Taking the time to find the right care environment for your loved one is vital, as proper care plays an important role in influencing your loved one’s quality of life.
Scheduling a tour is a fantastic way to see what a community offers beyond websites and online reviews. In person, you can assess a community’s atmosphere, cleanliness, and overall feel. This will allow you to determine whether it’s the right fit for your loved one.
To make the most of your visit, we encourage visitors to ask questions, which can help determine if the community aligns with your family’s values and expectations:
- What level of care is provided?
- What are staff qualifications?
- What are the financial considerations?
- What safety measures are in place for residents?
- What opportunities exist for family involvement?
Understanding Assisted Living
Assisted living communities are long-term care environments that focus on supporting residents with daily activities while maintaining their independence.
Residents in assisted living are relatively independent, mobile, and self-sufficient, but require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management.
This provides residents with a blend of independence and support, confirming that they receive the appropriate level of care.
Such professional support allows residents to focus their energy and attention on social connections, hobbies, leisure activities, and therapies designed to promote health and well-being. Residents can kick back, relax, and enjoy the fact they don’t have to worry about mundane daily chores.
The community environment of assisted living provides residents with a sense of safety, reducing feelings of isolation commonly experienced by older adults. Residents can comfortably enjoy services and amenities while receiving personalized care tailored to their health status.
Meanwhile, families are offered peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in a safe, supportive environment that simulates their physical, emotional, and social needs.
Questions to Ask When Touring Communities
Touring an assisted living community is a great opportunity to ask questions about both the community’s environment and the level of care that it can provide to residents.
Our team has curated a list of helpful questions that you may want to consider asking when visiting these spaces.
What Level of Care Is Provided?
While assisted living focuses on supporting residents who require assistance with ADLs, the level of care provided in each community can be different.
Ask about a community’s approach to care:
- How are medical emergencies handled?
- What does a personalized approach to care consist of?
- How do you address the evolving health needs of residents?
- Are any specialized therapies or services provided to support residents’ health needs?
What are Staff Qualifications?
Every notable care environment goes through a diligent process of hiring trained professionals experienced in caring for older adults. This includes assessing their educational background and references as well as conducting background checks.
However, consider asking what sets a community’s staff apart:
- How are staff trained to approach daily care and how are challenges navigated?
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
- Are staff provided with ongoing opportunities to enhance their credentials?
- What is the staff turnover rate?
Caregivers and support staff are the backbone of an assisted living community.
A good staff-to-resident ratio means caregivers can offer more individualized care, ensuring that each resident’s needs are promptly met.
A community with a low turnover rate indicates a positive work environment, translating to better care. Well-trained staff foster enduring connections with residents, helping to create a welcoming space.
What are the Financial Considerations?
Clarifying costs upfront will help you prepare a budget and plan financially for long-term care. Transparent financial requirements allow families to understand how much they’ll need to spend, including any additional add-ons for services and amenities.
Consider asking the following questions:
- What are your community’s policies on price increases and how often do they occur?
- Are there entrance fees or deposits required?
- What is included in the base monthly fee and which services incur additional costs?
- Does your community work with any financial assistance programs?
- Are refunds available if a resident needs to leave the community?
What Safety Measures are in Place for Residents?
Safety is one of the most important components of assisted living care. Some questions to ask about safety include:
- Are there any security personnel on-site and are there any protocols for monitoring residents?
- How is medication management handled?
- What are the safety features in the resident’s rooms and common areas?
- How often does the community conduct safety and health inspections?
These questions matter because they provide insights into how well the community can protect residents and attend to their safety.
Families can gain confidence knowing that their loved one is in a safe environment, where emergencies are promptly handled and precautionary measures are in place.
What Opportunities Exist for Family Involvement?
Maintaining connections with families is necessary for supporting residents’ well-being. Helpful questions to ask include:
- What are the visitation policies and visiting hours?
- How does the community communicate with families about their loved one’s well-being?
- Are there events or activities where families can participate?
- What role do families play in care planning and decision-making?
Regular involvement fosters a collaborative approach that enhances the quality of care, aids in smoother transitions, and keeps families connected to their loved ones’ everyday lives.
Schedule Your Tour!
Touring an assisted living community is a great way to discern whether a community meets the wants and needs of your loved one. Seeing the environment firsthand, meeting staff, and observing residents can provide valuable insights into the daily living experience.
Connect with our team at The Lodge at Historic Lewes to schedule a tour of our assisted living community!
