Assisted Living | What Should I Look Out for When I Visit?

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When you’ve completed the initial search stage and are ready to narrow down your assisted living facility options, it’s vital to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Before you consider visiting or signing on with a particular residence, ask for the following:

  • The facility or company brochure (many places have a digital version available on their website)
  • A copy of a typical resident’s contract. Make sure this includes the terms and conditions, as well as a cost breakdown
  • Details on the facility’s waiting list procedure. If they already have an active list, find out how long your potential wait period will be

If those preliminary steps yield positive results, the next step is scheduling an in-person or virtual visit to the retirement facility. Ideally, seniors should visit the facility with a family member or a close friend.

When visiting an assisted living facility in-person or virtually, do so with a family member or close friend. During the visit, keep the following questions in mind: 

General Questions

  • Does the facility make a good first impression? Why or why not?
  • Are the manager and staff friendly and welcoming?
  • Are the unit and the communal areas clean and well-maintained?

Care and Accessibility 

  • Does the facility meet my current health needs?
  • Can the home support me if I need additional assistance due to illness or a disability?
  • What kind of care is available if I need medication assistance?

Living Spaces 

  • Do I share my living space with anyone else?
  • How clean and well-maintained is my unit?
  • Is there access to an outdoor area, like a garden? What about lounge areas?

Meals 

  • What kind of meals are served daily?
  • How often do meals change?
  • Do you cater to special dietary requirements? What about cultural preferences?

Visitors

  • What is your visitor policy?
  • Are there visitor restrictions such as the number of visitors or time they can visit?
  • Can visitors stay overnight?


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