My client who I have worked for privately is touring assisted living facilities.
The wife is a very young 77-year old and has about one year before they start seriously thinking about this (based on my knowledge of her cognitive abilities).
What can I do or say to prepare this family for when that time comes?
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https://www.seniorlink.com/blog/50-tips-on-transitioning-a-loved-one-to-memory-dementia-or-alzheimers-careyour-blog-post-title-here
Is the husband moving in to AL with the wife? Or is he moving her in?
You mention cognitive issues..if she has dementia of any type I think he should be looking at Memory Care NOT Assisted Living.
The vast majority of AL allow residents to freely come and go. They must sign in and out simply so the staff knows if they are in or out of the building in an emergency. Because of this she could wander out on her own.
Memory Care the units are key coded so it is less likely that a resident could leave without leaving with someone that has the code to get in or out of the unit.
Now that that is out of the way....
As he narrows down the selection to 1 or 2 facilities he can arrange a "Respite" stay and they can both stay there as a Vacation of sorts or he can place her for a few days while he gets a break. Most facilities will do this. It must be pre arranged as many areas have medical requirements for TB tests that can take a while. (Where I am a 2 stage test needs to be done unless a blood test is done)
She most likely will need a physical as well.
If she does have dementia a week in Respite is not going to give him a full picture as to how she will adjust though.
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When taking with the family, point out the benefits that they might not have thought about.
What are your levels of care?
What dictates when a patient moves to a new level of care?
What are the costs of levels of care?
When do you do raises?
Do you do special diets for dietary needs?
What safeguards are in place for my loved one in terms of wandering?
Are residents checked at night?
How are you staffed?
And etc.