Are you or a loved one planning to retire and embrace the golden years? Choosing the right senior living facility is a significant decision, but it can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. From spending hours doing research, to scheduling tours, and asking questions to tour guides – the whole process may seem daunting. At Copeland Oaks, we know you have a big decision to make. That’s why our expert team of caregivers have compiled this list of important questions to ask senior living facilities to ensure you find the perfect fit!
Pricing
The first set of questions to ask when looking for assisted living facilities is about pricing. You will want a clear understanding of what you will owe monthly and if that fits within your budget. Avoid spending your golden years stressing about money by asking all your financial questions before making any decisions. Consider what services you will need, how your income might change in the future, and what other expenses you will have outside of housing. If you have a chance, ask current residents about their experiences with financing their home, if prices have risen, and any other relevant questions.
Examples of pricing questions to ask at assisted living tour include:
- Are all services included in the monthly fee?
- What services are covered by baseline costs (e.g., housekeeping, medication management, transportation, etc.)? How much will I pay for additional services?
- Does rent increase on a yearly basis, or is a rent-lock program in place?
- What are the billing and payment policies?
View an overview of the cost of assisted living at Copeland Oaks, and contact us for more information!
Floor Plans
When planning for senior living, it’s also essential to ask about the living arrangements each senior living facility offers. At this stage in life, you know that floor plans aren’t just about the design of a home – they now determine the safety and functionality of a home. Get a full grasp on what your floor plan options are and consider how your or your partner’s needs might change in the coming years.
If you are moving with a spouse with different needs than you, make sure you both will be appropriately accommodated. As always, try to talk to current residents! Ask them about the floor plan they chose and if they would change anything if they could.
Examples of floor plan questions to ask an assisted living facility include:
- What floor plans are available? What’s the monthly cost per layout type?
- Are couples allowed to live together? If so, how do you accommodate elderly couples?
- Is each unit and bathroom designed to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers?
- Am I able to move if my needs change and I need a more accessible floor plan?
- Can residents personalize and decorate their own units?
- Is temperature controllable? If not, how is it maintained to help ensure residents’ comfort?
Amenities and Services
A practical reason why you might be looking for a retirement community is the amenities and services these facilities offer. Whether you need simple help with managing your medications, appreciate the peace and mind of a 24/7 urgent call system, or are looking for more support at an assisted living with memory care – you want to know what services are available to you.
Some services may be offered in assisted living that aren’t available to independent residents. Additionally, if you or your spouse need memory care, you may have to move units. It is wise to have an honest conversation about your health and any medical conditions with a staff member to fully understand what services you can receive and where.
Aside from medical services, you should also inquire about amenities offered to residents. From fitness centers and game rooms to libraries, transportation services, and snow removal – see what is offered at each facility you tour!
Examples of amenities and services questions to ask at an assisted living tour include:
- What levels of maintenance and housekeeping are offered to your residents?
- Are there any medical services offered on campus (ex: dental, optometry, podiatry, and audiology)?
- How do we set up our utilities, local phone line, and basic cable service?
- What level of medical care is available to each area of residence?
Programming and Activities
Many retirement communities in Ohio, including Copeland Oaks, are known for their excellence in programming and activities. Look for a senior or assisted living facility that supports active retirement, filling your golden years with opportunities to flourish socially, spiritually, and emotionally. On your tour, keep an eye out for how you see residents spending their time. Ask your tour guide to show you activity areas that you might be interested in. And don’t forget to chat with residents when you see them – they will give you the inside scoop on how people spend their time!
Examples of program and activity questions to ask senior living facilities include:
- What types of exercise classes are available and how do they accommodate different fitness levels?
- How can I strengthen my creative side here? What artistic activities are available?
- Are there transportation services available if I want to attend an off-campus activity?
- How often are programs offered throughout the week?
- How do residents get updates if a schedule changes or an activity is canceled?
Caregiver Training
Don’t forget to inquire about the type of training caregivers receive at each facility you tour. You may want to know about their required level of education upon hiring, on-site training, continued education options, and more. If you have specific medical needs, ask your tour guide how you would ensure your caregivers can accommodate those needs. All of this knowledge will make you more comfortable at an assisted living facility, as you will trust your caregivers to do their jobs!
Examples of caregiver questions to ask when looking for assisted living facilities include:
- What level of education do your caregivers need to be hired?
- How often do they receive training to ensure they’re up to date on relevant certifications?
- What types of soft skills does your facility value in a caregiver?
- What is the turnover rate for caregivers at your facility?
- How are caregiver shifts organized? How often will I receive support from the same team members?
Community Culture
Finally, the culture of a retirement community can make or break your experience. The best way to learn about a community’s culture is by touring the facility and seeing what you can observe. Pay attention to the cleanliness of the facility, if it seems generally up to date with technology and appliances, and if current residents seem generally happy. The state of a facility and the satisfaction of its residents will tell you everything you need to know about its overall culture. If you get a gut feeling that the culture is negative – ask them specifically about what you’re seeing.
Examples of cultural questions to ask when looking for assisted living facilities include:
- How does your staff welcome new residents and make sure they feel comfortable in their new home?
- Do residents ever leave the community to live somewhere else? Why might that happen?
- What problems or obstacles do residents tend to face when living here?
- How do you support a resident’s holistic wellness while they’re here?
- What is your facility’s mission statement when it comes to retirement?
Schedule a Tour of Copeland Oaks
Never hesitate to ask questions when touring retirement communities. You deserve to have all the details you need to make an informed decision about your retirement. At Copeland Oaks, we would be happy to answer all of your questions. We offer senior living options to suit everyone, along with a continuum of care to ensure you’re prepared for whatever the future holds. Schedule a tour today to view our vibrant campus and get all your questions answered, ensuring you feel confident in choosing Copeland Oaks as your retirement community!