Questions to Ask on an Assisted Living Tour

Every assisted living tour looks good. The building is clean, the guide is friendly, and lunch smells great. These questions get underneath that. Ask them the same way at every place you visit, so you can compare answers.

Staffing

• How many caregivers are on each shift, and for how many residents?
• Are overnight staff awake the whole shift?
• How long have your caregivers worked here on average?
• Who is in charge when the manager isn't in the building?

Care

• Which levels of care are you licensed for in Arizona: supervisory, personal, directed?
• If my parent's needs increase, can they stay? What would make you ask someone to move?
• Who manages medications, and who reviews the care plan?
• How do residents call for help, and how quickly does someone come?
• Which physicians, therapists, or hospice teams visit here?

Daily life

• May I see this week's activity calendar and menu?
• Can residents wake, eat, and bathe on their own schedule?
• Is the room private? Is the bathroom?
• Can we bring our own furniture?
• When can family visit?

Cost

• Is the rate all-inclusive, or are care services added on?
• What exactly is not included?
• Is there a move-in or community fee?
• How often do rates go up, and by how much in recent years?
• What notice is required to move out?

Communication

• Who calls me if something changes, and how soon?
• Who do I talk to with a concern?
• May I read your most recent state inspection report?

What to watch while you walk

Notice whether caregivers greet residents by name. Notice whether residents are in common areas or alone in their rooms. Notice how the place smells and sounds at two in the afternoon. Then come back once without an appointment.

We are glad to answer every one of these at Heritage Oaks. Book a private tour of our two Tucson homes, or call 520-999-0797.