Moving into an assisted living community is a major change in a senior citizen’s life. The process can be daunting. Aging adults may have reservations and fears about the process and what comes after. They may worry about losing their independence or being forgotten by loved ones.
They may also wonder what day-to-day life will look like. Will they make friends with their neighbors? Will the staff do a good job with their daily care? Will their new home be comfortable and welcoming?
Old ideas of clinical nursing homes give these places a bad name. Pinnacle Peak Assisted Living Home offers a cozy setting that feels like home.
Our residents thrive in a clean environment with beautiful furnishings and tile floors. Rooms look like bedrooms with residential bathrooms that are designed for safety. We also provide a patio space with furniture to lounge upon in the fresh air and sunshine.
We are individuals at any age. That means that your loved one’s preferences and needs may vary from those of other seniors. Learning how to find an assisted living community that’s a good fit starts with asking the right questions.
What Questions Should You Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Community?
The list below will help you get started. These cover the essential topics you need to know. You can always add other questions that are unique to your loved one.
- How Long Has This Community Been in Operation?
Facilities that have been open for longer are more likely to be stable. Newer facilities might be nice places to live, but they may not be proven yet. It’s important to find a location that offers consistency in its care with experienced staff. That’s something that often comes with time.
There isn’t a required length of time to look for, but this should factor into your decision when choosing an assisted living community.
- What is the Staff-to-Resident Ratio?
Even though Arizona requires facilities to provide adequate staffing, there is no required staff-to-resident ratio for assisted living facilities. But it’s important to know that the team assigned to care for residents will be able to do so without becoming overwhelmed.
The industry standard is 1:8 caregivers to residents during daytime hours, meaning one caregiver oversees eight residents. This ratio should be smaller for residents who require more care than the average senior, like those found in memory units.
The ratio may change at night. Most facilities maintain a 1:10 or 1:15 caregiver-to-resident ratio during the evening. Care demands go down while most residents are asleep, but it’s still important to know that someone will be available to provide care if needed.
- Is Someone On-Site 24 Hours a Day?
Facilities should have someone on-site 24 hours a day. Residents should never be left without anyone to monitor and assist, even in the middle of the night.
Find out who is on site. Are they trained caregivers or a different type of staff? Are licensed nurses or certified nursing assistants present all day?
Is someone there to respond to call requests quickly, even during the late night and early morning hours? It helps to ask what the average call response time is during the day and night.
No senior should be left on their own in assisted living, even during the evening.
- What Senior Care Services Do You Offer?
Ask what senior care services are provided so you know what to expect as far as the level of care provided. Residents with health conditions or mobility limitations may need more support, making additional services necessary.
Find out if staff are available to assist with tasks of daily living, like grooming, dining, bathing, and toileting.
Even if a resident doesn’t require additional support right now, they may need more care as they age. Moving into a facility that offers these services will make things easier later. Instead of moving to a different facility, they can increase the level of care where they are.
- Are Activities and Social Opportunities Available?
Socializing is essential to senior happiness and health. Find out if activities and social opportunities are provided.
Most facilities schedule a variety of activities each month. These can include group workouts, arts and crafts sessions, movie nights, holiday dinners, musical performances, and more.
Some facilities also provide access to events and activities in the local community.
Studies have shown that seniors who socialize tend to live longer with a lower risk of common health problems.
- What is Dining Like in the Facility, and Can I See a Menu?
Dining is another benefit of moving into assisted living. Your chosen facility should offer a tasty menu of nutritious foods. Staff should also be available to ensure that residents are eating and to provide support when needed.
If a potential resident has a dietary restriction, find out if the facility can accommodate this. Most will provide a special menu for residents with food allergies or those who are diabetic.
Also, ask about mealtimes. Are three hot meals served each day? Are snacks provided? How does a resident get their meals or snacks?
Ask to see a weekly menu to get a feel for what is served.
- What Security Measures Are Used at the Facility?
Security should be a top priority in an assisted living facility. Find out what security measures are in place. Does the facility have cameras installed? Are windows and doors locked? Does someone monitor the entrance to ensure all guests check in and out?
Facilities that offer memory care for dementia patients should have a higher degree of security, with wandering management and units with locked doors.
- What Living Arrangements Are Available?
Ask what living arrangements are available in the facility. Are private rooms available, or are they shared rooms? If shared, how many residents stay in one room?
Are floor plans available? What are communal spaces like, and where are they located?
You should also find out if resident rooms are furnished and if furnishings or décor can be brought in if desired. Some seniors feel more at home when they can bring their own items into their new living space.
- Is Medication Management Included?
Even healthy seniors often take medication. Medication management is a common service in the elder care industry.
Ask if the facility you are considering offers this service. Taking the right dose on time is essential to good health. Staff should be able to ensure that residents get the medication they need every day.
Many facilities work with pharmacies to ensure that the medication is available and administered on time.
- What Happens During an Emergency?
Hopefully, you or your loved one will never have to face an emergency in assisted living. You should ask the staff how these situations are handled. Knowing that measures are in place in case the unexpected happens will give you peace of mind.
Ask about different types of emergencies. What happens if your loved one or someone else has a medical emergency? What if there is a fire or weather-related emergency? What if someone tries to break into the facility?
Also, find out if the facility has emergency-related equipment in place, like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
A good assisted living home will have plans in place for any emergency.
Figuring out how to talk to your aging parent about moving into assisted living can be difficult. Once you do, make sure you keep them in the loop. Bring them along on the tour if you can and give them a chance to ask their own questions. Together, you will find the right place where they can enjoy their golden years in safety and comfort.
