One of the most important assisted living resources you’ll need is knowing what to ask and look for when you visit communities.
Below are questions to take with you when you visit any assisted living community you are considering.
We also suggest that if a place interests you, be sure to visit several times, at least once without making an appointment.
And enjoy a meal or two there. You can try the food and see the other seniors living there at the same time.
And as always, Elder Answers is here to help.
Your Assisted Living Touring Checklist
Physical Building and Grounds:
How many seniors live in the home or community? Is it the right size for your loved one?
Is the building easy to get around? Are hallways wide enough?
How many floors does the building have and where are the elevators?
Are there walking areas inside or outside?
Care:
Is each resident given an individual plan of care? What is that plan based upon?
What kind of care CAN the community or home provide? What kind of care can the community or home NOT provide? Bedridden, wheelchair bound, use a lift, need injections?
How are medical emergencies handled?
Can a resident stay through end of life? Is hospice care allowed there?
Admission:
What is the process for assessing a resident before he/she moves in?
Is there a fee/deposit for an assessment or for admission?
What does the monthly fee include? What does it not include?
Care Costs:
Are charges month to month?
Are costs all-inclusive or are there separate fees for care or supplies?
How often can charges increase?
Staff:
What kind of training/experience does the staff have?
Is there a nurse on staff or on site? RN or LVN? How many hours and days?
Does the staff appear knowledgeable? Warm and caring?
What is the caregiver to resident ratio?
Philosophy and Feel:
What is the assisted living community’s philosophy of care and how is it carried out?
How does the community “feel” to you? Does it feel like somewhere your loved
one will be able to eventually call home?
Activities:
What are the residents daily schedule?
What kind of activities are there?
Is transportation provided by the retirement community and where in San Diego County do they go?
Are pets allowed? Is there a pet fee?
