According to the Department of Health and Human Services, at least 56% of Americans over 65 will need paid care in their lifetime. At least 4% will need it for more than five years.
The best way to prepare for this development is to start looking for the right community as early as possible. The best way to do that is to find a few promising prospects and interview them to determine if they're the right fit.
Read on to learn the most important questions to ask assisted living communities.
One of the most important questions to ask assisted living communities is what levels of care they provide.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 88% of older adults have at least one chronic condition. 60% have two or more. Does the community have the staff to help them?
Ask if they also offer the right types of assisted living options for future healthcare needs. If a resident develops dementia, will they have a memory care unit on-site? Not having to move to a new building makes the transition easier.
How are personalized care plans developed? They should be written down and flexible as needs change. Residents and family members should be able to provide input at any time.
Have a list ready full of questions for assisted living staff.
How many staff do you have? That includes all departments, including social activities and the kitchen.
What is the staff-to-resident ratio? It needs to be high enough that staff members are always around to provide care for each resident.
One of the most essential senior care questions is asking about the staff's qualifications. Go beyond that and also ask how they continue their education to stay current on the latest developments and technology.
Ask about their hiring process. Are the qualities they look for in a staff member the same qualities you would want in a person looking after your loved one?
It's also important to ask about the staff turnover rate. A community that can't keep its staff is a red flag. It also makes it challenging for residents to form long-term bonds with their caregivers.
What are the dining options in the community, and when will food be served? Get a sample of the menu.
What types of dining areas are there? They should have a wide range of options, such as:
Talking to the chef and dining staff gives you a sense of their qualifications. Ask current residents what they think of the dining options. Some communities may even let you try their food before you move in.
Does the community allow for alterations to the current menu? Can it accommodate residents with specialized diets?
What types of living units are available? Ask to see floor plans to understand what they look and feel like.
Look for a community with a variety of options. They should provide plenty of natural light and offer accessibility features like grab bars. A safe, comfortable spot to live in makes the transition easier.
It's also less stressful when you can bring elements of your home into the room. Ask whether pets or personal furniture are allowed.
What types of amenities does the community have? A few of the most important include:
How accessible are these amenities? When they're easy to enjoy, they have many benefits. Two of the most important are combatting loneliness and encouraging physical activity.
If they're too expensive or too far away, residents may struggle to access them. Ask if residents with mobility issues may struggle to enjoy them.
Any assisted living decision guide must include a thorough investigation of the community's costs, which goes beyond finding a single number.
Ask about what the monthly fee for each floor plan does or doesn't cover. Are there any entrance fees or one-time charges? Are there other paid services?
Get a thorough explanation of all financial details. Ask about their billing process and payment options.
Choosing the right assisted living community is a two-sided process. It involves both residents and their families.
What's the visitation policy? Knowing you can visit your loved one often allows everyone peace of mind.
How does the community respond to complaints or feedback? They should allow residents' input and use methods to track their happiness, such as suggestion boxes or surveys.
How involved can you be in your loved one's life while they're in the community? Attending events lets you maintain a sense of connection.
One of the final but most important items on your senior living checklist is questions about moving into the community.
Can residents attend events before they move in? This would make the transition easier for them and allow them to see if the community is the right choice.
Does the community do anything special to welcome new residents? Even small efforts, such as moving furniture into their new rooms, can be a major help.
Is there a waiting list, and how long is it for each room type? If it's too long, you may want to move on, even if it seemed like the perfect community.
There are several important questions to ask assisted living communities before you move in. Find out about the staff and if they can provide the proper care.
Find out if they have quality food and amenities. Ask about the transition and how involved families can be.
Liberty Court offers a comforting senior living community. Our goal is to create somewhere you'll love to call home.
Our comfortable and private rooms come in a variety of styles. We also offer a range of indoor and outdoor community amenities. Contact us to talk about trying us out today.