Health Tip: Looking for Senior Housing?

When looking for senior housing, whether a nursing home or assisted living facility, check for factors that will help make the home safer and more comfortable.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these guidelines:

• Look for a residence in a safe neighborhood, close to family and friends.
• Consider proximity to local groceries and shops.
• Make sure the facility's appearance is clean, odor-free, comfortable and well-kept, both inside and out.
• Find out how many people live in the residence, and check out the floor plan to make sure it's easy to navigate.
• Look for common areas and outdoor areas where seniors can congregate.
• Find out if residents may come and go independently.