Making the decision to move yourself or a loved one into an assisted living facility or nursing home is never easy. It’s an emotional and life-changing step, and the process can feel overwhelming. With so many factors to consider, it’s important to take your time and ensure the facility you choose is safe, comfortable, and supportive.
Key Things to Look for in an Assisted Living Facility
When researching assisted living or nursing home options, keep the following factors in mind:
- Location: Choose a facility that’s conveniently located near family and friends to allow for frequent visits.
- Visitation Policies: Make sure the facility allows flexible visiting hours that work for your schedule.
- Access to Medical Care: Check whether the facility is close to your preferred clinics or hospitals.
- Quality of Care: Look into staff qualifications, licensing, and the facility’s reputation.
- Services Provided: Understand what types of care are offered (memory care, rehab services, etc.).
- Cleanliness and Pest Control: A clean, pest-free environment is essential for comfort and health.
- Safety and Staff Conduct: Observe whether the staff and residents appear respectful, kind, and attentive.
- Living Space: Ensure the rooms are comfortable, well-maintained, and appropriately sized.
- Activities and Social Opportunities: Look into the availability of enrichment programs and social events.
- Costs and Insurance: Review pricing, payment plans, and whether the facility accepts your insurance.
- Dining Options: Ask to see the menu, and check whether dietary restrictions are accommodated.
- Reputation: Read reviews and ask for references to learn from others’ experiences.
Spotlight on Cleanliness and Bed Bug Prevention
One area that’s often overlooked—but critically important—is the facility’s approach to cleanliness and pest control. Here’s how to evaluate whether a facility maintains a clean, bed bug-free environment:
- Read Online Reviews: Look for any mentions of pests or cleanliness concerns. Be sure to read unbiased reviews, such as Google reviews, and not just reviews on the facility’s website.
- Ask the Right Questions: When touring, talk to staff about their pest control policies. What treatments do they use for bed bugs? How often are inspections performed? What is the procedure if they receive a complaint?
- Speak to Visitors: Ask family members of other residents about their impressions of the facility’s cleanliness.
- Trust Your Eyes (and Nose): Look around during your visit. A clean, fresh-smelling environment speaks volumes.
What If You Discover a Bed Bug Problem?
If you’ve already chosen a facility and have discovered a pest issue, don’t panic. Here are steps you can take:
- Confirm the Issue: Make sure the pest is correctly identified. There are many ways to go about this. You can use Google Lens for a preliminary identification. The best identification would be to capture a few dead bugs in a baggie and take them to a pest control professional for identification.
- Report Immediately: Notify the facility’s staff as soon as you spot any signs of pests. Ask them what procedures they have in place for dealing with bed bugs and be sure they follow through on proper treatment.
- Use Protective Bedding: Purchase a bed bug-proof mattress encasements to protect beds from bed bugs as well as many other things like allergens and moisture.
- Choose Light-Colored Sheets: These make it easier to spot droppings and bugs.
- Limit Clutter: Keeping personal areas tidy reduces hiding spots for bed bugs.
- Be Careful with Used Furniture: Avoid bringing in secondhand items without thorough inspection. Consider spraying any secondhand furniture with Lights Out Bed Bug Spray. This spray will kill bed bugs on contact with a 30-day residual effect.
- Perform Routine Checks: Regularly inspect the mattress seams and headboard area for signs of bugs or eggs. To learn more about what a bed bug looks like and the signs that you may have them, read our blog 12 Useful Frequently Asked Questions about Bed Bugs.
Final Thoughts
Moving into assisted living is already a big transition—don’t let bed bugs add to the stress. With careful planning and a thorough inspection, you can help ensure a smooth move and a comfortable, pest-free environment for yourself or your loved one.
Need Help or Have Questions?
We’re here to support you through this process. Feel free to contact us at 844-364-3281.
