Imagine how easier life could be for your parents if they had a hand when getting dressed or someone to do the shopping and prepare a healthy meal.
It’s not uncommon to need a little help as we grow older – but an assisted living community can support your loved one to remain independent and achieve a higher quality of life.
If your family is considering senior living, scheduling a tour is essential so your parents can see first-hand the advantages of community life.
Tips when touring senior living
The benefits and what to look for when visiting a community include:
- Seeing their new home in person
Online searches and telephone calls are a typical place to start, but nothing can replace the experience of personally touring a senior living community.
- Meeting the staff, care team and residents
Take note of how those who will be providing care and assistance interact with others. Also, speak to the residents if you get a chance and ask how they like living there.
- Going beyond the floorplan
Seeing the actual residence or at least one that is similar helps your parents picture themselves living there.
- Sharing a meal
Joining the other residents for lunch will give your loved ones a taste of the quality of food but will also help them take the first steps to becoming part of the community.
- Experiencing activities
Participating in an activity will help your parents meet others and begin to see themselves as residents and joining in socially.
Touring a senior living community: questions to ask
If you aren’t familiar with senior living, it can be helpful to plan ahead for what questions you may have. Consider taking these along with you on your visit:
Touring senior living question #1:
What type of residences are available? Ask what size and types of residences the community offers, including locations and whether a patio, deck or view is an option.
Ask to take a copy of the floorplan with you so you can plan for what furniture can be brought from home.
Touring senior living question #2:
What is the staff-to-resident ratio? This ratio will give you a better idea of a reasonable response time when your parents need assistance.
Even if your parents are living a relatively independent life, you’ll want to be sure they can rely on help and support.
Touring senior living question #3:
What type of training does the care team receive? Ask about the level of training offered – or required – for those who will be providing assistance and care.
Also make sure the care team has experience in attending to any chronic conditions your loved one may have.
Touring senior living question #4:
What type of assistance is available? You’ll want to make sure that the assisted living services offered are a good match for your loved one’s needs.
Common assistance includes help with what is called the daily tasks of living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming or help in participating in an activity.
Touring senior living question #5:
Are there any services not available? If your family member needs more care than general assistance, or if you are looking down the road to a possible need, it’s helpful to discuss this with the community.
Ask what could and couldn’t be accommodated or when a move might be required.
Touring senior living question #6:
What types of dining options are offered? Ask to see a copy of the menu or join the other residents for a meal to get a better idea of what’s available.
Check on whether there’s flexibility for mealtimes, menu choices or eating in their residence if they’re not feeling well.
Touring senior living question #7:
What activities and amenities are included? Keeping active and engaged is crucial to living and aging well. Make sure the community offers the types of activities that are of interest to your parents.
Take a look at their monthly calendar to get an idea of what’s available.
Touring senior living question #8:
How does the community encourage new residents to feel at home? A new community can open many doors of opportunities for your parents, but it can still take time to get comfortable.
Ask what steps will be taken to help your parents feel welcome and meet the other residents.
Touring senior living question #9:
What transportation is offered? If your parent is no longer driving, ask about the transportation options available at the community.
It can support your loved ones to continue living independently when they don’t need to rely on family members or friends for a ride.
Touring senior living question #10:
How is the family supported to remain involved in the care of a loved one? Just because your parents move into a senior living community doesn’t mean you no longer will be involved in their care.
Ask how the community supports the family and includes them as part of the care team.
The Charleston Senior Community
Locally owned and operated, we offer personalized care by our dedicated team members. Setting a new standard in Assisted Living and Memory Care, we don’t define our residents by their limitations or illness but instead believe in focusing on the positive and the possibility.
The Charleston Senior Community includes private apartments for assisted living residents and for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Your loved ones will benefit from our attention to detail, routine health assessments, delicious dining and daily activity programs as we support them to live their best life.
Consider a few of our amenities:
- Chef-led dining program
- Community movie theater
- Salon
- Ballroom
- Live entertainment
- Outdoor patio
- Social lounges
- Housekeeping
If you or your family is thinking about assisted living or memory care, we hope you will consider The Charleston Senior Community. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions. We also invite you to download our complimentary information, A Family Guide to Funding Senior Care & Housing.
