Choosing the right senior care community for you or a loved one is an extremely important decision. Putting in your due diligence is essential to get all the information you need to choose the best community for your needs. Part of that due diligence includes asking questions during a senior care assessment.
The right questions to ask during a senior care assessment
We want this post to be more of a working resource for you as you prepare to find and choose the right senior care community for your needs. With that in mind, let’s get right to those important questions you should ask any potential community during a senior care assessment.
Please note, these are in no particular order, and you should use this list as a framework. Start with these questions, add or remove any questions that may not work for you or your loved one, and reorganize as necessary to reflect your priorities.
What types of care do you provide?
When vetting potential senior care communities, you’ll want to pay close attention to the types of senior care that are provided. Here at Veranda of Pensacola, for example, our community includes both independent living and assisted living options. Additionally, there are multiple levels of senior care within our assisted living offering.
Will you be able to accommodate my needs?
When asking about types of care, you may want to take lengthy notes (or request a detailed print out). Ask pointed follow-up questions to ensure you have a thorough understanding of whether or not a particular senior care community can meet your specific needs.
In addition to asking general questions about the types of care a particular senior care community provides, you should also walk through your own needs (or those of your loved one), specifically outlining the type of care that you need, want, or a combination of the two. This way, you ensure that there is no gray area between what a senior care community lists and how you interpret that senior care offering.
Is there a medical professional on staff 24/7?
This question can provide essential peace of mind to you and your family. As we get older, accidents can be more common (and more detrimental). Most senior care communities, including us here at Veranda of Pensacola, have a medical professional on staff 24/7/365 in case of a medical emergency.
What is the ratio of staff to residents?
This is another “peace of mind” question that many prospective residents and their families like to ask. It’s important to many people and families to know whether a senior care community staff is overburdened. Of course, you want to ensure you or your loved one will receive timely, attentive care! If you’re unsure about ratios or what is optimal, consider asking follow-up questions and pressing prospective senior care communities to talk more about their care and staff. Any respectable community will patiently take the time to explain every detail of their community and care.
What types of meals do you provide?
Of course, you’ll want to know whether or not you’re going to enjoy the food at a prospective senior care community! Ask for sample menus and as much detail as possible to determine whether there is a culinary fit with your needs and preferences. Here at Veranda of Pensacola, we are extremely proud of our fine dining options, which include many old favorites, plus eclectic new dishes to tease your palate.
What types of activities are available?
While care is of the utmost importance, you’re also going to live in this community. Of course, you want to know as much as possible about activities and amenities that will be available to you each day. If possible, you may even want to ask to participate in some activities and get a taste for what life is like at your short list of prospective senior care communities.
Here at Veranda of Pensacola, for example, we can provide you with an up-to-date calendar, plus a list of the activities and amenities we’ve offered recently. We are also adding activities all the time, so if something you enjoy isn’t on the list - let us know!
You may also want to ask a follow-up question to see if any activities or amenities come with an additional cost outside your monthly rent.
What types of apartments do you have available?
You’ll want to ensure that any potential senior care community has the type and size of apartment that’s most suitable for you and your needs. Whenever possible, request a tour of either the actual apartment that would become yours, or a very similar model apartment.
What is the monthly cost?
To ensure a match between your desires and budget, consider asking about pricing as early as possible in the process.
We’re here to answer your questions and ensure the best senior care fit for your needs.
Our team here at Veranda of Pensacola is attuned to your needs, and wants to ensure the best-possible fit for you or your loved one. To learn more about life and senior care options here, contact our team today.
