Essential Questions to Ask Assisted Living Communities

Mobility problems. Memory issues. Safety and security.

These are all issues that heavily contribute to a family's decision to seek assisted living for their loved ones.

However, not all communities are created equal. Only some will provide the help needed to resolve these issues and get your family member's life back on track.

Here, we'll discuss:

• What questions to ask assisted living communities to ensure their quality
• What to look for in their answers
• Tips for open and honest communication

Read on to learn what to ask elder care communities before making a selection!

What Is Your Pricing Like?

Finding the perfect assisted living community doesn't matter if it's way outside your budget. That's why your first questions for senior care professionals should relate to finances.

Ask questions about:

• Entrance and move-in fees
• Monthly rental rates
• Whether these rates increase over time
• What's included in the base rent
• Whether there are other paid services in the community
• What floor plans are available, and how they impact rent rates

Assisted living decision-making is easier when you only look into communities where your loved one can actually live. There's no sense wasting time touring amenities that you can't afford.

What Types of Communities Do You Offer?

There are several types of Boca Raton senior communities. Independent living:

• Lets seniors live autonomously
• Offers minimal personal/hygiene care
• Gives residents access to activities and amenities
• Helps to nurture social connections in the community
• Makes life convenient with housekeeping and laundry services

Assisted living offers the same amenities and activities as independent living does. However, these assisted living communities offer a bit more support to seniors who need extra help.

Some things on a good assisted living checklist include:

• Personal care assistance
• Help maintaining hygiene
• Activities to increase mobility and memory
• Medication management
• Reminders about important activities and events
• Individualized care

At Veranda Club in Boca Raton, we offer both independent and assisted living. Talk with a professional about what's right for your loved one when you take a tour together.

Do You Individualize Care Plans?

No two seniors have the same needs. Even within assisted living, care isn't one-size-fits-all.

One senior might have a sharp mind and great memory despite being wheelchair-bound. Another may be active and energized but struggle to remember basic facts.

These two residents won't need the same types of care! Make sure that the assisted living community you choose personally tailors care plans to each resident.

You want a community with experts who will:

• Discuss your loved one's needs with you
• Ask your loved one directly what they struggle with
• Figure out how to ensure that new residents are happy and healthy
• Implement a personal care plan for each individual
• Execute the care plan with compassion
• Alter the plan as the senior's needs change

Make sure that they'll keep you informed of progress and changes to the plan.

Questions to Ask Assisted Living: What Do Apartments Look Like?

A person's physical surroundings impact their mental health. Well-appointed living spaces:

• Decrease stress
• Lower the risk of anxiety
• Reduce cluttered and scattered thoughts
• Ensure sensory comfort

This is especially important for those making the transition from life at home to senior living. Your loved one will be happier in the community if they're living in a clean, well-lit space.

Make sure that the community you choose offers:

• Multiple floor plans to choose from
• Natural light and windows in every room
• Gorgeous open-concept designs
• Walk-in closets
• Ample storage space
• Comfortable furniture
• Accessible features like grab bars and low countertops
• Emergency response systems in bathrooms
• Patios for outdoor relaxation

This ensures that your loved one can age in style and enjoy ample space to move around.

What Community Amenities Do You Offer?

You should also ask whether you can see the community's common areas while on tour. These amenities are open to all community members so that residents can spend time together.

Community amenities should include:

• Lounges
• Game rooms
• Outdoor recreation areas
• Fitness centers
• Lush landscaping
• Libraries
• Activity centers
• Mailrooms
• Swimming pools
• Restaurant-style dining areas

A good community in Boca Raton, FL, will be happy to showcase these areas to potential new residents and their families. They'll also be happy to answer questions about each room's hours and what people do there.

Are There Ample Social Opportunities?

Socialization is a critical part of avoiding senior isolation. Isolation leads to loneliness. Loneliness leads to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

Some questions to ensure that your senior avoids these issues include:

• What does your activity calendar look like?
• Do you have regular social events?
• What types of diverse events are there?
• What does an average game night look like?
• How do you get seniors excited about attending events?
• Do you ever have guest-led events in the community?
• Do you ever take residents outside of the community walls for socialization opportunities?
• How do wellness-related events keep your residents active?
• Can I see a copy of this month's activity calendar?

Our Celebrations Activities and Events program offers these activities and more. Ask about their frequency and how we encourage seniors to attend!

How Do You Prioritize Senior Wellness?

You should also ask questions to learn more about community senior wellness programs.

When it comes to health and fitness, ask questions like:

• Do you have a gym?
• How do you make exercise spaces disability-accessible?
• Are there any guided exercise classes?
• How do you encourage seniors to stay active?

You should also ask questions about dining programs. Inquire about:

• Meal plans
• Menu items
• Ingredient quality
• Diversity of meal choices
• Qualifications of the chefs who prepare meals
• Restaurant-style social dining areas

Ask to see a menu if you can!

Start Choosing an Assisted Living Home the Right Way

Now that you have some essential questions to ask assisted living communities, it's time to start choosing a community for your beloved parent or grandparent.

Care professionals at Veranda Club in Boca Raton are excited to answer questions for senior care applicants. We'll provide comprehensive information about our services and amenities. We're also excited to show you and your loved one our community's grounds.

Schedule a tour today to begin making a more informed decision!