Did you know that 20 million adults ages 55 and up have difficulty completing activities of daily living? According to the Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis, only 11.6 million of these seniors receive help.

If you have difficulty with daily tasks, consider moving into an assisted living community. Their personalized care services will ensure you receive support.

Unsure of which questions to ask assisted living communities or which community to choose? Read on to learn more!

Questions to Ask Assisted Living

Before drafting a list of assisted living inquiries to ask, consider your daily needs. Completing a senior care evaluation can help you determine which communities to prioritize during your search.

Assisted living communities encourage residents to maintain an active, social lifestyle while ensuring they receive care. Their services may cover:

Meals
Laundry
Medication management
Housekeeping
Dressing and grooming
Assistance using the bathroom

Determine your top priorities and concerns. Then, use these community tour questions before choosing senior living.

Do You Offer Personalized Services?

First, determine if the community has an elder care assessment process. This allows them to determine how much support to provide each resident. They’ll use the information they gather to personalize your care services.

A needs-based assessment allows them to determine the right level of care. They may test your physical and cognitive health, considering your:

Medical conditions
Gross and fine motor skills
Mobility
Depression and anxiety levels

Determine if they’ll personalize their services. If they don’t develop a customized, comprehensive care plan based on your needs, keep searching. A well-tailored plan should consider your personal interests and health requirements.

What Training Does the Team Undergo?

While drafting your list of community tour questions, don’t forget to ask about the staff. Look for a well-educated, certified, and friendly team. They’ll help create a happy, supportive living environment.

Ask each community about their company compliance standards. Consider their:

Philosophy
Evaluations
Orientation practices

During your tour, try to talk to people in different departments. Ask therapy, social programming, and medical professionals about their credentials and services. You can also ask:

Does the community perform background checks?
What is the caregiver-to-resident ratio?
Does the staff make residents feel welcome?
What experience and training does the staff have?
Do caregivers meet scheduled and unscheduled needs?
Can residents contact a licensed professional during emergencies?
Do caregivers assist with activities of daily living?

Asking these questions will help you find a qualified, experienced team that can meet your needs.

What Are the Accommodation Options?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are 32,231 residential care communities in the US. Unfortunately, not every community will meet your level of preferred comfort. Choose a community that feels like home.

To learn more about each community’s accommodations, ask:

What housing style is available (apartment, suites, etc.)?
How much privacy can I expect?
Are the accommodations peaceful?
Is there a minimum residency age?
Can I see options for different living spaces?
Are there options to customize my space?

Explore different floor plans and sizes. Look for a layout or space that suits your needs and preferences.

Ask questions about soundproofing, shared spaces, and privacy. Look for options that will help you maintain your independence while ensuring you receive care.

What Amenities Do You Offer?

While drafting these questions to ask assisted living communities, consider your daily routine. Look for communities that offer enriching activities and opportunities to socialize. These communities can improve your happiness and overall well-being.

According to the National Library of Medicine, about 24% of community-dwelling adults ages 65 and up are socially isolated. Isolation can increase your risk of depression, dementia, or premature mortality.

To avoid social isolation, look for vibrant communities that offer engaging programs. Ask:

What is the community’s atmosphere like?
Are there pet policies?
What recent events have you hosted?
How does the community foster social interactions?

During your tour, try to speak with some of the residents. Look for a community that’s welcoming and friendly. You’ll feel at home and enjoy a better quality of life.

How Do You Prioritize Resident Health?

As you age, your health needs will evolve. For example, you’ll be more susceptible to chronic conditions. Choose a community that prioritizes health and wellness.

While evaluating communities, ask:

How do you promote physical activity?
Do you offer a fitness program?
What does the dining program include?
How do you ensure residents meet their nutritional needs?
Are personalized care plans updated regularly?

Look for a caring, compassionate staff that’s committed to improving your health. Staying in good health can enhance your quality of life.

What Are the Costs?

Before choosing a community, understand the costs involved. Ask questions about:

Monthly fees
Included services
Payment options
Financial assistance programs
Veterans’ benefits
Rent increases
Guarantees

Some services aren’t included in the base rate. Ask about potential extra costs before signing a contract.

How Do You Ensure Safety and Security?

Choose a community that makes you feel safe and secure. You can ask:

What security measures are in place?
How do you prevent slip-and-fall accidents?
Are there specialized services for memory care?
How do you prepare for natural disasters?
Do you have regular fire drills?

Look for communities that are proactive regarding resident safety and security. These communities are more committed to resident well-being.

Choosing Senior Living Communities

After asking these assisted living inquiries during your tour, review your notes. Compare different communities and determine what makes each unique.

If you have any remaining questions, reach out. Ask the community to clarify if necessary.

Consider scheduling a second tour on a different day or time. This can help you gain a broader perspective.

Find Your Community Today

Don’t rush to choose a senior living community. Instead, prepare a list of questions to ask assisted living teams. Asking these questions will help you find a community that meets your needs.

Otherwise, simplify your search by choosing Morada Lake Hefner. We offer quality care while respecting each resident’s independence.

Discover our individualized care plans, coordination of care, and fulfilling lifestyle programs. Contact us now to schedule a tour.