of healthy residents are relegated to watching television for most of the day, you may want to move on. Talk to the activities director to find out what type of services are provided to keep residents active in both mind and spirit.
Though you'll be living in a retirement community, like Rivergate Health Care Center, there's no need to feel stuck. Ask about a transportation service for routine medical care as well as trips to the store. Most facilities will provide the opportunity for residents to do shopping as well as see their doctors. Find out how to arrange transportation so you don't feel stuck.
Level of Care
When you move into the rest home, you may still be quite independent. However, you'll want to plan for the future. Is the facility able to provide a higher level of care as your needs increase? Are they trained to work with residents who have dementia or Alzheimer's? Also, what happens if you need surgery? Are they prepared to offer rehabilitation services or will you need to provide other options during your recovery? Being prepared for the worst but expecting the best can give you the information you need to handle whatever may come.
Privacy
Going from a personal home to dorm-style living can be a big adjustment. If you're worried about your privacy, feel free to discuss your concerns with the staff or director. Most rest homes have individual rooms available and double rooms can be divided by curtains.
Meals
Understanding the meal schedule and arrangements is important to feeling comfortable in a care facility. You may not eat a large breakfast or dinner, but enjoy a big lunch. Be sure your needs and preferences are understood. Many care facilities have an in-house chef who prepares healthy meals three times a day. If you're under the weather, you may be able to take meals in your room.
Visiting Schedule
How often are visiting hours? Is the facility open to family and friends at reasonable times? If you're concerned about having your grandchildren come to visit, because you worry it may bother the other residents, ask if there is a child-friendly visiting area. These areas are a new trend for rest homes, the trend is spreading. If there's not one available, you may decide to meet in your room.
Activities
Are there activities or outings planned for the residents? One way to tell if it is an active community is to visit at different times of the day. If the majority of healthy residents are relegated to watching television for most of the day, you may want to move on. Talk to the activities director to find out what type of services are provided to keep residents active in both mind and spirit.
Transportation
Though you'll be living in a retirement community, like Rivergate Health Care Center, there's no need to feel stuck. Ask about a transportation service for routine medical care as well as trips to the store. Most facilities will provide the opportunity for residents to do shopping as well as see their doctors. Find out how to arrange transportation so you don't feel stuck.