Anyone who’s ever been on a job interview understands the importance of preparing questions in advance. This is also vital when touring an assisted living community. Your final choice is a significant decision that you and your family will be living with. We recommend getting as much information as possible.
Assisted living interview questions allow families to understand the range of services offered, ensuring a tailored fit for their loved ones. Thorough inquiries also highlight community protocols, promoting your peace of mind. This process also encourages open communication.
Here are five essential questions to ask when looking at assisted living communities, with detailed explanations. That’s followed by 43 more specific questions you may not have considered.
Remember that more questions will likely come up during the tour. Take plenty of notes so you won’t forget the answers, and follow up with more inquiries if needed.
Licensing and Accreditation
The first question should be about the community’s licensing and certification. Phone the community first to get this information.
Assisted living communities should be licensed by the state and accredited by a nationally recognized organization. Two of the latter include:
- The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
- The National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA)
Certificates vary by location. Personal care is a standard service in some Kentucky senior communities. That’s similar to assisted living, but these licenses provide a higher care level. A personal care license also mandates on-site medical directors.
Available Levels of Care
Assisted living communities offer different levels of care, depending on each resident’s needs. Most provide essential assistance with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and grooming.
Make sure they offer a move-in assessment. Once completed, the community might provide individualized services in a personal care plan. Some offer tiered care level lists.
One of the most essential questions to ask about assisted living pertains to continuing care. Can they accommodate a resident’s transition from independent living to assisted living or memory care? Also, see if they offer memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
Find Out About the Amenities
When touring assisted living communities, ask to see the available amenities. Most communities offer common areas such as:
- Formal dining rooms, cafés
- Exercise areas
- Libraries
- Activity rooms
- Outdoor spaces
Many offer on-site amenities like salons and on-site shopping; some even have swimming pools and transportation. These features provide residents with opportunities to socialize and stay active.
Most communities would happily offer you a meal, so see if the food is nutritious and tastes delicious. Also, ask if they accommodate special diets and provide special meals for holidays and other occasions.
See What the Monthly Fee Includes
Monthly fees for assisted living communities vary depending on location, apartment size, level of care required, and amenities. A key question to ask about assisted living is the separate monthly cost items. That way, there are no surprises down the road.
The typical assisted living community monthly fee covers room, board, utilities, housekeeping, and laundry services. Additional ones might be cable TV, internet access, and transportation services.
Inquire About Activities and Programs
Most senior living communities offer activities for socialization and physical and mental well-being. Those include exercise classes, arts and crafts projects, cooking classes, outings to local attractions, or religious services.
If your loved one has a particular interest or hobby, ask if the community has an activities calendar. They might even be open to new programs.
Additional Assisted Living Interview Questions
An assisted living community tour is your chance to conduct a thorough interview, so take advantage of the opportunity. These 43 in-depth questions for assisted living community team members will help you narrow down your choices.
General Questions
- What is your philosophy on assisted living?
- How do you define assisted living, and what services does it include?
- Can I see a copy of your license?
- How long have you been in business?
- What accreditations or awards do you have?
- Are there any age restrictions for residents?
- What are your policies for accepting new residents?
- How many residents do you currently have?
- What is the average length of stay for your residents?
- Do you have private or shared rooms?
- How many floor plans do you have?
- How do your transportation services work?
- What recreational and social activities do you offer?
- Can I try a meal?
- Can I sit in on an activity?
- Can I talk to a resident ambassador?
- What’s your policy on family involvement?
- When are visiting hours?
Financial
- What are your fees, and what do they cover?
- Are there any additional fees?
- Do you offer discounts or financial assistance?
- Do you accept Medicaid or other forms of financial assistance?
- What payment options do you have?
Memory Care Questions
- What care and assistance do you provide for dementia or Alzheimer’s residents?
- Do you have a signature memory care program or approach to care?
- How do you protect your memory care residents?
- How do your caregivers adapt to residents’ individual needs?
- Does the culinary team provide brain-healthy meals?
More Senior Living Questions
- Do you have a nurse on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week?
- Do you have on-site medical caregivers?
- What type of on-site medical team members do you have?
- What are your medical team members’ qualifications?
- Do the team members receive additional training?
- What type of care does your medical team provide?
- Do you have any visiting specialists or therapists?
- What are the community’s policies on medication administration?
- What are the community’s policies on falls?
- What are the community’s policies on nutrition and hydration?
- What are the community’s policies on infection control?
- How many caregivers are on duty during each shift?
- What is the caregiver-to-resident ratio during each shift?
- How often are team members given breaks?
- Do the team members enjoy the work environment?
Planning for a Senior Living Community Tour
Any reputable assisted living community will welcome visitors to tour its properties. Many offer VIP tours for an in-depth look. These typically last two to four hours and include lunch or dinner with team members and current residents.
Do your research in advance: Browse assisted living websites, blogs, and senior advisor forums. Determine if you’ll be attending alone, with a family member, or with your loved one. Think about what your mom or dad wants and see and which aspects of each community appeal to them.
Have your assisted living interview questions on hand, and don’t be shy about touring more than once. If your first one was in the morning, return on another day around dinnertime; bring more questions for your second visit.
Arrange a Tour at a Civitas Assisted Living Community Near You!
Having the right questions to ask senior living facilities helps you find the best fit for you or your loved one. We’ll provide the information you need to make an informed decision.
Find a Civitas Senior Living community near you and contact them for a tour of the senior living service you or a loved one needs!
