Steps for Seeing the True Nature of an Assisted Living Facility in Shavano Park, TX
It’s a warm afternoon, on a Saturday and Cheryl was visiting the assisted living center with her mother for the first time. There were a few seniors outside, some being pushed along by family on the curving sidewalks, through the colorful flower gardens, and several people waved and smiled and said hello. This wasn’t what she expected.
Cheryl had always thought of an assisted living facility to be a morbid place, something akin to nursing homes of old, where seniors lay in desperation, and maybe even their own filth for hours because they were ignored. She didn’t have a clue and even when her mother was telling her that she wouldn’t mind moving into one of these places, Cheryl did everything that she could to convince her mother to avoid them.
So there she was, walking into a modern, clean, brightly lit building in which the lobby area was surrounded by glass that let the sunlight in. There was a lot of activity and people just seemed comfortable. Throughout the entire tour and visit, though, Cheryl’s pessimistic side was constantly nagging at her, telling her that there had to be a catch, that they were only showing her the places meant for visitors.
She wanted to see the ‘real’ facility. So she took it upon herself to come back at another time, to catch them off guard, not on the weekend, and see what living here would really be like for her mother.
If you’re like Cheryl and believe that an assisted living facility is only inviting you and your elderly loved one to visit on certain days, as though they have something to hide, there are things you can do to get the ‘truth’ from the situation.
First, stop by in the evening. Not too late, though, as this could cause some problems for residents, depending on the layout and size of the assisted living facility.
Next, call and speak to the staff on duty in the early morning or later evening hours, the times when you may find employees who are disinterested or short.
You could even ask to speak to the managing director of the facility.
What you’ll likely find when you do this is that they are not putting on a show. Today’s assisted living communities are nothing like what they were in the past, or what some were made out to seem in Hollywood movies. Do what you need in order to feel comfortable, but you’ll find that today’s facilities are cleaner, more professional, and staffed with people who are truly passionate about providing the best level of care for seniors in need.
For more information about Pipestone Place Assisted Living in San Antonio, TX or to take a tour, call today (210) 718-0211.
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