When searching for an assisted living facility, it is important that you come prepared. Whether you are actually touring the community or are just speaking with someone over the phone, you need to be equipped with questions.

With every assisted living community having its own unique qualities and amenities, it is ideal that you ask as many questions as you can to help you determine which is right for your loved one. However, ensuring that you do not miss the most pertinent ones can be hard. To help, we have put together a list of the top 15 questions you need to ask when choosing an assisted living facility.

Questions to Ask Assisted Living Facilities

Question 1: What experience and training does your staff have?

Having an experienced and trained staff should be really high on your list when choosing a facility for your retirement-aged senior. By asking this question, you can put yourself at ease knowing that your loved one will be in good hands.

Question 2: How many staff members are on duty at night?

Usually, since things are calmer, most facilities choose to have less staff available overnight. This is why it is important to know what the staff-resident ratio will be during these hours.

Question 3: Which staff members can administer medications?

There is a possibility that at some point during your loved one’s residence, they will need to take medication. Whether it is something serious or minor, you want to ensure the people that administer the meds at the assisted living community have the best experience and education when doing so.

Question 4: Are nurses available 24/7?

Nurses are very important at a senior living facility as they are in charge of the examinations, tests, and medical management. When going through your choices, keep this in mind.

Question 5: Are you able to care for a patient with  _____ diagnosis?

If your loved one is diagnosed with a certain illness, be sure to ask specifically if they have experience dealing with it.

Question 6: Is there an initial admissions assessment?

Most facilities have an assessment that is required before the admission of a new resident, however, ask to be sure.

Question 7: What types of living plans are available?

Next to staffing and medical care, your loved one’s living situation is another highly important factor. Discuss with the facility their living options and take those back to your loved one to see what they feel will be most comfortable.

Question 8: What is the monthly cost?

For some families, figuring out how to pay for assisted living is a major hurdle. By understanding how much each community costs, you can make an informed decision.

Question 9: What is included in the monthly fee?

This is a given, but during the conversation about the cost, get concrete information on what is included in the cost. This way, you have no surprises when it is time to make the first payment.

Question 10: How do your current residents interact with each other?

While living in the community, your loved one will have daily interaction with the other residents. By asking this question, you can better gauge the atmosphere of the place. Also, you may learn more about the different programs and amenities available to the residents.

Question 11: If there is a wait list?

Asking about wait lists is especially important if you need your family member to be relocated immediately. If you have flexible time constraints, this question might not be as vital.

Question 12: Do you have outdoor spaces for the residents to use?

No one likes to be cramped up in a building all day, and sometimes fresh air is just what a person needs. Be sure to ask about secured outdoor spaces that are available to the residents to walk or just sit and read a book.

Question 13: What is the discharge policy?

There are a lot of rumors that suggest assisted living facilities to have a strict discharge policy. Asking this question ahead of time is the best way to keep down confusion and be better informed.

Question 14: If the needs of my loved one change, what options or additional services would be available?

Unfortunately, your loved one’s health can change without expecting it. Therefore, it is important to know how the facility would adapt the care and living situation of your loved one if this happens.

Question 15: What are your billing and payment policies?

The type of payment the facility accepts and the tentative payment dates are also important and should be understood before choosing a community.

Get the Answers at Holly Hall Retirement Community

Are you looking for the perfect assisted living facility for your loved one? Look no further than Holly Hall Retirement Community located in Houston, Texas.

Contact Holly Hall Retirement Community to today to learn more and get answers to the questions above and more!