If you’re wondering how to find a good, assisted living facility, know that many of the same criteria you consider when house-hunting apply when you’re looking for an assisted living community for your loved one (or yourself):
- How appealing are the living spaces?
- What’s the neighborhood like, and what else is in the vicinity?
- Is the location practical for you and your family?
Other considerations are unique to senior living — and assisted living, in particular.
If the goal is to avoid disrupting your loved one’s routine as much as possible by remaining near familiar faces and places, chances are you’ll find assisted living communities not too far from their current home. If you want to move your loved one closer to you, most likely there are options in proximity to your home.
Whether you plan to compare assisted living facilities in the same vicinity or in disparate locations, having an assisted living checklist will go a long way toward helping you find the best community for your family’s situation.
Take a look at the assisted living questions that follow and use the ones that apply to your circumstances when creating a checklist for assisted living facility “must-haves.”
Key Questions To Ask Assisted Living Sales Staff
You may be able to find some of the answers you seek by scouring a community’s website. Spending some time researching senior living communities on the computer can help you pare down your list of possibilities.
When you’ve selected several that meet your preliminary criteria, you may want to make a separate list of questions to ask an assisted living facility staff member when you visit each community.
Questions About Cost
Naturally, your loved one’s quality of life is paramount when choosing an assisted living community to be their future home. Next on the list of what matters most for many families is how much it will cost.
It may be helpful to consult with a financial professional before you get too far into the search process. You’ll want to find out whether renting or buying into a senior living community through an entrance fee is better for your circumstances. It’s also a good idea to inquire about potential tax implications and what effect your decisions may have on your loved one’s estate.
Here are important questions to discuss with staff members at the assisted living communities you visit:
- Is there an entrance fee? If so, is any of it refundable? Are there multiple options?
- Is it possible to lease? If so, what are the terms of the lease agreement?
- What is the monthly fee, and what does it cover? (In some communities, the monthly fee covers utilities, meals and other usual living expenses, as well as activities and amenities.)
- If we change our mind or circumstances change, are there penalties for leaving the community? Is there a grace period?
- If the community has other levels of care, such as memory support or skilled nursing, will there be additional costs to transition to those different levels of care? Will the monthly fee increase?
Questions About Staff
You’ll most likely meet with a member of the community’s sales staff when you visit, but your loved one will interact with other employees at the community on a regular basis, including wait staff, housekeeping staff and caregivers.
If you have the opportunity to talk to other staff members while you’re there, ask them about their experiences and what they like most (or least) about their job. Notice how they engage with the residents — for example, do they address them by name? If they enjoy what they do, it’ll show.
Staff requirements differ for various levels of care — those who work with residents in assisted living should have specialized training beyond what’s needed for independent living. Staff working in memory care or skilled nursing must meet certain licensing requirements, which vary from state to state.
With a focus on assisted living, these are questions you may want to ask the person you meet with:
- Have caregivers undergone training specific to working with older adults who need assistance with daily activities such as bathing and eating?
- How experienced is the staff, and what are their qualifications?
- Who oversees the staff members who provide resident assistance?
- Have there been any complaints by residents or family members? If so, have any formal complaints been filed with the state agency responsible for assisted living oversight?
- What is the response protocol if a resident falls or sustains an injury?
Questions About Dining
For many residents in senior living communities, dining is a highlight of their days. It’s not unusual to find cuisine on par with fine dining restaurants in higher-end communities, and many communities offer a variety of dining venues and pub-style gathering spaces.
When you arrange your visit, ask if you can have a meal while you’re there. During your visit, talk with residents and get their opinion of the food. Notice the cleanliness of the dining areas (and the kitchen, if you have the opportunity to see it).
Here are questions to consider asking:
- Are meals included in the monthly fee? (Most assisted living and memory care communities provide three meals daily, plus snacks.)
- Do the assisted living residences have fully equipped kitchens so residents can prepare their own food if they prefer?
- Can menu selections be modified to accommodate special dietary requirements?
- Is there a dietitian or nutritionist on staff for consultations?
- Do the dining venues have specific hours, or can residents enjoy a meal all throughout the day?
- What kind of training and experience does the culinary staff have?
- How often are trips to local grocery stores scheduled?
Questions About Activities and Programs
While independent living communities tout their extensive variety of activities, classes and programming aimed at active seniors as a selling point, it’s every bit as important for older adults in assisted living to stay physically, mentally and socially active. Not only does it preserve (or enhance) their quality of life. It also helps them stay as independent as they can for as long as possible.
When you visit assisted living communities, notice what the residents are doing. Do they seem alert and happy? Is there a social “vibe” to the community, or is it quiet, with few residents moving about?
Are there amenities such as a movie theater, lounge, game room and arts and crafts room to motivate residents to regularly participate in social activities?
Questions you’ll want to ask about activities and programs will depend largely on your loved one’s interests, preferences and capabilities:
- If your family member has favorite pastimes and hobbies, can he or she continue to enjoy those after moving to the community?
- If you’d like to see your loved one become more active or engaged with others, ask what types of activities and programs are offered that might pique some interest.
- If mobility or a physical restriction is an issue for your loved one, find out if the staff members who lead the activities and wellness/fitness classes are skilled at modifying them so they’re accessible to all residents.
- If your family member regularly attends worship services, are those offered in the community?
- If your loved one is intellectually curious, does the community offer specific programs such as lifelong learning activities or guest speaker presentations?
General Questions
The questions above can serve as a starting point, leading you to think about others you want to be sure to ask as you compare assisted living communities. Here are a few more you might want to discuss, either in preliminary conversations or during your visits:
- Does the community offer any assistance with planning and preparing for the move?
- If you like the community but there aren’t any available residences that are to your liking (or your loved one isn’t ready to move yet), is there a waiting list?
- Would it be possible for your family member to do a trial stay, whether a few weeks or longer? (Not all communities offer this option, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.)
Our Discovery Center Is Open!
We’re excited about bringing a fresh perspective on assisted living and memory care to Encino and the San Fernando Valley. As we progress toward opening our doors and welcoming new residents, our team is available to answer questions and provide virtual tours at our Discovery Center.
To set up an appointment for a one-on-one conversation with a team member, call 818.450.3120 or take a moment to fill out this brief contact form and we’ll be in touch.
Learning how to choose an assisted living facility can seem overwhelming. That’s why we’re here and happy to help.
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