Residential care homes are a fantastic alternative to a crowded assisted living community. Your mom downsizes to a community where she has the support of housekeeping, maintenance, and activities staff. That community is smaller, making it easy for her to get to know her neighbors and staff.
It seems perfect for your mom’s needs. But, you have questions. You might find answers to your questions in this FAQ guide to residential care homes.
What Services Are Offered?
Depending on the community, your mom’s rent will cover her private apartment, utilities, meals, activities, and some transportation services. Transportation is generally limited to a certain number of trips per month within the allowable radius. If she needs to go to a medical office outside of that radius, she may need to pay an additional fee.
For activities, there is a monthly calendar that includes outings to places like museums, theaters, parks, and shopping centers. Your mom doesn’t have to go on these outings, but if she wants to, she’ll join her neighbors on these group trips.
Activities also include in-house programs. There may be art classes, exercise programs, walking clubs, and movie nights. Although she’s encouraged to join as much as she wants, she’s not forced into participating if she’d rather have a quiet night in her apartment.
A dining room is where meals are served. She never eats alone if she doesn’t want to. She goes to the dining room, orders off the menu, and enjoys a wide selection of salads, entrees, and desserts each day. If she’s sick and can’t leave her room, room service is available.
Can Families Still Visit When They’d Like?
Most residential care homes allow you to visit as often as you’d like, but there are rules to follow. You may need to visit between certain hours, so as not to disturb the other residents. Almost always, advanced notice is required if you’re planning to eat with your mom. You usually have to pay a small fee to cover the food costs.
How Big Is the Apartment?
Room sizes vary. Ask to tour some when you schedule an appointment to explore the community. No matter what the layout is, your mom will have a private bathroom, sleeping area, living area, and closet.
Outside of her apartment area are community areas like the dining room, living room, courtyards, and community bathrooms. If she’s busy having fun during a paint and sip night, she doesn’t have to go back to her room to access a toilet. Conveniently placed community bathrooms are available.
Talk to the residential care home advisors to learn more about room availability and what it takes to get your mom’s name on the waitlist. It’s hard to know how quickly someone will move to the top of the list, but the sooner you get on it, the sooner she’ll have room to call her own.
If you or an aging loved one is considering a move to Residential Care Home Living in Sussex County, DE, please contact the caring staff at Silver Assist Care Homes today at (302) 772-4482.
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