10 Questions to Ask About Assisted Living
November 8, 2024
Many surveys reveal that most people would like to live in their own homes as long as possible. But the reality is that some people will require assistance at some point in their lives for a variety of reasons. Family caregiving arrangements can fall apart. Circumstances change—sometimes quickly. Experiencing a stroke or heart attack can drastically reduce a person’s ability to care for themselves or others. So, whether it’s a long-planned move to an assisted or independent living community, or a hasty scramble to find care after an emergency, someday you may be looking for a high-quality care community for yourself or a loved one.
This can be a daunting task. There are so many different options. Senior living, assisted living, independent living, and memory care communities all offer different levels of care, assistance, and amenities. It’s important to see these communities in person and get your questions answered. When touring a senior living community, asking the right questions can help you evaluate if it’s the right fit for yourself or a loved one. Here are 10 questions to consider:
What levels of care are available?
Ask about the different care options offered, such as independent living, assisted living, memory care, and whether residents can move between levels of care as their needs change.
“We get a lot of questions about aging in place,” says Angy Silva, Community Relations Director at Stafford Suites. “Can mom, who has dementia, live the rest of her life here? Not every person with dementia will need memory care,” she explains. “Ask about when memory care is appropriate.”
What does each level of care (e.g., assisted living, memory care) cost, and what does the cost include?
Understand the monthly cost and what is included in that price, such as meals, housekeeping, transportation, cable TV or Wi-Fi, and activities. Also, inquire about additional fees for other services. Find out if the community has arrangements with dentists, physical therapists, or other health care professionals who serve residents on-site.
What types of apartments or living spaces are available?
Ask to see different types of living spaces and ask about their sizes, layouts, and accessibility features.
Can I meet the staff and see them interacting with residents?
Observe the staff to gauge their friendliness and professionalism and see how they interact with the current residents. Inquire about staff credentials and how long they have been working in senior living.
“We absolutely want people to ask about staff longevity!” says Silva. “Most of our staff has been around for a long time—that’s something that is unique to us, and something we take pride in.”
What security and safety features are in place?
Ask about security measures, emergency plans, and the availability of staff. Ensure there are sufficient safety features for bathrooms, common areas, and throughout the community.
“I also like to have people ask about inspection reports—we love to talk about our deficiency-free surveys!” Silva says. These surveys assess various aspects of care, safety, administration, and environment to ensure that residents receive high-quality services. A deficiency-free result indicates that the facility met all required criteria, demonstrating high compliance with health and safety regulations, which is a significant achievement in long-term care.
What types of activities and amenities are offered?
Check the community calendar for events and activities, and ask about amenities like fitness centers, outdoor spaces, libraries, and entertainment options.
“One of the most common questions we get is about walking trails,” Silva explains. “They want to know that there are safe places to walk with even pavement. And we do have those areas both inside and outside of the facility.”
What are the meal plans and dining options?
Inquire about meal plans, types of food served, dining hours, and seating arrangements. Consider asking if you can sample a meal during your visit. Are residents allowed to cook in their apartments?
How does the staff handle medical emergencies and health care needs?
Understand the protocol for medical emergencies, the proximity to hospitals, and how the outside community coordinates with health care providers.
Can residents personalize their living space?
Ask if residents can bring their own furnishings, decorate their rooms, and what restrictions, if any, are in place. Does the community allow pets?
What are the policies regarding visitors and overnight stays?
Learn about the visitor policies, including hours, overnight stays, and any accommodations for visitors or their pets.
Silva offers her advice as someone with extensive experience in long-term care. “Use all your senses when you are touring these places. Look at the long-term staff, do they look happy and are they interacting with each other? Try the food. What’s the place smell like? And then listen to your heart. Is this a place where your parents will receive compassionate care?”
She also stresses the importance of the surrounding community.
“The community that the facility is in is also important,” she explains. “In Sumner, we have views of Mt. Rainier, and nice scenic neighborhoods to walk in with a duck pond nearby. Here you’re not going to be right next to a noisy highway.”
These questions will help you get a comprehensive view of the community’s environment, care, and services, ensuring a good match for the resident’s needs and preferences.
Contact Stafford Suites to arrange a tour of our joyful assisted living community.