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. 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.
“The biggest selling point is our continuum of care,” says Tara Harton, Community Relations Director at Fieldstone of Olympia. With dedicated communities for each level of care, she says “someone can come to us and stay with us under all the same management system, even 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.
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.
“We have really big bathrooms that feature roll-in showers and built-in benches,” Tara says. These designs ensure that the living spaces are as accessible as possible.
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.
Tara stresses that one important aspect of safety is staffing, which is consistently high at Fieldstone of Olympia. Those high staffing levels are backed up by cutting-edge in-room monitoring technology.
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.
“There’s a thoughtfully designed mock downtown inside the building, with storefronts, a movie theater, and hair salon,” says Tara. “It’s really a community within the community of Olympia.”
And as part of their intake process, they learn all about each resident’s life story and interest, so that activities can be tailored to each person.
“People are like snowflakes,” Tara says. “No two are going to be the same, so we make sure we have a wide offering of activities.” That includes scenic bus trips to Seattle, Thursday piano entertainment, knitting clubs, or group exercise.
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.
“A lot of people ask about visiting hours, and of course we tell them they can come at any time,” Tara says. “We consider this to be your mom’s home and she can have visitors at any time,” she explains. “The doors are locked for safety but family members can come and visit any time.”
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.
Conact Fieldstone of Olympia to arrange a tour of our joyful senior living community.