Key Takeaways
- Tour apartments and ask about size, layout, and personalization options.
- Request a breakdown of services included in monthly fees versus add-ons.
- Clarify move-in costs, payment plans, and accepted financial assistance.
- Ask about amenities, activity calendars, and resident-led social groups.
- Review safety measures, staffing availability, and medical care coordination.
- Discuss dining options, special diets, and resident input on meals.
What to Ask Assisted Living Communities
Choosing the right senior living community for your loved one is an important decision. After all, you want to make sure they’ll be happy, safe, and well-cared for in their new home. So, before making any decisions, make sure you prepare a list of questions. This is a great way to narrow down your options and gain a full understanding of the community during your tour.
7 great questions to ask assisted living communities include:
- What types of homes and services are available?
- How does pricing work?
- What amenities and programs do you offer?
- How do you build community connections?
- What safety and health support do you provide?
- What’s the move-in process like?
- How good is the food?
1. What Types of Homes and Services Are Available?
A strong senior living community supports both comfort and flexibility. That begins with the living space itself, so start by asking about the community’s physical environment.
Floor Plans and Living Spaces
Ask to view a range of floor plans. Check for layout, accessibility, and natural lighting. Some apartments are furnished, while others personalize a space with your loved one’s belongings. This helps you picture how your loved one’s personal belongings would fit into their new space.
Included Services and Add-On Options
Every community includes different levels of support. So, ask for a full breakdown of services included in the monthly fee. This should include help with daily activities, light housekeeping, meals, medication management, and more.
2. How Does Pricing Work?
Budgeting is an essential step, too. It helps your family properly understand how you’ll be financing your loved one’s future.
Monthly Fees and Entry Costs
Ask about all move-in costs, including deposits, application fees, and whether any are refundable. Then, review how monthly fees are determined—like by care level, apartment type, or both. Additional care services may come with added costs, so it’s important to be fully informed of the community pricing structure.
Payment Options and Financial Assistance
Learn about accepted payment methods and whether the community offers any financial assistance programs. Some communities have partnerships with veterans’ benefits or long-term care insurance providers. Ask if there are different payment schedules available or discounts for paying annually versus monthly.
3. What Amenities and Programs Do You Offer?
The on-site amenities and programs directly influence your loved one’s quality of life.
On-Site Amenities and Availability
Tour all the common areas and amenities during your visit. Ask about things like fitness centers, libraries, gardens, beauty salons, and recreational spaces. Check how—and when—these spaces are accessed.
Classes and Activities
Ask to see a current activity calendar to see what types of programs are offered. Look for a good mix of physical, social, educational, and creative activities that promote social connections. Ask how activities are planned and whether residents can suggest new programs or lead activities themselves.
4. How Do You Build Community Connections?
Social connection plays a key role in wellness and belonging. So, make sure you’re asking about the social opportunities on-site.
Welcoming New Residents
Try learning about the process for helping new residents settle in and make connections. Many communities assign buddies or have welcome committees to help newcomers feel at home. Find out how long it typically takes for new residents to feel comfortable and make friends in the community.
Clubs and Social Groups
From book clubs to walking groups, ask what opportunities exist for connection. New residents should feel empowered to join or start groups that reflect their interests.
5. What Safety and Health Support Do You Provide?
Your loved one’s health and safety are always a priority. Take the time to examine the community’s safety systems and ask how the community protects your loved one.
24/7 Staffing and Emergency Response
Ask if associates are available 24/7 and how emergency response systems work, both in apartments and shared spaces. Consistency and proactivity are the keys to preserving every resident’s quality of life.
Medical Services and Care Plans
Find out how the community collaborates with healthcare providers. Ask how care plans are created, monitored, and adapted. The care plans should change over time as your loved one’s needs and abilities shift.
6. What’s the Move-In Process Like?
Ask about current availability and typical waiting times for the type of apartment your loved one prefers. Some communities have longer waits for certain floor plans or locations within the building.
Moving Support and Services
Learn what kind of support the community provides during the moving process. This can take away a significant amount of stress from the move.
Getting Involved Before Moving In
Ask if your loved one can attend meals or activities before move-in. This can ease anxiety and help them connect early on. It also helps to look into orientation programs or gradual transition options that might make the move easier for your loved one.
7. How Good Is the Food?
Dining should be nourishing, flexible, and enjoyable. The right community should offer a range of dietary options and nutrition plans to keep your loved one healthy every day.
Meal Preparation and Dining Options
Ask about menus, dining times, and flexibility. Can residents choose where they eat? Is in-apartment dining available when desired? Ask to see the dining room and learn about meal times and service styles. Find out if meals are prepared on-site and whether menus change regularly.
Special Dietary Needs
If your loved one has specific preferences, allergies, or cultural traditions, ask how meals are adapted. Residents should also have a say in shaping the menu.
What to Look for During a Visit to Assisted Living
Asking the right questions gives you more than just answers—it builds confidence. A great assisted living community isn’t just a place to live. It’s a place to belong.Here at Village of Belmar, we’re ready to show your family what your loved one’s life could be like. We’ll answer any questions you have and show you everything our community has to offer. Book a tour today to explore our community and see how we can support your loved one!
