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I am often asked, “What questions do I need to ask before moving my loved one into an assisted living community?” Here is a pretty comprehensive list, but bear in mind, you are going to want to find most of these out through observation! Don’t show up and fire a million questions at the marketing director. I’m sure you can probably think of more questions as you go through this list.
- What activities are offered?
- Are there activities for people living with dementia, specifically?
- What about downtime? How much downtime is there for residents?
- What precautions do you have in place for people living with dementia in terms of safety? Locked doors? Alarms?
- Is this community designed specifically for people living with dementia?
- What time is breakfast? Lunch? Dinner?
- Are the other residents here about where my loved one is with regards to their cognitive ability?
- What time do residents wake up? What time do they go to sleep?
- Are there snacks offered throughout the day?
- How is the food?
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio? What about on third shift?
- Are there RNs and LPNs on staff, or just CNAs/caregivers?
- About how long do residents live here? Until they pass away?
- What hospice companies do you normally use?
- Do you provide towels, toilet paper, soap, shampoo? What do we need to provide?
- What furniture is in each resident’s room?
- Are your staff members trained in dementia care? (If you ask this, they will say yes, even if it isn’t truly TRUE. Observe for yourself to find out.)
- If I need to reach a staff member via phone, who would I call? What if it’s the middle of the night?
- How many times per week do residents receive assistance in the shower?
- Are there many families who visit regularly?
- What outings are offered for residents?
- What entertainment is offered for residents? Does someone come in to sing or play an instrument?
