The Senior Living Search: Key Questions for Making an Informed Choice

Embarking on a senior living search for a cherished loved one? You probably have a few things in mind that you hope to find, but you may have no idea what’s out there. That’s okay—at Carriage Crossing Senior Living, we are here to help.

We know that when it’s about someone you love, it’s much more than just finding a new address. It’s about giving mom or dad the highest possible quality of life. 

Where will they feel most at home? 

Who will provide the care?

What will their days be like?

To help you make the right choice, we’ve put together a few questions to get you started.

Questions to ask in your senior living search:

• What is the overall mission of this community?     

It’s always good to hear what drives the leadership of a senior living community… what are their core values? Do they strive to put the residents first? How important is respect, excellence, and dignity? Do they welcome and respond to resident feedback? What is their goal for each person they serve?

• What level of care and support would my loved one receive?

Discuss the specifics of daily care. Is assistance with daily tasks like bathing and grooming delivered with dignity and respect? Are resident preferences honored? How so? What additional services are included, such as diabetes management, nutritional support, or continence management?

• What type of training has the staff undergone? Especially in memory care, you want to know if caregivers understand the different stages of dementia and how to adjust for each. Ask about the longevity of staff, as well as the staffing ratio at night and on the weekends. How are caregivers building connections with residents? 

• What kind of activities do you offer? It’s so important to keep residents in assisted living and memory care physically, mentally, and socially active. Ask to see the activities calendar. Check out outdoor patios or secure gardens where they can relax and take in some fresh air. If that’s something your mom or dad always enjoyed, you know how important it will be to them. In your senior living search, find out how the community helps residents safely socialize, and when families can join in.

• What is dining like here? Are chef-prepared meals available every day of the week? Check out the dining venues. Do they feel comfortable and soothing? Ask to see a typical menu and inquire if any dietary restrictions your loved one might have will be honored. Be sure to find out if dining in memory care is attuned to the special needs of residents. Overall, does it feel like having a meal is a pleasant, positive experience—one your loved one would enjoy?

• What services and amenities do you offer? Assisted living can be an excellent choice for seniors who are ready to trade the responsibilities of home maintenance for more time with friends and family, as well as new experiences. Ask about housekeeping, scheduled transportation, life-enrichment programs, fitness opportunities, special events, security, and more. 

• How will you stay in touch with me? Ask if you will receive regular updates on your loved one’s situation by email, text, or by phone. Is the staff open to families dropping by or calling for an update? You also might inquire whether there’s are any additional opportunities for family and friends, such as an Alzheimer’s disease support group if your loved one is receiving memory care.

• How are medical emergencies handled? Is there a nurse available 24 hours a day? What about a visiting physician? Get details on the wellness program as well, especially what services are in place to help keep your loved one healthy and well.

When you tour a community, pay attention to how it feels to you.

It’s a key part of your senior living search: taking a moment to get a sense of what life is like there. As you observe how staff, residents, and visitors interact, pay attention to the ambiance. Are people smiling? Listening to one another? Do they seem to be finding joy in the day?

Whether you choose Carriage Crossing Senior Living for assisted living or memory care, or your senior living search takes you elsewhere, we want to be a resource for you. Our philosophy and practices are aimed at ensuring residents have the freedom and security to “age in place.” We want every resident to enjoy the lifestyle they deserve.

When it’s time for senior living, we are here for you. We’d love to tell you more. Contact us to learn more and to schedule your tour.