Deciding which assisted living facility you or a family member will move into is not a task that can be done overnight.  Because this will hopefully be the new home for the person for some time, and because moving into an assisted living facility can bring up a wide range of emotions, it is important to allow you or your loved one plenty of time to look at and visit as many places as necessary before making your final decision.

Things to look for when choosing assisted living group homes in Phoenix include the following:

1. Is the facility warm and inviting?

When you show up for your appointment to tour an assisted living facility, take note of what the place “feels” like upon entering.  Does a staff member greet you in a cheerful and friendly way?  Is the main lobby or meeting area furnished with comfortable and clean furniture?  Do you feel welcome?

2. What is the overall mood of the residents?

Chances are you will see some of the residents when you are visiting the assisted living facility—do they seem well-kempt, happy, and in good physical condition?  Sometimes, being aware of how current residents appear can give you a very good idea of the quality of the assisted living facility.

3. How close is it to a hospital?

Although this is not a topic anyone ever wants to bring up, sometimes people who reside in an assisted living facility require care at a hospital.  If this should happen, would they be minutes away, or more like a half hour plus?

4. Walking through the facility during the tour, what does the rest of the building look like?

Are the rooms and/or apartments that you and your loved one looked at during your visit clean and is any existing furniture in good shape?  Does the air smell clean or are there any lingering odors?

5. Is the assisted living group home close to a major shopping center or large grocery store, bank, gas station, etc?

While some people who live in assisted living have given up driving, many are still independent in this way and can leave the facility as they wish to go out and run errands, pick up groceries, and more.  But this does not necessarily mean you or your relative wants to drive long distances to reach these places.

By keeping these five tips in mind, choosing an assisted living facility in the Phoenix area can be as easy and pleasant as possible.