Roughly 70% of people turning 65 can expect to use some form of long-term care during their lives. Choosing an assisted living community for a loved one seems an easy task, but a great deal of effort goes into it to avoid relocation, which can be costly and a key source of stress for older people. One essential part of facility visits is asking the right questions. Only through it will you get an answer as to whether the community suits your loved one's needs.
If you’re on a long-term care community hunt and feeling overwhelmed by all the choices available, here's a list of questions to remember to make the most of your assisted living tour.
Choosing an assisted living unit is more than just finding a new home for your loved one — you must ensure their next abode is comfortable and safe and makes them happy during their stay. After all, it's where they'll spend meaningful days, socialize with others, and receive the care they need. That's why asking the right questions is critical in getting the correct responses.
Doing so helps you gather essential information, effectively compare different communities, and make a decision that ensures peace of mind — both for you and your senior mom or dad.
If you're eyeing an assisted living community nearby, prepare an assisted living tour checklist containing your most pressing questions to avoid overlooking important information. But before your tour, you’ll have to know these two things.
Your loved one has their own needs and preferences you must consider. Before scheduling a home visit, make sure to have a conversation with them and identify what they value the most. Is it the scope of medical care available, the list of social activities, or the community's amenities? Knowing their priorities will help guide your questions and observations during the tour.
Do a brief research on the facility beforehand. You’ll need this information when making care decisions. Look up the facility’s history, reputation, and family reviews. This background knowledge will give you a better idea about the company, helping you curate your questions.
Even before your assisted living tour, you can throw some questions to the community staff via their email or by calling them. You can gauge their responsiveness with this. Here are some key questions.
During the assisted living tour, here are some questions you can bring up:
After going around the compound, check your assisted living checklist for what you need to probe next. Here are some ideas:
After the assisted living tour, take some time to reflect on your experience. Compare the companies you've seen so far. How were their facilities? Did their staff answer your questions correctly? Remember also to check the overall atmosphere of the facility — not just their amenities and services -– and picture out how your loved one might fit into the community.
Choosing the right assisted living facility for a loved one involves more than just ticking boxes — it's about finding a place that feels just right. It's a big decision, so you may want to take your time. Visit different facilities, ask plenty of questions, and involve your loved one in decision-making.
It can feel overwhelming, so reach out for help, especially if you need it urgently. Our team at Senex Memory Advisors consists ofCertified Senior Advisors and Certified Dementia Practitioners who can help you research the best community in the area and one that truly cares for your family. Ultimately, you want them to stay safe, well-cared for, and happy in their new home. Learn more about asking the right questions.
Syed has years of experience dealing with people, understanding their needs, and helping them find solutions to their problems.
As a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional (CMDCP), Syed is committed to working closely with Senior and their family knowing what is it like for individuals facing a challenging time, at times groping in dark trying to figure what is the appropriate next step or care level for their unique situation.
Syed and Senex Memory Advisors are fully committed to working closely with families in creating a personalized, step-by-step process memory care plan at zero cost.
If you’re on a long-term care community hunt and feeling overwhelmed by all the choices available, here's a list of questions to remember to make the most of your assisted living tour.
If you’re on a long-term care community hunt and feeling overwhelmed by all the choices available, here's a list of questions to remember to make the most of your assisted living tour.
If you’re on a long-term care community hunt and feeling overwhelmed by all the choices available, here's a list of questions to remember to make the most of your assisted living tour.
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