Tips for discovering the right match when touring assisted living communities
If your loved one would appreciate a helping hand and more opportunities to improve quality of life, assisted living may be the ideal choice. But once the decision has been made, and it’s time to select a specific community, your family may be wondering – now what?
After on-line research and requesting any referrals, the next step is to schedule a personal visit to the communities being considered. If you’re not sure how to choose the right one, don’t worry. We can help.
Tips for Touring Assisted Living Communities: Questions to Ask and Features to Look For
It’s not uncommon for families and their loved ones to feel uncertain when learning about assisted living. But arriving prepared will help you feel comfortable and confident in finding the community that can truly become home.
Before your visits, review the following assisted living questions, as well as the tips for touring a community. You might want to consider printing a copy to bring along. Taking notes will also help you compare the different features and services offered.
10 Questions to Ask When Touring Assisted Living Communities
Knowing which questions to ask when visiting assisted living will help you learn the basics of a community:
- What type of residences are available?
Ask about the choices offered, including floor space, location in the community, options for singles or couples and how the residence can be personalized to create home. - What services are available?
A primary question to ask an assisted living community is what services they offer to determine if they fit the needs of your loved one. You’ll also want to inquire if there is a level of assistance they can’t accommodate. - What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
This number influences the response time and attention your loved one will receive. Also, ask if the residents will have the same care team, so familiarity can be developed. - What type of training does the staff receive?
You’ll want to understand the required training of the staff and how often they continue their education. What skills and experience do the caregivers possess? - Is there a physician or registered nurse on staff?
Discuss the level of medical personnel on staff who are responsible for oversight of medication management, care plans and staff interactions with residents. - Is a physical or health assessment performed on new residents?
Whether an assessment of your loved one will be conducted and how they determine the type of assistance required is an essential question to ask an assisted living community. - Are care plans created and regularly reviewed?
Discuss how they create individual care plans, who is involved and how often they are reviewed and revised if necessary. - How does the community make new residents feel welcome?
Ask how they will help smooth the transition and assist your loved one to more quickly feel at home and become a member of the community. - How is the family supported during the move?
Some family members may feel replaced when a loved one moves into assisted living. Another priority question to ask when considering assisted living is how the community will keep the family engaged and supported during this change. - What are the costs and fees? What services are included?
Discuss the costs and what services are included in those fees. Are there any add-ons or à la carte items available? Do they have financial resource suggestions if needed?
Features to Look for When Visiting Assisted Living Communities
You’ll also want to consider these tips to help you and your loved one become more familiar with daily life in the community. Take note of the following features and impressions made during your visits.
- A welcoming community
Take note if your family felt genuinely welcomed upon arrival. Is this a community your loved one will be proud to call home and host visits from family and friends? - A friendly and warm staff
Does the staff seem authentic, friendly and compassionate? How do they interact with the other residents and staff members? Do they appear to truly enjoy their work? - Happy and contented residents
Pay attention to the residents and how they relate to each other. Do they seem content? If you have the chance, ask them how they enjoy living there or what they like best. - Appealing activities and amenities
Physical and cognitive health is greatly impacted by remaining active and engaged. Does the community offer opportunities that will encourage your loved one to join in? Ask if participation in an activity could be arranged during the visit. - A healthy dining program
If possible, ask if your loved one and family can join the other residents at a meal. This will provide a great opportunity to review the menu selections, variety – and a first-hand taste. It also can help your loved one begin to experience the camaraderie of community life.
Assisted Living at Presbyterian Village North
We believe in empowering residents to live life on their own terms, regardless of age or abilities. Our Assisted Living neighborhood is designed to help you or your loved one maintain a sense of independence and autonomy while receiving the individualized support needed to thrive. With a focus on preserving dignity, our trained professionals provide assistance with daily activities such as dressing, grooming and medication management, all while encouraging social engagement and personal growth.
Our community offers a range of services to make everyday life easier and more enjoyable, including restaurant-style dining, wellness programs and a monthly calendar of social and cultural activities.
With a nurse onsite 24/7 and a variety of spacious and thoughtfully designed residences to choose from, Presbyterian Village North is the perfect place to find peace of mind and enhanced quality of life.
Reach out today by calling (800) 400-4130 to learn more about how we can provide the care and support you or your loved one needs, all within a vibrant, caring community.