10 Questions to Ask When Choosing the Right Senior Living Community

#4: What programs and experiences are available for residents?

Ask about social calendars, dining options, and programs like art or fitness to get a feel for the community’s culture.

Do you see smiling faces and hear laughter and chatting on your tour? Are people sharing meals, heading out to activities, and enjoying beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces? That’s a sign of a community where residents are happy to spend time with their neighbors and friends and enjoy the programs and activities the community offers.

#5: What amenities are available to residents, such as dining options, housekeeping services, and help with personal needs?

Living an active, engaged life starts with meeting basic needs like delicious, enjoyable meals, clean living spaces, and support for personal needs like grooming or dressing. Ask about daily and weekly routines available to residents, and ask to see spaces and amenities in action so you can envision your loved one getting their needs met in the community.

#6: What transportation options are offered, and how does the community keep residents connected to the world around them?

While in-community programming is a great way to enjoy each day, senior living communities need to keep residents connected to the greater community. Transportation services allow residents to make it to appointments and enable them to safely venture out for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Visitors are also an essential part of life. How does the community ensure residents can receive visitors in person and stay connected to family and friends who live far away?

What questions should you ask about caregiving credentials?

#7: What certifications and training do team members have, and can we see the community’s licensing and certification information?

Training, licensing, and certifications are crucial for maintaining assisted living and memory care standards. A senior living community should be proud of its team’s certifications and training and readily provide proof and details about how their team is trained, as well as information about their licensing and certifications.

How does the community help nurture emotional health and happiness?

#8: How does the community support residents’ emotional and mental well-being, including access to counseling or support groups?

Emotional and mental health are just as important as physical care. Ask if the community provides access to counseling services, social support groups, or other resources to promote emotional well-being. Learn about staff training in handling residents’ emotional needs and how they foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

How to assess safety and security in a senior living community

#9: What safety features are available for residents, such as staff-to-resident ratios and emergency protocols, and are there additional safety considerations for memory care residents?

Safety needs change as we age, and preventing falls, accidents, and wandering should all be part of safety features in any senior living community. Understanding how a community keeps residents safe and how they handle emergencies can put your and your family’s minds at ease before choosing a community.

What should you ask about costs and budgeting?

#10: What is the pricing structure, and what kind of financial planning assistance is available?

Senior living communities can often connect residents and families with financial support options, as well as help plan financially for the cost of assisted living or memory care services. They should also be transparent, offering you a breakdown of costs for care options and services so you and your family can financially plan for your loved one’s future.