7 Questions to Ask When Visiting an Assisted Living Facility

Moving a loved one into a facility is never easy, but it can be easier to do when they're moving into the right facility for their needs. Loved ones who are ready to help can do so by asking about the local assisted living facility and by asking the following questions during the initial tour.

What Is the Pricing for the Facility?

Anyone looking into assisted living communities near you for a loved one will want to make sure they check out the pricing. Don't just assume that the price will be affordable. Ask for pricing and add the total price to the fees to get a better idea of what the overall price will be.

What Are the Amenities and Services Offered?

Amenities enable seniors to have fun or to make new friends. Be sure to ask about amenities, services, events, and more. Ask to make sure the amenities do not cost extra to help save as much money as possible while still ensuring the loved one has a lot of fun.

How Are Caregivers Trained

Caregivers should have training to enable them to work with the patients. Look into or ask about the degrees and certifications required for workers. Don't forget to ask about added training the caregivers receive, whether they engage in continued education and more.

What Is the Staff-to-Resident Ratio?

While there isn't a real standard, it is important to make sure the staff-to-resident ratio is as low as possible. A lower ratio means each employee will work with fewer people, so each person receives more care. Ratios can vary significantly based on the time of day, too, so be sure to ask about that before making a decision.

What Will the FlooPlan Be Like?

The floor plan can vary significantly from one facility to another. Take the time to check out some of the floor plans that are available to see how large they are or how everything is set up. Ask about being able to bring things from home to decorate the room and make it more comfortable.

What Levels of Care Are Provided?

Always ask about the levels of care provided. Though a loved one may just need minimal care in the beginning, they may end up needing more personalized care. It is important to keep this in mind. If there are no added care benefits, the facility might not be a good long-term fit for the senior.

What Security and Safety Procedures Are in Place?

The family may have implemented new safety measures to keep their loved one safe at home, but that isn't always enough. If the loved one needs to move into the assisted living facility, check their safety measures before making a decision. Don't forget to ask about security and how they keep the residents safe.

If your loved one needs to move into an assisted living facility, take the time to make sure it's going to be a great fit for them. It can be hard to find the right assisted living facility, but as long as a loved one takes the time to look into the options and see what's available, they will be able to find the perfect one. Ask all of these questions along with any more you might have to gather the information to make an informed decision.