If you are looking for a senior living community for your loved one, visiting one at a time can be overwhelming! Make sure you carry a sheet and get your questions answered fully! Here is a good start and add some of your own!
- STAFFING:
- How many staff members care for each resident, how many nurses, and what type of training does your care staff complete?
- Are staff trained to care for residents with memory loss or Alzheimer’s? If so, what types of programs do you have for Memory Care Residents?
- Are staff onsite 24/7?
- Can staff administer medications?
- Is there a doctor on staff or on call?
- Do you have Maintenance Staff, and are they available for my loved one for their own handyman type repairs?
- CARE:
- What type of assessment do you give a senior upon moving in, and how often are they reassessed?
- How do you charge for Assisted Living? Is it a flat or according to hours of need?
- Do you have a monitoring, alert or alarm system? If so, how does it work, and does it cost extra?
- Which hospitals are nearby if an emergency arises?
- Do you offer hospice and end of life care?
- What type of Safety Procedures do you have in place for residents?
- How often do you recommend Care Conferences, and what is the procedure for families to schedule one?
- LIVING & ACTIVITIES:
- What types of apartments are available and what is the monthly cost per apartment? What are the differences in price?
- Do you have transportation for errands and/or doctor’s appointments?
- Do you have an Activities calendar? What are the favorite types of events for your residents? Will you invite my loved one to participate in some before moving in?
- Do you have a guest suite? If so, will you provide it to my loved one for a few nights to ease their stress in moving in? What is the cost to rent it for guests? Does it include meal service?
- What additional services do you offer? (Beauty Salon, Laundry, Housekeeping, In-House Hearing Checks, etc.)
- Do you offer open-dining throughout the day, or according to a schedule?
- How do you orient new residents? Do you have a procedure or way for them to easily integrate into your community?
- Do you have additional storage outside of the apartment for residents?
- (If they are still driving) Do you have parking available for residents? What about parking for guests and/or family members?
- FINANCIAL & REFERENCES
- Can I meet another family with a loved one at the community?
- What is your billing policy?
- How often are rents raised?
- Are there additional fees for services or activities?
- What if my parent outlives their money? Will you allow Government Assistance programs? (Medicaid/Aid and Attendance Benefits, etc.)
- Do you have a Community Fee? If so, what is it?
- What are the up-front fees to pay for moving in?
- Will you allow me access to view your most recent State Survey?
