A lot of senior citizens get to the point where it is no longer safe for them to live alone. In this type of situation, adult children often find themselves in charge of helping their aging parent transition to an assisted living facility. If you're in charge of helping your aging parent, you most likely want to ensure that he or she moves into the best facility possible. While you can do a lot of research and narrow down options by using the internet, you should always visit an assisted living facility in person before making a decision. Use the following tips for touring an assisted living facility that you're interested in for your elderly parent:

1. Look at How Clean the Facility Is

When you arrive at an assisted living facility for a guided tour, make sure that you pay close attention to how clean the facility is. Also, consider what the interior of the facility smells like. A high-quality assisted living staff will work hard to ensure that the premises are kept clean and tidy so the residents can enjoy their living quarters and common areas. If you notice that an assisted living facility is not clean, that is a red flag that indicates that you should move on and select a different one.

2. Observe the Residents Living There

When your elderly parent moves into an assisted living facility, the other residents are the ones with who your parent will form friendships. Thus, it is always a good idea to observe the current residents when you tour an assisted living facility. Seeing residents who appear to be happy and as active as possible is a good sign. If residents appear to be sad, bored, or not properly cared for, the assisted living facility may not be the best place for your parent.

3. Learn About Recreation Options

Just because someone is elderly and can no longer live alone it doesn't mean that he or she just wants to lay in bed all day. Thus, it is important to find an assisted living facility staff that has several recreational options for their residents. During your tour make sure you see both indoor and outdoor recreation areas. It is also a good idea to ask the person conducting the tour about the different recreational options available. Choose an assisted living facility that has recreational options that your parent will enjoy.