Choosing an assisted living facility – whether for yourself or a loved one – isn’t easy. It involves a huge investment of time, energy, mental space and, if you have to travel, money. While covering every aspect of the process is way beyond the scope of this blog – or any blog, for that matter – there are 9 questions you should ask about assisted living that will give you a head start.
Here we go.
#1: Will my needs be met?
In order to answer this question, you obviously need to know what your needs are. What level of assistance are you looking for? Can you handle the basic activities of daily living but you no longer want the burden of laundry, housekeeping and daily cooking? Or are you looking for a place that offers support services like assistance with grooming and hygiene? Do you have special dietary requirements and if you do, can the facility meet them? Make a checklist of what you need to see and then evaluate facilities with that checklist in your hand.
#2: Are there services beyond assisted living?
Think about your current health issues and try to see what else you might need in the future. What happens if your medical situation deteriorates? Are there trained EMTs on site? Ask about rehab services in the event of injury or a stroke and options for memory care if you or your spouse end up needing it. What about physical, occupational and speech therapy? If the facility doesn’t offer it, will they let you bring in your own staff?
#3: Is the assisted living facility licensed?
This might sound like a no-brainer but it’s not. You need to check that the facility is licensed and that it undergoes regular inspections. And don’t rely on what the manager says, either. Check the place out with your state’s ombudsman and/or the Better Business Bureau.
#4: How does medical care work?
Different facilities have different ways of delivering medical care. Can you take your medications on your own, or does the staff bring them to you? Are there telehealth options available? Some facilities offer transportation services to and from medical appointments; is that something important to you?
Another issue to check is what happens to your room or apartment in the event of an extended hospital stay. Will the facility hold it for you? If so, for how long and at what cost?
#5: What about activities?
Just about all assisted living facilities offer activities. Ask to see a sample calendar so you can decide if the facility’s programming works for you. Is there variety? Are you given a choice of things to do at any given time? Make sure that there’s no pressure – whether from staff or from other residents – to participate in activities that don’t interest you. If you’re a member of a faith community, see if the facility can accommodate your religious needs.
#6: Can I afford this?
You’d be surprised, but this is a question people tend to forgot to ask – until it’s too late. While assisted living tends to be less expensive than nursing homes, it isn’t free. Speak to your accountant or your financial planner
#7: What does the price package include?
This is a corollary to the last question. What are you receiving? Do you have to pay extra for TV and internet? Must you eat all your meals in the dining room, or can you cook for yourself if you choose? Find out how things like grocery shopping and medical supplies work.
#8: How does the facility feel to you?
Once you’ve done all your homework, pay a visit. Walk around and speak to residents. Getting good answers to your questions is important, but nothing can compare to what your eyes tell you. Make sure that the facility’s quality of care meets your standards.
Check out the rooms and apartments. Are they barrier free? Are there options? Will you be allowed to bring your own furniture or decorate the apartment according to your taste? All of these have a real impact on your quality of life; don’t ignore them.
#9: What makes this assisted living facility stand out?
Once you’ve done all your homework, sit down and do some comparing. Is there anything that makes a particular facility stand out? You might find that one facility has fantastic programming while another one offers more flexibility with meals. Look for excellence in the areas that are most important to you.
Do you have experience choosing an assisted living facility, whether for yourself or for a loved one? Please share in the comments below!