If you or a loved one is exploring assisted living or memory care options in the Bay Area, it can be difficult to know what to look for when visiting a senior living community. To ensure you’re prepared and informed when it comes time to visit, we’ve rounded up a few frequently asked questions, along with some things to keep in mind. Knowing what to look for and asking the right questions will bring you one step closer to finding the senior living option that best aligns with your or your family’s needs.
OBSERVING THE ENVIRONMENT
- Is the community clean and well-kept?
- Does the environment seem safe and secure?
- Are residences private or shared?
- How’s the lighting? Do spaces appear warm and welcoming?
- Are there shared common spaces for residents to gather and socialize?
EMBRACING COMMUNITY LIFE
- Do the dining venues accommodate dietary limitations or restrictions?
- What kinds of programs, activities, and events are available for residents?
- Does the community partner with any local initiatives or organizations?
- Is there transportation available?
- Is the community pet-friendly? If so, are there restrictions to the pet policy?
GETTING TO KNOW THE STAFF
- Is the staff qualified? Don’t be afraid to ask about experience and credentials.
- What kind of training do assisted living team members receive?
- What kind of training do memory care professionals receive that makes them qualified to care for those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia?
- Observe how the staff interacts with the residents. Do the interactions appear genuine and sincere?
- Is skilled nursing care available if I or my loved one needs it?
UNDERSTANDING THE COSTS
- How are fees structured? What is covered in the monthly fees? What isn’t covered?
- How might costs change if a resident requires a higher level of care?
- If my loved one depletes their financial resources through no fault of their own, is benevolent care offered?
- What additional fees should I expect?
Preparing for your senior living visit is an important step in the decision-making process. When you ask the right questions, you get the answers you need to make an informed decision about you or your family’s future. You’ll leave the community knowing you’ve made the most of your visit, and you’ll have confidence in selecting the senior living community that will make you or your loved one feel most at home.
