Touring an assisted living community is your first and best opportunity to get a raw and unbiased look at the care, culture, and opportunities they offer. But if you’re having concerns about choosing the right community for yourself or a loved one, Gold Choice is here to help! Here, we’ve compiled a list of five key questions to ask staff, residents, and families during your visit to determine whether an assisted living community meets your needs.
1. What is the Community’s Approach to Healthcare?
When searching for the right assisted living community, having a strong medical support system in place that meets your or your loved one’s healthcare needs is non-negotiable. When visiting senior living communities, questions to ask should include:
- On-site medical support and consistency of care
- Medication management services
- Coordination with local healthcare providers
- Protocol for medical emergencies
Each of our communities at Gold Choice are divided into smaller “neighborhoods.” Each is assigned a quality monitor and a designated care team member to see to residents’ daily needs, so that small changes in health, cognitive, or emotional status are caught early on and addressed.
2. What Benefits are Included in the Monthly Cost?
Every assisted living community has something unique to offer, but it’s important to understand exactly what services and amenities are included in a community’s monthly fee, especially if how to pay for assisted living is top of mind. Be sure to find out about what their approach to assisted living provides, such as:
- Assistance with daily activities (bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, etc.)
- Options for dining and meal choice
- Social events, life enrichment activities, and entertainment
- Transportation to appointments and for community outings
- Housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance services
At Gold Choice, our high-quality services and amenities are designed to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Highlights include 24-hour a day staffing, tastefully furnished common areas, a landscaped courtyard, a separate memory care wing, an activities room, restaurant-style dining room, a coffee bar, and multiple private or semi-private room layouts at a variety of price points.
3. What are My Options for Financing?
Your understanding of how you’ll pay for assisted living is key to your decision-making process, so start by doing your research! To choose your community with confidence, take the time you need to actively seek answers to your questions about financing. Questions to ask include:
- Payment methods available
- Benefits for veterans
- Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term insurance accepted
- Financial assistance programs
At Gold Choice, we’re proud to accept both Medicaid and VA benefits, including the Aid and Attendance benefit for wartime veterans and their spouses. Plus, our exclusive Patriot Promotion program offers special deals to make senior living more affordable for those who have served our country.
4. How Does the Community Keep Residents Happy and Engaged?
When digging into the specifics, don’t lose sight of the overall quality of life. An engaging environment and active social scene are key to living and aging well, so be sure your community of choice fits the bill! You’ll want to ask if there are:
- Opportunities to build friendships and social connections
- Mental health services for emotional support
- Ways to promote family involvement
Made up of small, intimate neighborhoods, Gold Choice communities are designed to encourage social interactions between residents. Every day, our staff encourages residents to continue exploring personal interests, lead their own clubs and activities, take part in scheduled social events, and volunteer in the local community.
5. What Safety Measures are in Place?
When exploring senior living, safety and security are often a top concern for residents and their families. If that’s the case for you, it’s crucial to understand the safety measures in place in your prospective community. When asking questions about assisted living, be sure to find out whether the community offers:
- 24/7 staff support and care
- Secure entry points or front desk receptionist
- Staff safety training and regular safety drills
- Emergency response systems in rooms/community wide
Gold Choice communities offer residents medical support assistance around the clock as needed. In addition, our buildings feature secure entry and emergency response systems, while our staff is well-trained to ensure residents are safe, protected, and feel at home.
At Gold Choice Senior Living, we know your and your family’s peace of mind starts with having the information you need to make the best decision. And your questions matter to us. You can count on our team to provide support, empathy, and guidance as you explore your senior living options.
To learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care communities in Ormond Beach, Deltona, and Palm Coast, please give us a call and speak to a Gold Choice advisor or schedule a tour! For your convenience, we’re also offering our free “Family Decision Toolkit” guide for more advice on choosing the best senior living option for yourself or a loved one. Download it today!