Key Questions to Ask While Touring an Assisted Living Community
If you’re planning on taking a tour of a local assisted living community, that’s a great first step. It’s only the first step, though, into a larger world, a world where somebody you love has reached an age where Activities of Daily Life become more difficult or for whom a health issue has made tending to their own care extremely difficult (if not impossible) will have to choose a certain type of caregiver service.
Yes, there are numerous elder care options available, but a quality assisted living community is one of the best for many reasons. When you take a tour, though, don’t be passive. Avoid the temptation to simply follow along, nod your head, and just go along to get along. The more engaged you are, the more engaged the aging senior is during these tours, the more you’ll remember, the more you’ll learn, and the more you will come to realize that assisted living truly is one of the best elder care options available.
When you take a tour of a local assisted living facility, ask questions. You may not know what to ask about, but we have focused on four key questions you’ll want to have ready to go when you take a tour — whether it’s in-person were virtual.
Key Question #1: What are the floor plans like?
In most assisted living facilities, you will have common areas. These might involve entertainment facilities, lounge areas with reading sections, game tables, and more. Your focus, though, is on the rooms themselves.
How big will the bedroom be? Will your aging loved one have a private room? Will they share a room? Will it be like a small studio apartment? Or perhaps a one-bedroom apartment?
The type of floor plan that this facility offers can determine the comfort level for the seniors once they move in, so it’s a good idea to know what they would be getting.
Key Question #2: What amenities and services do you provide?
It’s a good idea to know what a particular facility offers as far as amenities and services. For example, you or an aging parent or other loved one might have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. Does the facility provide memory care services?
Do they have a fitness center on-site? If so, do they have a professional trainer who comes in and works with seniors, somebody who has experience with this age group? These are just a few ideas to consider.
Key Question #3: Are there different levels of care?
Some people will require more assistance than others. Is there a pricing structure for those who need less support than others? Is this going to be important for you or your loved one? If they require more assistance, will it be available?
Key Question #4: What kind of training do staff caregiver members receive?
This can give you a great deal of insight into the level of care the facility will provide to you or your loved one. A facility that provides significant training and ongoing support to staff members is focused on ensuring that each resident is cared for in the best possible way.