Assisted living checklist

Asking questions is an important part of finding the right senior living community for your loved one. This list will help you make the most of your assisted living tour.

Deciding what type of care is the best fit for an older loved one can feel like an overwhelming decision to make. The truth is, senior care isn’t a topic many people talk about. So when families begin their search for the right senior living community, they often struggle to understand the different levels of care and what each one offers.

Then there are the difficult emotions that are involved in the search for care: guilt, fear, and the seemingly endless uncertainty. There’s also the possibility of intense debate or disagreement among family members. Throw in the financial considerations and logistics of a move, and you might end up in a situation where life seems to be changing at the speed of light.

Taking time to learn more about each option is important. And that includes knowing what questions to ask each potential care provider that you visit.

5 Questions to Ask on a Senior Living Community Tour

We’ve compiled a list of five important questions to ask as you are taking a tour of an assisted living community. This list can help you organize your efforts and reduce some of the stress and uncertainty.

Now let’s talk about at the questions you will want to ask.

  1. What’s available?

First, find out what apartments or suites will be available within the time frame that your loved one has to relocate. Also, find out if the community has a waiting list. If they do have one, ask how long it is.

  1. How much privacy and independence is there?

Ask about the level of privacy and independence your loved one will have if they choose to live in this community. Will they have a private room or apartment? Is seating at meal times assigned or are they free to sit where they want? Privacy and independence are big concerns for most seniors, so don’t hesitate to explore every detail surrounding these issues.

  1. What type of events and activities are offered?

Ask for detailed information about social activities, outings and coordinated events. One of the main reasons you’re probably considering a senior community is to ensure that your  loved one has companionship and ample opportunities for stimulation and fun. So at some point during the tour, ask about the frequency and variety of social activities the community offers. See if the community has a few past months of activity calendars you can review.

  1. What’s included in the fees?

Ask what is and is not included in the senior living community’s monthly fee. It’s very important that you understand exactly what your fees cover and what services will cost extra. Asking what isn’t included can help you avoid unwelcomed surprises on the first bill.

  1. What safety precautions and staffing are in place?

Ask about any safety and security concerns you might have. Find out if the bathrooms and common areas are equipped with the necessary handrails and any other aids your loved one might need. Inquire about which hospital the community uses in emergency situations. Finally, ask how the community is staffed during business hours, after hours and on weekends.

In addition to the questions above, the AARP maintains a handy checklist that will provide you with a very detailed list of what to look for during your tour.

We love questions at Legacy Senior Living!

The senior living experts at Legacy are always happy to answer questions about senior living. So please don’t hesitate to contact us with yours! When you call, be sure to ask about our Commitment to People. It’s one of the programs that exemplifies our dedication to helping older adults thrive at any age.