How can you know that your loved ones are getting enough care at their assisted living residences? Whether it’s a memory care center or a senior living community, it’s important that they get the attention they need. There are all too many horror stories about nursing homes and negligence in the news, after all.
The easiest way to avoid these issues is to ask each facility for their employee numbers. How many caregivers per resident are in assisted living? What is the recommended amount, regardless of the type of facility?
Here’s what you need to know about senior care facilities and why a high staff-to-resident ratio matters.
The Focus of Assisted Living Residences
The purpose of assisted living residences is to provide some kind of care for older adults in need. One of the most common reasons for senior care is if your loved one suffers from dementia. Not every family is equipped to deal with those challenges, regardless of how much they want to.
Something like a memory care center specializes in helping those with memory problems. Other senior citizens may choose community living that provides more immediate medical attention than they could get at home. They could also get personalized care plans that consider their medical history and care requirements.
Why a High Staff-to-Resident Ratio Is Important
The staff at senior living facilities are there to help each resident, take care of their medical needs, and provide a comfortable environment. These requirements increase depending on the residents and the type of facility.
At the bare minimum, it’s recommended that there be roughly one nurse to every four patient in a hospital setting. However, that average can vary from state to state.
Assisted living residences don’t require as many nurses per resident, but it can never hurt to have more hands ready at all times. This ensures a safer environment for each resident and more efficiency overall.
How Many Caregivers Per Resident in Assistant Living Recommended
According to Texas Administrative Code, a senior care center should have at least one licensed nursing staff available per 20 residents. Nurses that count towards this number include the director of nursing, assistant directors, and treatment nurses.
The problem with this ratio is that residents at a memory care center often require much more attention than other senior facilities. The best institutions offer a higher ratio, such as one for every five residents.
When exploring your options, always make sure to visit a facility in-person to see how many caregivers are available at any given time.
Find the Best Community For Your Loved One
How many caregivers per resident in assisted living should you expect to see? There really is no such thing as too many caregivers. Instead, what you should look out for is how a facility spreads out their nurses and how long residents are left unattended.
SilverCrest provides assisted living and memory care services in Katy, TX. We offer some of the highest industry standards for our senior residents. Contact us to learn more and tell us more about your situation.
