Finding Assisted Living For A Deaf Relative: Four Things To Consider

Finding the right assisted living facility for any loved one can be difficult, but finding an appropriate facility for someone who is deaf or hearing impair can be a challenge. Here are a few things you should consider to make sure the assisted living community is right for your relative.

Deaf-Centered Or Deaf-Friendly?

Some assisted living communities are deaf-friendly, which means they can accommodate people who are dead or hearing impaired, but it not the primary focus of the facilities. Other assisted living communities are centered on care for the deaf, which means that the residents who live there all have some degree of hearing impairment. Discuss with your loved one which type of community would make him or her feel more comfortable before making a decision.

Inspect The Living Spaces

People who are deaf or hearing impaired do need to have some special equipment to keep them safe and make their lives easier. Look for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with alert lights to ensure your loved one will be aware if there is an emergency, and be sure the doorbells have strobe lights to let him or her know when someone is at the door. Some facilities offer video conferencing systems residents can use to contact nurses and staff, which can make it easy for your loved one to log on and use sign language to request assistance.

Access To Healthcare

If the assisted living community you choose is not close to your loved one's primary care physician, ask the facility about access to healthcare. Residents should have access to doctors who know sign language and understand the needs of the deaf community. If possible, ask to arrange a meeting with the doctors who visit the facility so you can make sure your loved one feels comfortable with the physician and can communicate easily with him or her.

Community Activities

Does the assisted living facility offer access to community events outside of the faculty? If so, are they inclusive for the deaf community? One example would be trips to a movie theater that offers closed captioning. Community involvement can be a great benefit for a loved one transitioning to assisted living, so look for a place that offers these opportunities.

Finding an assisted living community for your deaf or hearing impaired relative can be a bit easier if you know what to look for. Use this list as you interview new facilities to find the right one for your loved one.

For more information, contact Twin Oaks Estate or a similar location.


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