Choosing an assisted living facility is an important decision. Keep in mind that there may be other types of long-term services that may also fit your needs, such as a nursing home or receiving in-home care. This article is specifically looking at assisted living facilities and the 3 most important questions to ask when choosing one.
Question 1. Are they licensed? This is the most important question of all. Not all facilities are licensed. That doesn’t necessarily mean they are bad, but it does mean there are no checks and balances and standards of care that can be verified or audited.
Question 2. Ask what services nurses provide and how many hours a day a registered nurse or a licensed practical/vocational nurse is on‐site. Many facilities do not offer a nurse round the clock. Also ask what the staff-to-resident ratio is during each shift. The fewer residents per staff person, the better!
Question 3. Ask what services are included in the rate you pay, and the cost of any additional services being offered at the facility. Always ask to see the contract you’ll be asked to sign and get a copy of the “Disclosures” that licensed facilities are required to provide.
It’s natural to want the staff to treat your parents with the same care and attention you would provide. While this might be a challenging standard for employees to achieve, it’s important to see signs that they possess a high degree of compassion for elderly residents.
Staff members who enjoy their jobs and maintain a positive rapport with residents are indicative of a nurturing environment for your parents. Take note of how employees, even those not directly involved in your tour, interact with the residents.
If you come across negative reviews online, bring them up with your tour guide. Inquire about their awareness of the issues and their plans for resolution. Their response will give you insight into how they handle conflicts within the facility and whether they approach problems with a solution-oriented mindset or are dismissive.
Avoid assisted living facilities that lack clear conflict resolution strategies. Staff members with a dismissive or negative attitude are likely to respond to your family’s concerns in the same manner.
