If you have a senior loved one in need of assisted senior care, it’s time to look around for a good assisted living facility. There are several factors to consider, so the ideal thing to do is arrange for a tour of the facilities on your list.
It would help if you also asked questions. Getting the answers you need will determine which facility is ideal for your loved one. Here are some of the most vital questions you should be asking.
1. Questions about the staff.
You have to get all the information you can about the assisted living facility’s staff. You will be leaving the care of your senior loved one to them, so it is vital to ensure that they’re well-trained and experienced. Here are some helpful questions.
-What is the staff’s training and experience?
-What is the estimated number of staff members? What is your staff-resident ratio?
-Do you have staff working at night?
-Is there a nursing assistant or a nurse available 24/7?
2. Questions about living spaces, food, and activities.
After ensuring that your loved one is in good hands, you’d want to be sure their living spaces are comfortable, safe, and equipped with the necessary amenities.
-What are the room options we can choose from?
-Do they come with bathrooms, kitchens, and furnishings?
-Can residents decorate their apartments and bring in extra furniture?
-Is housekeeping part of the package?
-Do the rooms come with Wi-Fi connectivity and cable TV?
-Are residents allowed to bring pets?
-Are there common spaces for residents?
-What kind of activities can residents participate in?
-How are meals served to residents?
-Is there a nutritionist or dietician in the facility?
3. Questions about admissions and medication.
It is also essential to gather all the information you need about admissions requirements. Likewise, if your loved one needs medication, you also have to ask all the questions you can think of.
-Is an assessment test required before aspiring residents can be admitted?
-Do you have a waitlist for seniors who need to be transferred or relocated right away?
-How is medication administered and managed?
-How is healthcare provided? Are healthcare visits allowed?
-How much is the monthly fee?
-What’s the billing and payment process?
The answers to these questions will help you choose the best assisted living facility for your loved one.
About the Author
Melissa Andrews is the Content Marketing Strategist for Paradise Living Centers, an assisted living center for seniors with locations in Paradise Valley and Phoenix, Arizona. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and going on hiking trips with her siblings and cousins.
