November 18, 2024
Choosing an assisted living community is a significant decision for seniors and their loved ones. It involves considering cost, care, independence, and quality of life.
Assisted living can offer an ideal solution for seniors who want to maintain an active lifestyle with a safety net of support. In this article, Immanuel's Retirement Living Consultants offer some insights into what to ask about when considering a transition to assisted living.
1. Is it the right time to look at assisted living?
A common question is when to consider assisted living. There are general warning signs and hints that it may be time for assisted living. These can include:
- Worsening medical conditions
- Monetary issues
- Isolation
- Messy living space
- Poor hygiene and frailty
- Medication management
Kaylee Chilton, Retirement Living Consultant at Lakeside, an Immanuel Signature Community in Omaha, advises against waiting for a health crisis, which can limit the ability to choose preferred communities. Because each person is different, assisted living is not one-size-fits-all.
“Planning early allows families and seniors to choose based on fit, amenities, and comfort rather than necessity,” Kaylee says.
2. What’s included in the cost of assisted living?
One of the most important questions when searching for an assisted living community is: what's included in the cost? By choosing an assisted living community with a transparent, inclusive pricing model, families can feel confident knowing they won't face surprise charges.
Some communities charge additional fees as care needs increase, but others, like Immanuel's Copper Shores Village in Pleasant Hill, Iowa, have an inclusive pricing structure for their assisted living services.
Staci Fleener, Retirement Living Consultant at Copper Shores Village, says consultants work with seniors and families to ensure they understand the different levels of care, such as skilled nursing, long-term care, and memory support.
“Our pricing includes care services. This means your cost won't change based on the services you need,” says Staci. “You or your loved one don't need to worry about asking for additional assistance because it may cost them more.”
3. What socialization opportunities are available?
Social connection is a core component of assisted living. Living alone can lead to isolation, which has been linked to worsened health outcomes, while assisted living provides seniors with a thriving community where they can stay socially active.
“Assisted living is designed to enhance your quality of life by providing social interaction and plenty of support for your overall well-being,” says Deanna Garcia, Retirement Living Consultant at Pacific Springs, an Immanuel Signature Community in Omaha.
In a quality assisted living community, residents enjoy daily opportunities to connect with others through social events, dining, and group activities. This helps prevent health conditions linked to loneliness and keeps the mind sharp.
4. How does the community help residents maintain independence?
When considering a move, seniors may worry about losing their independence but assisted living communities support independence by tailoring assistance to each resident's needs. This is the heart of the assisted living philosophy at Immanuel.
Kaylee says a tailored care plan allows residents to retain autonomy over many aspects of their daily lives. They can choose how they spend their day, which activities to participate in, and whether they want to engage in outings and events.
“People think they are losing independence, but we are helping them gain more independence to focus on what they enjoy,” she said.
5. How flexible is the community when it comes to apartment customization?
Every senior has unique preferences and needs, so choosing an assisted living community that respects these preferences is essential. In an Immanuel community, residents are encouraged to bring their own furniture to personalize their new homes.
“Retirement living should feel like home, and having residents bring their own furniture helps create a warm and personalized space that reflects their unique stories and preferences,” says Taylor Hagedorn, Des Moines Regional Retirement Living Consultant.
Residents also enjoy freedom in other areas: Meals are provided so they don't have to cook if they don't want to, and housekeeping and laundry services are available. These aspects of daily living in assisted living can make a huge difference for seniors who are ready to give up the hassles of household maintenance but still want a private, personalized space.
6. How qualified are the staff members in assisted living?
When selecting an assisted living community, families want to know who cares for their loved ones. Sydney Schoening, Retirement Living Consultant at Grand Lodge, an Immanuel Signature Community in Lincoln, said families often ask about staff-to-resident ratio. This is a breakdown of who is on staff (LPNs, medicine aids, medical director, RNs), and the response time from when a call light is pushed.
These are essential questions because a high-quality assisted living community maintains a well-staffed environment with caring, qualified personnel who respond quickly to residents' needs.
7. Do assisted living residents have the freedom to come and go?
Maintaining a sense of freedom is essential for residents. Assisted living communities at Immanuel are designed to provide flexibility. Residents can leave the community for vacations, visit family and friends, or even host overnight guests.
“Visitors are welcome anytime. There are no designated visiting hours,” Stacie Sumovich, Retirement Living Consultant at The Landing, an Immanuel Signature Community in Lincoln, Nebraska, says. “If you have someone visiting who would like to stay with you, they can stay in your apartment or in one of our guest rooms.”
Teresa Weeder, Omaha Regional Retirement Living Consultant, added residents can go on vacation and come and go from their communities as they please.
“We ask that if residents plan to leave for an extended time, they notify us so we know they are safe,” she said.
There are options for seniors who still drive to continue doing so, and transportation services are also available for those who prefer not to drive. Choosing assisted living doesn't mean giving up independence; rather, it supports a lifestyle of freedom and choice.
8. What daily living assistance services are available?
Some seniors may only need occasional assistance, such as help with medications or putting on shoes. At Immanuel, assisted living is all about customizing support for each resident.
Carla Abendroth, Retirement Living Consultant at Yankee Hill Village in Lincoln, Nebraska, says residents can receive the assistance they need. At the same time, those who prefer to handle their medications independently can do so.
When considering an assisted living community, it's important to understand the scope of assistance available. This ensures that residents get the support they need without overstepping their independence.
For seniors and families evaluating assisted living options, starting the conversation early and understanding what’s available can provide peace of mind and greater choice when the time comes.
