How to Evaluate an Assisted Living Community

Throughout their lives, seniors have made many decisions both large and small. The decision about which assisted living community to enter has to be one of the biggest choices they will make, and one of the most difficult.

Family members and caregivers can help with that decision. Let’s explore what people should look for when evaluating these communities.

What To Ask?

The first question is what are the senior’s physical and social needs, as well as the amenities they would like. These considerations should include the senior needs and preferences now, and into the future as well. Currently, do you as the senior just need a little extra help with managing your needs or are your needs more extensive? What are your interests? What activities do you enjoy? And how do you anticipate those needs and interests may change?

The location of the community may be a consideration as well. Do you want to be near family members, or maybe in an area with lots of stores, restaurants, theaters, and community events? Perhaps you prefer a community near a medical center.

What Is The Cost? 

There are two parts to think about when it comes to cost. First, a complete assessment of the senior’s financial status. This should include all savings, investments, properties, pensions, Social Security and Medicare benefits, and other programs such as veteran benefits. The expenses of daily living should also be a part of the financial equation.

Because this can be a complex process, seeking the expertise of a financial advisor might be a wise choice.

Second, what is the payment plan for the assisted living community being considered? Keep in mind, the level of care and services required will impact cost. The more services provided the more costs will rise. Fees are sometimes calculated in a package rate per day when the need for things like assistance with bathing, toileting, dressing, laundry, transfers and walking increase.

The other factor that goes into costs are room sizes and locations within the facility.

The cost structures vary with facilities, so it is important to get a clear picture of total costs and fees before proceeding.

What Services Are Offered at an Assisted Living Community? 

Some communities may offer free transportation to physician offices. Others may have a physician on staff. Can the facility provide prescription pickup services? Do staff run errands? Are there staff members qualified to dispense medications? Some sites do offer medication management and assistance. The following are some of the services offered by Bethesda:

• Physical and social activities
• 24-hour staff
• 24-hour emergency maintenance
• Wellness program
• Weekly housekeeping
• Transportation services

Is There A Waitlist? 

Senior assisted living communities do have a limited number of apartments/rooms and levels of care. The details of how each individual community chooses to operate their waiting list system will vary, so be sure to ask about it. Also ask about waiting list deposit fees.

What Amenities Are Offered? 

Most communities offer three meals a day, but the quality of the food can vary. Some, like Bethesda’s Assisted Living, offer meals and snacks throughout the day and several menu choices.

Some assisted living communities have on-site beauty salons and barber shops, as well as in-house massage therapists. Private dining may be available to residents to entertain family and friends.

Trips to restaurants, stores, theaters, and special community events, and other attractions in the local community, may be provided.

Within the assisted living community, common areas provide space for playing card or board games. And cocktail lounges are also available in some facilities.

Ask to see the community activity calendar. Is it filled with interesting observances, events, and a wide variety of activities for promoting health and social interaction?

Here are amenity offerings that may be provided, such as these can be found at some Bethesda Assisted Living communities:

• Restaurant-style dining
• Private balconies
• Social activities
• Courtyard with walking paths
• Garage parking
• Library
• Theatre/multi-purpose room
• Private dining room
• Business center
• Easy walking distance to restaurants and shops
• Restaurant-style dining
• Private balconies
• Courtyard with walking paths
• Garage parking
• Library
• Theatre/multi-purpose room
• Private dining room
• Business center
• DirectTV
• Easy walking distance to restaurants and shops

Are Pets Allowed? 

They are at some facilities, but there may be restrictions.

Is More Extensive Care Offered If Needed? 

This is an important question to ask if a senior needs to transition to a higher level of care and supervision.

For example, in addition to assisted living, Bethesda offers skilled nursing care and memory support, and its communities are located throughout the St. Louis area.

This means the senior and his or her family do not have to go through a traumatic shift to another senior care organization when needs change.

What To Observe?

Ask to see an apartment.

Note the following:

• What size is the apartment? (Which will determine how many items can be transferred from the home to the apartment.)
• Does it include kitchen facilities? This is important if the senior wants to cook.
• What safety features are present? Are there grab bars in the shower? Is the threshold to the shower low?

Take a look at the common areas.

Are they clean and inviting? What do the dining facilities look like? Ask to see a menu, and sample the food if dining is allowed for visitors.

Look at the facility’s overall décor.

Is it bright and inviting, with comfortable furniture?

Check out the grounds.

Are there places to walk and sit outdoors? Is it well-landscaped and maintained?

Watch how staff interact with residents.

Is there an open, friendly familiarity between them?

Ask to talk to a staff member.

Find out how long they have worked at the facility and what they enjoy about working there.

For more information on assisted living communities, visit Bethesda’s senior living blog.