Touring an Assisted Living Community: Important Considerations

When an elderly loved one begins to have trouble caring for themselves, it may be time to have a conversation about assisted living options. By moving into an assisted living Villanova area, a loved one can receive the level of care and attention they need while still leading as independent a life as possible. While exploring assisted living communities with a loved one, however, there are some important steps to take to help guide that choice.

Ask to Eat a Meal On-Site

The quality of the food served to residents at an assisted living community is very important; meals should be made with fresh ingredients, and should be nutritious so as to keep residents feeling their best. Any reputable assisted living community should be happy to allow visitors to sample a meal on-site.

Visit During a Busy Time

To get a true idea for how the community is run, it's best to visit during a busy time when there is a lot of activity. Generally, this will be during the evening hours, when planned activities will be taking place, staff will be helping residents prepare for bed, and meals are being served. 

Talk to Security Staff

Security is extremely important, especially when it comes to residents who may be dealing with memory problems or dementia. When touring an assisted living community, it's a good idea to take the time and speak with security staff. Find out what their staffing is like, as well as their training and protocols put into place. What measures are being taken to prevent security problems within the community?

Chat With Other Families

Finally, if possible, it's always smart to speak one-on-one with family members of current residents during the visit. This will ultimately give the best insight as to how the community is run and the level of satisfaction from family and residents. Not to mention, this could even give a loved one a chance to connect with another resident within the community, helping them feel more comfortable if and when it comes time to move in.

Touring an assisted living community is a great way to find out whether or not it may be a good fit for an elderly loved one. By taking these steps during a visit, it's possible to make a better informed decision with the help of the loved one.