4 Tips for Touring an Assisted Living Facility

Online descriptions and reviews are informative, but you should visit an assisted living facility in person to get the true feel of a place. Taking a tour also allows you to ask questions about services and amenities.

#1: Pay Attention to Cleanliness

Look beyond the reception area and lobby to evaluate the true cleanliness of an assisted living facility.

Here are some good signs of cleanliness and maintenance:

• No odors
• Clean windowsills, baseboards and light fixtures
• Vacuumed carpets in hallways and private rooms
• Plenty of lighting
• Organized common spaces and activity areas
• Clear sidewalks
• No scuffs or damage to walls
• No loose hinges on doors
• Clean shared bathrooms

The grounds of an assisted living facility should also be well-kept. That includes lawn maintenance, gardening and leaf and snow removal.

Ask about housekeeping and laundry to determine how often your loved one will have access to those services.

#2: Have a Meal

Eating in the dining room gives you the chance to sample the food and get to know the other residents. Talk with the staff about weekly menus, daily entrée options and dining policies. Is there flexibility to meet your loved one’s dietary needs? Does the culinary staff accommodate food allergies?

Be mindful of the taste and quality of the food and ask other residents about the consistency of the meals. Pay attention to other diners and monitor their socialization. The dining room and common areas will be places for your loved one to make friends, so use this opportunity to evaluate the social environment.

#3: Observe Staff and Resident Interactions

There are a variety of professionals who will interact with your loved one every day, so make note of how they engage with residents. That includes nurses, dining staff, office personnel and groundskeepers.

You can also ask residents how they feel about their relationships with the team. Are they comfortable requesting help? How quickly do they receive the support they need?

Note the staff’s body language and facial expressions when they’re working with residents. Are they smiling? Do they know residents by name and discuss their needs? Those individuals need to build a bond with residents to ensure each person receives quality care.

#4: Ask About Activities

Tour an assisted living facility during an event or activity. That will give you a sense of the social atmosphere and how the staff engages residents. An assisted living community should have a variety of activities, such as exercise programs, art courses, religious services and community outings.

Your loved one will be able to participate in social activities at their discretion depending on their interests and physical ability. Assisted living can support family dynamics, so ask the staff if loved ones can attend events as well.

Embassy Healthcare Offers a Lifestyle to Suit Your Needs

Your loved one may benefit from assisted living if they want to maintain their independence but require help with activities of daily living. Call 216-378-2050 to learn more about our services and schedule a tour.