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What to Look for When Touring an Assisted Living Community
Deciding which supportive lifestyle is right for you or your older loved one is a big decision. You want to be sure you choose a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere with caring staff ready to lend a helping hand when needed. That’s why touring an assisted living community and knowing what to look for is essential.
And while it’s true that you want to find a place that just “feels” right…you also want to be sure you make a choice that has everything you need. To make sure, think in advance of what you want to look for, as well as any questions you should ask.
Touring an assisted living community: be sure to see for yourself
During your tour, find out:
- Does it feel friendly? Pay attention to how you are greeted as you enter, and during your tour. Does the staff seem enthusiastic about working there? Are they interacting with residents and other visitors in a positive and welcoming manner? Spend enough time in different parts of the community to absorb the atmosphere.
- Is the property well maintained? Curb appeal matters just as much in an assisted living community as it does in a private home. Note if the landscaping looks fresh and healthy. How neat the entrance is. Does it look updated, or worn out? Touring an assisted living community starts before you ever walk through the front door.
- Do you enjoy the food? A big part of every person’s life is what they eat and the dining experience. Touring an assisted living community today should include trying a meal on a few different days. Pay attention to the menu: is there variety? How does it taste? Are special diets easily accommodated? Cheerful service by the wait staff matters as well. Do they make you feel welcome?
- What type of activities are available? Activities should be about more than just spending time on something. They should be interesting; fun; stimulating. Activities are a way to bring residents together for healthy socializing and engagement. Ask for a sample activities calendar and see if anything stands out. While touring an assisted living community, it’s a good idea to drop in on an activity or two to see if you, or your loved one, might enjoy getting involved.
- Are there good outdoor spaces? Fresh air, blue skies, and the balm of nature…it’s all good for everyone. You want to choose a lifestyle where access to the outdoors is easy and safe, with an area for quiet contemplation, visiting with family and friends, and maybe taking in a lovely sunset. That’s why it’s a good idea to remember to check the outdoor space as well as the inside while touring an assisted living community.
- What are the services and amenities? The goal of assisted living is to offer a carefree, worry-free life, where a helping hand is always close by, and daily chores are a thing of the past. Find out what services are offered, such as housekeeping, scheduled transportation, and more. Check out all the amenities as well. There should be plenty of comfortable, inviting spaces for you to mingle with friends, be entertained, exercise, learn new hobbies and feel at home.
- Is the community managed by a reputable company? As you gather information and impressions on your tour, be sure to ask the nuts-and-bolts questions. Get specific answers about ownership, when the community was opened, what ratings it has achieved, staff turnover rate and other pertinent facts. Later, you can research the community online to see reviews or news items.
Consider the benefits of residential assisted living
For older adults with memory issues or cognitive decline, trying to navigate a large, “big box” senior living environment can be frustrating and even impossible. At Assured Senior Living, our specialty residential homes model is based upon current research and best-practices in holistic senior care.
Small groups of residents share a lovely home, within the larger communities they occupy. Each resident enjoys their own private apartment suite (as well as the option of a shared room, which offers multiple benefits) and several comfortable common areas. It feels familiar; it feels like home.
Delicious, family-style meals are created daily in our well-appointed home kitchens, with residents encouraged to pitch in and feel empowered to actively participate in their daily lives. Our neighborhood clusters of resident homes create a small, tight-knit community where members enjoy the company of close friends and neighbors.
At Assured Senior Living, we’re happy to provide everything our residents need to thrive. If your plans call for touring an assisted living community, we’d love to tell you more about ours.
More than assisted living. It’s home. Contact us today, or download our free Family Decision Toolkit guide for more information.
