10 Questions to Ask About Senior Living
October 25, 2024
Many surveys reveal that most people would like to live in their own homes as long as possible. But the reality is that some people will require assistance at some point in their lives for a variety of reasons. Family caregiving arrangements can fall apart. Circumstances change—sometimes quickly. Experiencing a stroke or heart attack can drastically reduce a person’s ability to care for themselves or others. So, whether it’s a long-planned move to an assisted or independent living community, or a hasty scramble to find care after an emergency, someday you may be looking for a high-quality care community for yourself or a loved one.
This can be a daunting task. There are so many different options. Senior living, assisted living, independent living, and memory care communities all offer different levels of care, assistance, and amenities. It’s important to see these communities in person and get your questions answered.
“Some people have this not-ideal idea of what moving into senior facilities looks like,” Alex Sims, Fieldstone Village at Keizer Ridge Marketing Director, said. “But when you see a community in person, and ask the right questions, you start to feel that it can be more like home.”
When touring a senior living community, asking the right questions can help you evaluate if it’s the right fit for yourself or a loved one. Here are 10 questions to consider:
What levels of care are available?
Ask about the different care options offered, such as independent living, assisted living, memory care, and whether residents can move between levels of care as their needs change.
What does each level of care (e.g., assisted living, memory care) cost, and what does the cost include?
Understand the monthly cost and what is included in that price, such as meals, housekeeping, transportation, cable TV or Wi-Fi, and activities. Also, inquire about additional fees for other services. Find out if the community has arrangements with dentists, physical therapists, or other health care professionals who serve residents on-site.
“Ask about not only the cost of care, but the value of what you’re getting,” Sims said. “Ask about the call and response time, when our nurses are available, who is on the care team, and what they do.”
What types of apartments or living spaces are available?
Ask to see different types of living spaces and ask about their sizes, layouts, and accessibility features.
Can I meet the staff and see them interacting with residents?
Observe the staff to gauge their friendliness and professionalism and see how they interact with the current residents. Inquire about staff credentials and how long they have been working in senior living.
What security and safety features are in place?
Ask about security measures, emergency plans, and the availability of staff. Ensure there are sufficient safety features for bathrooms, common areas, and throughout the community.
What types of activities and amenities are offered?
Check the community calendar for events and activities, and ask about amenities like fitness centers, outdoor spaces, libraries, and entertainment options.
“We have a great activity program,” Sims said. “One thing we have that is really unique is a resident ambassadors program. Our residents volunteer to lead activities like bingo, crafts, sign language classes, and we even have a few fitness instructors. They have all kinds of volunteer jobs that really foster a sense of community here that money can’t buy.”
What are the meal plans and dining options?
Inquire about meal plans, types of food served, dining hours, and seating arrangements. Consider asking if you can sample a meal during your visit. Are residents allowed to cook in their apartments?
How does the staff handle medical emergencies and health care needs?
Understand the protocol for medical emergencies, the proximity to hospitals, and how the outside community coordinates with health care providers.
Can residents personalize their living space?
Ask if residents can bring their own furnishings, decorate their rooms, and what restrictions, if any, are in place. Does the community allow pets?
What are the policies regarding visitors and overnight stays?
Learn about the visitor policies, including hours, overnight stays, and any accommodations for visitors or their pets.
These questions will help you get a comprehensive view of the community’s environment, care, and services, ensuring a good match for the resident’s needs and preferences.
Bonus Question: What do the residents think?
“Asking questions and asking the right people is important,” Sims said. “Ask the residents themselves how the food tastes, what the staff is like, and are they happy they’re there. Ask residents about their experiences during tours to get more insight into what life is like there.”
Contact Fieldstone Village at Keizer Ridge to arrange a tour of our joyful senior living community.