Questions to Ask Before Moving a Family Member to Assisted Living
Questions to Ask Before Moving to Assisted Living
Retirement planning involves more than just your own personal financial goals. You also need to think long-term about dependent family members, such as your parents or other elderly relatives. You may one day face the choice of whether to move an aging loved one into an assisted living facility where they can receive round-the-clock care. Once you decide that someone close to you needs to make this transition, it’s important to ask the right questions to make sure they receive the best care possible.
When considering assisted living facilities, make sure that your parent or loved one is also involved in the decision so that they can feel confident in their new home. Together, take a long look at the options and assess the following:
1. What services does this facility offer?
Ask the facility’s representative about what services are available and confirm that they align with the specific care your loved one needs.
2. Is my loved one’s information safe?
Many people in an assisted living facility have access to residents’ personal data — including their Social Security and Medicare numbers. To protect against identity theft, ask how the facility keeps this information out of the wrong hands.
3. How do you handle medical emergencies?
Always ask what the policy is for emergency care services. What happens if your parent or loved one has a heart attack, suffers a stroke or falls? Will the facility provide immediate assistance before external emergency services arrive?
4. How do you handle non-emergency medical care?
Ask if there is a physician or nurse to conduct physical examinations and distribute medication. Are residents still required to see their primary care physicians?
5. Is your facility up to date and compliant with relevant regulations?
Ask about recent inspections and research any complaints that have been filed against the facility through the Better Business Bureau.
6. What is the true cost?
Talk to the facility representative about the frequency of billing and insurance options. Always ask when and what will be billed and pay attention to any fine print regarding changing costs. While you are talking about the cost of the facility, address extra fees that may be charged for voluntary activities and outings.
7. What is the menu like?
A major factor in your loved one’s health will be the food they’re consuming. Ask about the quality and variety of meals. Will the diet provide all of the necessary nutrients and vitamins? How does the facility handle special dietary needs?
8. What happens at night?
What kind of care and attention will your relative have access to at night? How does the facility handle needs and emergencies after the day staff have left?
9. What is the policy about visitors?
When can people visit and make calls? Make sure you find a facility with visitation and contact policies that fit your family’s needs.
10. Can my loved one leave the facility as they please?
Always ask about taking your relative out for the day or a holiday. Can you pick them up whenever you want? If so, what are the rules for taking them off the premises? Does the facility give you the freedom and independence you and your loved one want?
11. How do you and your loved one feel about the facility?
Is the facility warm and inviting? Do the residents look happy and healthy?
After your initial tour with a facility representative, you might also make several unexpected visits to observe daily life and interaction. Pop in during breakfast, in the afternoon and later in the evening. These unannounced visits will give you a better sense of the true atmosphere at the facility and help you and your loved one discern whether it will be the right fit.
**This information should be considered GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY and is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney **
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