Deciding it’s time to consider assisted living for your loved one can be an emotionally draining experience. It may even be compounded by their unwillingness to imagine living elsewhere or by family members who do not agree with the possible move to assisted living.
For these reasons and more, finding the right assisted living facility for your loved one is about more than checking boxes—it’s about ensuring their safety, comfort, and quality of life. Touring different communities can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t know what to look for.
To help you feel confident in your decision, our team has compiled a list of 10 essential questions we suggest you ask during your visit.
1. What levels of care do you offer?
Not all assisted living facilities provide the same level of support. Ask whether they offer help with daily living activities, medication management, or memory care, and whether care can adjust as your loved one’s needs change.
Our As Life Goes On assisted living is based on a boutique style approach, featuring the following:
- Comfortable Private or Companion Rooms
- Holistic Care Model
- Healthy Home Cooked Meals
- Assistance with Daily Activities and Weekly Entertainment
- Supervised Self Directed Medication Use
- Housekeeping & Laundry Services
- Transportation arranged as needed
- Themed events for entertainment, including holiday celebrations and observances
- On-site staffing 24 hours per day
Do a little homework beforehand, if possible. Articles like this one can help clarify the general goals of assisted living: Mythbusting the Realities of Assisted Living.
2. What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
A lower ratio often means more personalized attention. Understanding how many caregivers are on-site—especially during evenings and weekends—can give you peace of mind.
3. Are there nurses or medical professionals on staff 24/7?
Emergencies can happen anytime. Make sure the facility has trained medical staff available around the clock or clear procedures for handling urgent health concerns.
4. What is included in the monthly cost?
Ask for a breakdown of fees. Are meals, transportation, housekeeping, and activities included? Are there extra charges for personal care or medical support?
5. What types of apartments or rooms are available?
Tour different living spaces to see what would be most comfortable for your loved one. Ask about customization, privacy, and whether residents can bring personal furniture or decor.
6. What does a typical day look like for residents?
Look for a balance of structure and freedom. Daily activities should be engaging, age-appropriate, and varied—from fitness classes to creative workshops and outings.
7. How do you promote social connection among residents?
Loneliness is a serious concern for older adults. Ask about how the facility encourages friendships and community through events, dining arrangements, and group activities.
For instance, here’s a snapshot of how As Life Goes On supports a robust social calendar for our residents:
The Gift that Keeps on Giving: Socialization in Eldercare.
8. What’s the dining experience like?
Try a meal, if possible. Ask about meal times, dietary accommodations, and whether the food is made on-site. A good dining experience can significantly enhance quality of life.
9. How do you handle medical emergencies or hospital visits?
Understanding their emergency protocols, transportation options, and communication process with families is key to ensuring proper care during urgent situations.
10. Can you speak with current residents or families?
Hearing directly from others who live there (or their loved ones) provides insight you won’t find in a brochure. Ask for referrals or testimonials.
Touring assisted living facilities can be emotional—but asking the right questions makes all the difference. At As Life Goes On Elder Care, we walk families through every step of the journey, helping you choose the best possible care with confidence. Whenever you’re ready to explore your options, reach out—we’re here to support you.
