According to the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), 16.5% of Indiana’s population is now aged 65 and over.
If you have decided the time is right to transition to an assisted living community, you may find the choice overwhelming! Choosing senior care involves evaluating many options, and it can be hard to know which is right for you.
However, our assisted living tour tips will make the choice much easier. By helping you prepare the right questions to ask, we will help you narrow down the search to communities that can meet your long-term needs. As you tour the community, write down the answers so you can evaluate them when you get home.
1. What Level of Care Is Available?
Assisted living communities focus on providing help with the activities of daily living (ADLs). According to the Cleveland Clinic, these include:
- Bathing
- Personal grooming and dressing
- Going to the bathroom
- Eating and feeding
- Moving from place to place
If you need help with one or more of these activities, assisted living is probably the right choice for you. However, not all communities provide the same level of support.
As we get older, our care needs can change. While no community is completely future-proof, it is important to understand what it can and cannot provide before making your choice.
2. What Amenities Does It Offer?
Gaining assisted living amenities insight is crucial to making the right decision. After all, the amenities can make the difference between simply finding a home and joining a community where you will thrive!
Amenities vary greatly from community to community. However, many offer the following:
- Clubhouse with activities, movies, and more
- Calendar of events happening throughout the day
- 24/7 caretaker support
- On-site dining, offering balanced, nutritious meals
If you have a furry friend you would like to accompany you, check whether they are a pet-friendly community. Some offer compounds where pets can stretch their legs without needing long walks in the wider area.
Another amenity many seniors appreciate is housekeeping services. Enjoy a clean, safe home without having to lift a finger. Be sure to ask about the housekeeping arrangements provided when you tour the assisted living community.
3. What Are The Costs and What Is Included?
An assisted living community should make life simpler. You will no longer have to worry about mortgage payments, maintenance charges, and the cost of utilities. However, when choosing senior care, make sure you are comparing like for like.
Ask about the following:
- Monthly fees and what they include
- Additional charges for certain services
- Payment options and accepted insurance
The best assisted living communities are transparent about fees, so you always know where you stand. Having this conversation as early as possible can help you feel confident you are making the right choice.
4. How Is Safety Prioritized?
No retirement community guide would be complete without discussing safety. It is vital that you know you are moving to a community that prioritizes the safety of its residents. So consider asking the following questions:
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
- What safety systems are provided?
- What background checks are carried out on staff?
- What happens when a medical emergency takes place?
The best senior assisted living communities should be able to provide reassuring answers to these questions easily. If they cannot, it may be time to start looking elsewhere.
5. What Training Do Staff Receive, and How Long Do They Stay?
When you move into a senior living community, the staff becomes a crucial part of your life. Caring, compassionate, and knowledgeable caretakers can dramatically improve your life and happiness. So consider digging a little deeper into the staffing arrangements at the community by asking:
- What credentials do staff have?
- What ongoing training do they undertake?
- What is the average staff tenure?
It is important to note that staff turnover is expected in any senior living community. However, if the turnover rate is very high, this may indicate underlying issues. On the other hand, if the staff is comprised of experienced, long-term employees, the result may be a stable and supportive environment.
6. What Is the Atmosphere Like?
Atmosphere is an intangible concept, yet it can make a huge difference to our quality of life. The best communities generate a supportive, friendly atmosphere and bring residents together regularly.
To gauge the atmosphere, consider:
- What social opportunities are created, such as game nights, craft sessions, and outings?
- Are common areas inviting and conducive to socializing?
- What do the current residents say about living in the community?
Penn State University found that socializing regularly helps seniors’ cognition and mental health. So, take the time to ask these questions to ensure that the community meshes well with your personality and aspirations.
7. What Wellness Programs Are On Offer?
One of the key benefits of choosing senior care is the opportunities it provides to engage with wellness programs. However, not all assisted living communities provide the same level of opportunities. Take the time to ask about:
- Outdoor spaces for exercise and relaxation
- Exercise and fitness classes adapted to seniors’ needs
- Activities that support cognitive function in seniors
A balanced wellness program could help improve your health and happiness, so be sure the community you are evaluating can meet your wellness expectations.
8. How Is the Food?
For many people, food brings an immense amount of joy. If you can no longer prepare meals as easily as you once did, make sure the on-site dining options are to your taste.
During a tour, check out the menu. Ask about the types of cuisine they provide. You may even be able to enjoy a meal at the community to test it out for yourself!
Knowing The Questions to Ask Leads to a Great Choice
Now you know the questions to ask when you tour an assisted living community, you are ready to get the best out of your visit. But where should you start?
Rittenhouse Village at Michigan City is the perfect choice for Indiana seniors. Our senior assisted living community combines upscale apartments and resort-style living with 24-hour caretaker support. You can rest easy knowing help is at hand and focus on getting the best out of life!
Schedule a tour today and find the answers to all your senior housing questions.
