What Questions Should I Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Facility

What Questions Should I Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Facility?

Finding the right assisted living facility for your loved one entails thorough consideration and inquiry. This concise guide outlines essential questions to ask during your tour, ensuring the chosen residence aligns with your family’s specific requirements.

Questions About Assisted Living Caregivers and Residents

Ensuring your loved one receives attentive care from skilled and compassionate professionals is paramount. Inquire about caregivers, volunteers, and residents to gauge the level of care provided:

• Staff-to-Resident Ratio: What is the staff-to-resident ratio during peak and night hours?
• Caregiver Training: What training do caregivers undergo?
• Supervision: Who supervises the caregivers?
• Medical Oversight: Is there a licensed medical professional overseeing resident care?
• Staff Turnover: How often are new caregivers hired?
• Language Diversity: What languages do caregivers speak?
• Employment Status: Are most staff members part-time or full-time?
• Temporary Staff: Does the facility utilize agency temps?
• Volunteer Screening: What screening process do volunteers undergo?
• Medication Management: Are staff members authorized to dispense medications?

Additionally, inquire about the amount of one-on-one care each caregiver can provide for tasks like toileting and bathing.

Questions About Assisted Living Facilities and Services

During your tour, assess the facility’s maintenance and amenities to ensure your loved one’s comfort and well-being:

• Accommodations: What types of accommodations are available?
• Room Furnishing: Are rooms furnished, semi-furnished, or unfurnished?
• Pet Policy: Are companion pets welcome, and are pet care services offered?
• Common Areas: What common areas and amenities are accessible to residents?
• Monthly Fee Inclusions: What services are included in the monthly fee, and what are offered at an additional cost?
• Transportation Services: Are transportation services provided?
• Dining Options: What meal options are available, and can special diets be accommodated?
• Guest Meals: Can residents invite guests for meals, and what is the cost?
• Smoking Policy: Is smoking permitted, and if so, where?
• Activities: What organized activities are offered, and who coordinates them?
• Safety Measures: Is the facility equipped with modern fire detection and suppression systems? Is there a community-wide medical alert system?
• Increased Care: If a resident’s care needs escalate, is additional support available within the facility?

Asking these pertinent questions empowers you to make an informed decision and ensures the chosen assisted living facility meets your loved one’s needs and preferences.