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Touring an assisted living facility allows you to get a first-hand look at the layout and maintenance of the premises. However, there are some things that cannot be gleaned just by looking around. Consider these top 6 questions to ask when touring assisted living facilities near you.
1. What Level Of Care Do You Offer Residents?
Every individual ages differently and has different care needs. Moreover, with age, existing physical or mental health conditions get progressively worse, and other age-related medical conditions may arise. Is the facility equipped to offer the level of care your loved one needs right now or may need in the near future? The answer to this question can influence your final decision. You do want to make sure that your aging loved one will get the care they need when they need it.
2. What Is The Staff-To-Resident Ratio?
Knowing the staff-to-resident ratio will tell you a lot about how much help and care your loved one can expect as a resident. A high staff-to-resident ratio ensures that all residents get the help they need.
3. Is The Staff Available On Site 24/7?
Most facilities do have staff on-site round the clock. What may differ from one facility to another is the type of services offered 24/7. Senior residents may need assistance at any time of the day or night. Moreover, each one may require help of a different nature. When asking about staff availability, you must also ask about the exact services offered. If you know what your loved one requires help with, ask specific questions pertaining to their care needs.
4. What Medical Services Are Available On-Site?
Assisted living facilities vary widely in terms of the medical services that are offered on the premises. In some facilities, medical professionals may be available at certain hours every day at another facility it may be only once or twice a week. A lot depends on the level of care that the facility offers. It’s especially important to get details regarding medical services if your loved one is suffering from a medical condition. In addition to on-site medical services, it’s also a good idea to ask about ambulance services and which hospitals the facility takes residents to in case of emergencies.
5. What Type Of Meal Services Do You Offer?
Dining and menu options can vary widely from one assisted living facility to another. In addition to healthy, nutritious meals planned by a qualified nutritionist, most facilities also cater to residents with dietary restrictions or any type of food allergy. Don’t take it for granted, though. If your loved one has any special dietary needs, you want to make sure that the facility can comply with your request.
6. What Activities Are Available To Residents?
Socializing with other like-minded seniors is instrumental to leading a better quality of life. Most senior communities offer residents a wide range of activities from supervised yoga and tai-chi classes to bingo nights, art classes, and writing or woodworking workshops. While on the tour, ask to see the recreation facilities to get a better sense of the activities available.
Wrapping up our discussion about the top 6 questions to ask when touring assisted living facilities…
Remember… No two assisted living facilities are the same. If this is the third or fourth facility you’re visiting, don’t presume it will be like the others. Ask these questions at every visit so you can make an informed decision about which is the best fit for your aging loved one.