So, you’ve narrowed down your options for assisted living communities. Now it’s time to tour them all and decide which one you like the best, where you can see yourself thriving in the future.
Touring assisted living communities is a crucial step in finding the right place for you or a loved one. The atmosphere and how the community makes you feel is extremely important. However, you should also do your due diligence and ask important questions about how the community functions and what exactly they offer before you commit.
One of the best ways to find out necessary information about a senior living community is by bringing along a professional senior living advisor, like those at Florida Senior Consulting Advisors. Most of the time, a senior living advisor works at no charge to the senior or their family; thus, there is nothing to lose by enlisting one.
However, if you do not involve a senior advisor, you can go to your tours equipped with our Senior Living Tour Checklist and the following list of questions.
What to Ask When Touring Assisted Living Communities
The following are some suggested questions to ask when touring an assisted living community. If there are any other questions you have regarding your own personal situation, don’t be afraid to ask them, too! This is an important decision and you need all of your questions answered.
1. What levels of care are available in the community?
Understand what types of care are offered so you can assess if the community can meet future needs. Do they offer only assisted living? Do they also have memory care and independent living?
Is the community a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) or Life Plan community, in which you could transition between different levels of care while staying on the same campus? Or would you have to move to a different community if your care needs changed?
These are important questions to consider based on your status now and in the future.
2. What is the cost structure?
Ask about the base rate and what it includes. Inquire about additional fees for extra services or care. Ask if it is a buy-in model or a rental model.
- A rental model has the lowest cost of entry of any senior community option. In this model, residents sign a lease, put down some type of up-front fee like a security deposit or membership fee), and continue to pay rent monthly. This rent covers the cost of leasing the residence and usually includes some amenities and services. Costs associated with higher levels of care are not included in the base monthly rent payment and are an additional fee.
- A buy-in model is associated with Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) or Life Plan communities. In these settings, residents can access different levels of care – usually including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing all on the same campus. Thus, with a buy-in model, residents pay a monthly fee as well as an up-front entrance fee to secure their spot in the community and access to future care as their health needs change.
3. How much does it cost and what is included in the monthly fee?
All communities are different regarding fees and amenities. That is why it is important to ask what amenities, services, and care are included in the monthly fee. As mentioned previously, in a standard rental model, higher levels of care usually come with an additional cost on top of the base monthly fee.
4. What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
A good ratio can result in better personalized care and attention. The state of Florida mandates minimum staffing requirements for assisted living facilities. For example, a community with 26 to 35 residents requires minimum staff hours of 294 hours per week. Plus, for every 20 residents over the age of 95, an additional 42 staff hours are required, which equates to about one full-time employee per 20 residents.
Keep in mind this is the required minimum. The industry standard for staff-to-resident ratios in assisted living is about 1 caregiver per 8 residents during the day, and may be 1 caregiver to 15 residents during the night.
5. What kind of license does the community have?
Make sure to ask what license the community holds. The level of care the community can provide is related to the licensure the community holds. There are a few possible senior living licenses in Florida:
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Standard License
Standard Licenses allow basic assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as grooming, feeding, bathing, and toileting. Communities with a standard license can also help manage medications, administer oxygen, and assist with casts and splints.
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Limited Nursing Services (LNS)
With an LNS license, nurses can provide more extensive services than they could under a Standard License. Some of these higher-level services include applying ice caps, collars, and heat; performing ear and eye irrigations; conducting passive range of motion exercises; conducting urine dipstick tests; replacing indwelling urinary catheters; and applying and changing routine dressings.
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Extended Congregate Care (ECC)
A community with an ECC license can provide an even higher level of care in assisted living, including additional nursing services and total assistance with personal care services. With this license, residents are allowed to reside in the community regardless of any mental or physical limitations that might otherwise prevent them from residing in a community with a Standard License.
Communities with an ECC license can provide complete help with ADLs, more frequent nursing assessments, assistance with medication administration, diabetic management, routine care of amputations or fractures, care of catheters, gastrostomy tube feedings, and hospice supportive care, among others.
6. How is the community’s evaluation from AHCA?
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is the state agency that oversees healthcare facilities and ensures they meet specific safety and quality standards. AHCA regularly evaluates communities and provides public reports about inspection reports, violations, or complaints about the community. These reports can help you make decisions about the safety and quality of care provided at each community.
7. What types of medical and emergency services are available on-site?
Check if there are medical professionals on staff and what protocols are in place for emergencies. Is there a nurse available at all hours of the day in case of emergency? How close is the community to the nearest hospital or urgent care center? These are important factors to consider.
8. What are the options for dining and how are dietary needs accommodated?
Review meal plans, menu options, and how they handle special dietary needs or preferences. Find out if they can accommodate low-sodium diets, diabetes-friendly diets, kosher diets, vegetarian diets, food allergies, and more. You can even ask to try out a meal to make sure it is to your liking. Also be sure to ask how many meals are included per day.
9. What recreational and social activities are offered?
Activities can greatly impact the quality of life and help with social engagement. Most communities offer a daily calendar of social activities and engaging events that residents can participate in at their leisure.
If you are looking for something specific, such as community outings, gardening clubs, performances, history lessons, or more, be sure to ask on your tour if they offer these opportunities.
10. Is it pet friendly (if applicable), and if so, is there a maximum weight limit?
Many independent and assisted living communities are pet friendly. Pets have countless benefits for seniors. If you have a furry friend, inquire about the pet policy and if there are limitations on certain breeds or sizes.
Memory care communities and skilled nursing facilities are not usually pet friendly, but they often offer regular pet therapy and visits from pets. If you are interested, ask about these opportunities, as well.
11. How is transportation managed for residents?
Find out about available transportation services for medical appointments, shopping, and other activities. Also see if there is a community shuttle that takes residents on frequent outings.
If there is no transportation offered by the community, ask if they have utilized transportation services like Senior Consulting Advisors’ Non-Emergency Transport Service.
12. What is the process for moving in and what is required for residents?
Before agreeing to move in, get an understanding of the move-in process, including required paperwork, deposits, and any needed medical evaluations.
This is also something that Florida Senior Consulting Advisors would handle for you when the time comes.
13. What is the community’s approach to safety and security?
Ask about measures in place for preventing falls, emergency response systems, and general security. Is there a 24 hour security guard? What hours is there someone manning the front desk? These are important factors to consider.
14. What is the turnover rate for staff?
High turnover can affect the quality of care and consistency of service. Look for a community with low turnover so caregivers and staff members are more likely to stay consistent, get to know residents, and experience a positive work environment.
15. Can you talk to current residents or their families?
Sometimes the best way to gain insight about a community is speaking to someone who is already living there. Ask if you can talk with current residents or their families to get valuable insights into daily life and satisfaction levels at the community.
Senior Living Tour Checklist
Overall, these questions will help you get a comprehensive view of the community and ensure it meets your physical and emotional needs. Feel free to print out this article along with our Senior Living Tour Checklist and bring them with you on your tour so you don’t forget to ask any important questions.
Free, Local Senior Living Help
As you can see, choosing the best assisted living community can be difficult – especially when there are so many options in Florida!
When it comes to senior living advisors in Florida, work with the best of the best. The local senior living experts at Senior Consulting Advisors have years of experience in the field and know the best communities in the state.
We will advise you on your options but never force you to make certain decisions. We will help you with the senior living process every step of the way – we’ll even check on you after you move in. We offer these services at no cost to seniors or their families.
Enjoy your senior years without the stress. Call our expert senior advisors at (800) 969-7176 or visit SeniorConsultingAdvisor.com to learn more.
