Assisted Living Tour Questions
Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Community
The decision to move to an assisted living community – whether it’s for yourself or for your loved one – starts with lots of questions. You’ll want to read the brochures and website, plus tour the communities to find the one with the right lifestyle and level of assisted living care. The Atriums offers short-term, no commitment stays so you can experience what it’s like to live here firsthand.
Evaluating all the factors can feel complicated. To make it easier for you, we’ve prepared a list of questions you’ll want to ask as you visit.
WELLNESS
Your health is priority one.
Questions to ask
What happens if I need more care than assisted living provides?
Is there a registered nurse or other medical professional available at all times?
Do you provide transportation to doctors’ appointments and medical centers?
If I have a long-term stay in a hospital or rehabilitation facility, what happens to my apartment?
How does your staff respond to medical emergencies?
Are all staff trained in HIPAA policies?
DINING & NUTRITION
When you tour, you’ll probably be invited to share a meal. Don’t pass up the opportunity to sample the food.
Questions to ask
Do I have a choice in meal selection?
How often are the menus changed?
How do you deal with allergies and dietary restrictions?
How much of your food is freshly prepared here? Is it fresh or seasonal?
How long has your executive chef worked in food service?
Are all meals included in my monthly rent?
Is there restaurant-style service or is it buffet?
Do you offer room service?
Are snacks provided?
COSTS
You won’t have time to read the lease and all documents, so ask for copies to take home.
Questions to ask
May I please have a copy of your lease contract that details all fees, rules and regulations?
What services are considered extra? How are they billed?
Tell me about your community fee. What does it cover?
Do you participate in Medicare, Medicaid, VA Aid and Assistance, long-term care insurance or any other payment program?
How do you handle instances when a resident is either late or unable to pay?
What circumstances would force a resident to move out?
Can I bring my pet(s)? Is there an extra charge associated with that?
STAFF
Staff should be greeting you as they pass. Feel free to ask them questions along the way.
Questions to ask
How much experience does your <executive director, chef, program director> have in senior living?
What background checks do you do before hiring staff?
How is your staff trained? How often do they receive training?
What do you do if a staff person takes the day off?
AMENITIES
Is the building well-maintained? How about the outside grounds? Does the furniture and décor make you feel at home? Does the building smell pleasant throughout? Do you see residents socializing in the common areas, game rooms and studios?
Questions to ask
Am I able to bring my own furniture or do apartments come furnished?
How often do you upgrade or renovate the building?
Is maintenance staff available onsite at all times?
PROGRAMS
You’ll want to see the monthly calendar and a newsletter, if they have one. It’s a plus if you can sit in and observe an activity taking place.
Questions to ask
How are residents informed about daily activities?
Do residents have input into what clubs, programs, entertainment is offered?
What activities do you offer that fit my interests and hobbies?
If I’d like to go out on my own, do you offer transportation? How is it scheduled?
Are there onsite worship services?
SECURITY
Here’s where you need to take time to look around the rooms. Do you see call buttons? Safety locks on the windows and doors? Emergency exits clearly marked? Overhead sprinklers? Smoke detectors? Do you see broken equipment?
Questions to ask
Is the front desk manned at all times? Who is at the desk after hours?
How are visitors able to enter after hours?
Are the outdoor courtyards secure and locked?
May I have a copy of your documented emergency procedures?
RESIDENTS
Do the current residents look cared for and groomed? Talk to them, asking how long they’ve lived in the community and what they like best and least about it.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
You’ll want to be assured your voice will be heard.
Questions to ask
How do you onboard new residents?
Is there a resident council?
How are any disputes resolved?
How much input do residents have about programs, activities and menus?
Does the executive director have an open-door communication policy for residents and family?
Your trusted family members and friends can help you take notes and be a good sounding board as you consider the pros and cons of each assisted living community. A second or even third tour will help you make a good decision. Plus, you’ll be more at ease and comfortable with the building, staff, and residents as you move in.
If you have any questions about The Atriums assisted living, please call us or take a tour. Contact us today.