Ask Questions.
Making a significant life change can feel daunting. We have compiled an extensive list of questions that we have gathered from seniors who have visited us for tours. We hope this will help you make an informed decision on what will be a good fit for you as you tour facilities.
Before touring an Assisted Living Community, ask yourself…
Am I ready to make a change?
What is prompting me?
What kinds of activities do I enjoy?
Living independently, currently:
Am I concerned about safety ?
Getting healthy regular meals?
Getting enough exercise?
Social interaction and stimulation?
Medication management?
What worries me the most right now?
What do I want in my next chapter?
What could I look forward to by being integrated into a community of like-minded individuals?
What do you think will happen if you don’t make a decision?
Ask your tour guide…
Concierge Support …
Activities…
Meals…
Family…
Cost…
How do I learn more…
Give honest feedback…
When is the right time to move?
What is the difference between Person Centered Care versus Medical Model of Care?
How do you foster a Sense of Community?
How many people live here?
What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
Do staff members make you feel welcome?
Do they call residents by their names?
What kinds of activities do people engage in?
Does the community have a registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse, or certified nursing assistant on staff 24/7?
Is medication management included?
Are physical and health assessments performed on residents prior to admission?
Does each resident have a written person centered plan of care? If so, how often is it updated?
Does the facility’s care assessment include the resident and their family?
What’s the medication management policy? Is self-administration of medication allowed?
Will you allow seniors who are already receiving hospice services to move in?
Are there any limitations to working with seniors receiving hospice services?
Is staff equipped to provide care for residents with different medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, chronic arthritis, etc.)?
Who coordinates home health care visits from nurses, doctors, physical therapists, etc., if needed?
Is there a clear procedure for responding to a resident’s medical emergency?
Is transportation offered to residents for medical appointments?
What happens if I need more support?
Are there any reasons that a resident might need to move to a higher level of care that wouldn’t be able to be managed by this community?
Do you have a hairdresser on site?
Is transportation available for non-medical appointments?
What if I need a private escort?
Cultural, Intellectual, Creative, Social, Physical, Outdoor, Community:
How does the facility enable residents to lead active and engaging lifestyles?
How do you foster individualized activities, hobbies, interests?
Do residents have a voice?
Are residents actively encouraged to participate in activities?
Do I have to participate in activities?
What types of activities are available to residents?
Are there wine and cheese social hours?
Is there a calendar of events?
Is live entertainment provided? Music?
What common spaces are available to encourage gathering? Is there a library? Media room?
Is there a place where residents can garden, do crafts, create art or other personal hobbies?
Does the facility collaborate with the surrounding community?
Do residents go on regular outings?
Do volunteers come into the community?
Does the community offer transportation to religious services in the area?
Can I leave the building on my own?
Can I leave and take a vacation
meals are a very important part of a resident’s day:
Are three healthy meals provided every day?
Are the meals made from scratch?
Does the facility support local fishermen, growers and farms?
Do menus reflect “Food is Medicine” concept?
Does the menu change daily?
Can meals be tailored to a resident’s dietary restrictions, or special requests?
Are residents permitted to keep or cook food in their apartments?
Are special meals prepared for specific holidays, birthdays, or other special occasions?
Does the community provide snacks throughout the day?
Is culinary staff employed by the facility or out-sourced?
Can I make the choice to have a meal in my apartment?
Can I have alcohol in my apartment?
Can I sample meals during a tour?
What role does family play?
Can family/friends join me for meals?
Are there activities with family/friends available?
How often does staff communicate with family?
Can I visit with family/friends without them making an appointment?
Cost is perhaps one of the most important factors in choosing an Assisted Living Community.
Be up front with questions about monthly costs, additional fees:
Are the cost of your plans individualized?
What are your plans and pricing structure?
Are all services included in the monthly fee?
What doesn’t the price cover?
What are the billing and payment policies?
Is transportation to medical appointments included?
Is housekeeping offered? If so, does it include linen or laundry service?
Are pets allowed to live in apartments?
Is there help available when moving in and setting up my apartment?
Is there a charge for a maintenance team member to help me in my apartment?
Do you offer financial assistance?
Do you accept long-term care insurance?
Is there a security deposit?
Do you have a website? A Facebook page?
Do you have a newsletter I can sign up to receive?
If something didn’t feel right, let them know.
If you need a second tour, ask for it.