Ask These Questions Before Deciding On An Assisted Living Community

If you have a loved one or parent who simply can't live independently anymore, or if you have reached a point in your life where you are unable to keep up with daily tasks, it might be time to look into an assisted living community. Settings such as this can help seniors stay safe and healthy and offer the support of an entire community.

It might feel overwhelming to narrow down your choices because there are so many options where senior living communities are concerned. Here's a good first step: Consider the needs of your loved one. Let this help you determine precisely what you're looking for in an assisted living atmosphere. How will it fit with the needs of your loved one? Now you can begin the search for a new home in an assisted living community.

This Is a Big Decision

Because the decision to move to an assisted living community is a life altering one, it's important – if possible – for everyone be on the same page. Don't spring this on your parents without first discussing it at length. If possible, when you tour the community, take them along. It may be very hard for an aging parent to view their life in any kind of home but "their own". If things get too difficult, you may even consider bringing in a professional to help you and your parent make the transition.

Taking the First Step

One of the first things to do is to take a tour of the community you're considering. Get a feel for the place. Observe residents, review the amenities, meet the staff. Throughout the process, ask a lot of questions! This way, when you make your final decision, you can have confidence in it. What questions should you ask?

To assist you in your endeavor, here is a list to go through when touring any assisted living community.

Questions to Ask During Your Tour

• What is your process to identify when a resident needs a higher level of care?
• For activities, services, etc., are there added fees?
• Please explain your billing policy.
• If, while living there, the person's personal needs change, are additional services available?
• Is there an activity calendar I can see?
• For doctors’ appointments and more, do you provide transportation?
• Can I meet the family of someone who currently lives here and talk with them?
• Do you have a policy for a waitlist?
• What are the differences in price or the per-apartment monthly costs?
• What is the availability of apartment types?
• Prior to moving in, do you do an assessment?
• Do you have experience with diabetes? Parkinson's? Alzheimer's?
• What type of safety measures and security do you have in place?
• Is an in-house physician available?
• How many on staff nurses do you have?
• Are medications administered by staff and, if so, what's the process?
• Is there 24/7 staff on-site?
• For residents with Alzheimer's or memory loss, is your staff specifically trained?
• What kind of staff training is completed in general?
• For each resident, how many staff members are present?

Searching for an Assisted Living Community? Search No More!

If you have been looking for an assisted living community for yourself or a loved one, your search is over! Please allow us to introduce you to Discovery Village At The Forum.

With both assisted living services and independent living opportunities, here at Discovery Village At The Forum, we have the precise aging-in-place environment you've been looking for.

Contact us today if you'd like to find out more. Better yet, schedule a tour!