Finding the right assisted living community for a loved one can feel overwhelming, but being well-prepared and having a plan can make the process easier and help you make an informed choice. This blog covers what to look for in an assisted living community, with helpful tips, an assisted living tour checklist, and questions to consider, ensuring a positive experience and helping you meet your loved one’s needs.
The right time to start considering assisted living questions to ask is when you begin to recognize signs that your loved one might need a helping hand. Here are three common situations:
- Personal care: Perhaps you’ve noticed them struggling with daily tasks like dressing, bathing or preparing meals. These challenges with daily activities may indicate they could benefit from the support and specialized daily care that assisted living communities provide. Noticing such struggles—whether minor or more significant—is often what causes families to begin considering what to look for in an assisted living facility.
- Health and medication management: If keeping track of medications has become difficult, or frequent medical appointments are part of their routine, an assisted living community with on-site health services and medication support might be just what they need.
- Interacting with others: Social isolation can also affect well-being. If your loved one is spending more time alone and lacks regular social interactions, it might be time to start researching assisted living.
Before the Tour
Preparation is key in determining how to choose the right assisted living facility. For a successful tour, be sure to:
- Do your research. Make a list of potential communities and review their features, including amenities, in-home care options, fitness programs and activities calendar.
- Identify needs. Determine what your loved one needs, such as assistance with daily living, medical support, social activities or transportation.
- Create a list of questions to ask. For instance, you might ask about meal quality, medical services or the safety features provided. We’ve got you covered with the perfect start below!
During the Tour
When visiting an assisted living community, focus on the environment and specific services offered. Here’s a sample checklist of questions to ask when choosing an assisted living facility and what to look for in an assisted living facility.
Environment & Atmosphere
- Is the community clean, well-maintained and welcoming? Look for cleanliness, well-kept grounds, and inviting spaces such as a movie theater, bistro, taproom and covered patios.
- Are living spaces comfortable and private? Check if all residences are private, with options for studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.
- Does the community offer weekly laundry service?
Care & Support
- What levels of care are offered? Ask about options like personal care, nursing services, emergency response systems tailored to individual needs and hospice services.
- Are caregivers certified nursing assistants (CNAs)? Confirm that trained CNAs are on staff.
- Is there on-site medical and emergency support? Ask about medical visits, emergency systems like pull-cords in bathrooms, and the availability of 24/7 staff and overnight security.
- Does the community provide scheduled local transportation to medical appointments, shopping and community outings?
Dining & Nutrition
- How are meals provided? Find out if balanced meals and snacks are offered in an on-campus dining room and if dietary needs are accommodated.
- Is there a private dining area for parties and family gatherings?
Social & Enrichment Activities
- What types of daily activities and events are offered? Look for various options, from fitness classes and social events to creative arts and spiritual services.
- Are social gatherings encouraged? Check if there are regular events like happy hours and off-campus outings.
Safety & Security
- What safety features are in place? Ask about emergency response systems in each apartment and the presence of 24-hour security at the community.
- Are staff available around the clock, and how do they respond to emergencies?
Worship & Spiritual Spaces
- Are there designated worship areas? Confirm if there are dedicated spaces for spiritual practices.
Maintenance & Upkeep
- How is maintenance managed for both apartments and community spaces? Find out how often maintenance is performed and who is responsible for community-wide upkeep.
After the Tour
Gathering these essential details and following an assisted living tour checklist will help you evaluate if the community is the right fit for your loved one. After visiting, review your impressions and consider these final points:
- Was the staff welcoming and knowledgeable? Think about how staff members interacted with you and your loved one.
- Did the community address all your questions? If not, contact them for follow-up.
- Evaluate and compare each community’s amenities, like an indoor pool, libraries, scheduled transportation, community Wi-Fi and fitness programs.
- Consider cost, transparency and the most recent fee increase. Make sure you understand all fees, including the level-of-care fees and which utilities are covered, such as electricity, water, gas, basic cable and trash.
Discover Assisted Living at The Carrington
Assisted living at The Carrington provides a supportive, uplifting environment for seniors who value independence but appreciate help with daily tasks when needed. Residents enjoy all-private accommodations and a lifestyle rich with meaningful activities, promoting a sense of belonging and purpose. Every detail, from the inviting decor to exceptional restaurant-style dining, offers comfort, dignity and a fulfilling experience that exceeds expectations.
Each day offers engaging activities like creative arts, fitness classes, and intellectual events like TED Talk discussions and themed “Passport to the World” gatherings. Nature outings and social events like poker night, movie night and Happy Hour build friendships, while wellness classes like Zumba, boxing and aqua fitness promote strength and balance in a welcoming atmosphere.
For more information on what The Carrington offers, visit us online; then contact us for a personal visit. Bring your assisted living tour checklist with you!
Featured Image: Lucigerma / Shutterstock
