Senior Housing Touring Tips

Article submitted by Alta Ridge. Please call 801-750-3207 for a tour of one of our three beautiful facilities.

Finding that special place for Mom or Dad is one of the most important decisions you can make. Listed below are some helpful hints on what to look for when you tour a senior housing community.

As you are touring, remember that it is not the decor that counts, but the quality of care your loved one will receive.

Clean and comfortable. Is the community fresh and clean? Odors may indicate lack of cleanliness or a temporary problem that was caused by a recent incident. Odors throughout the community are likely to indicate a problem. Ask how often housekeeping is provided in the apartment/room. Is the facility well maintained?
Care with dignity. Ask lots of questions on personal care. Look at current residents. Are they clean-shaven with well-groomed hair and nails? Discuss bathing options and your loved one's preferences. Are the residents dressed appropriately? Is the staff stable, friendly, respectful, and attentive? Ask for the ratio of caregivers to residents and other staffing patterns. As your loved one ages will her needs be met? Does the staff coordinate medical visits, therapy, homecare, and transportation to doctor appointments? Will there be additional charges above the room rate?
Stimulating activities make happy residents. Observe activities. Are they well attended? Does the staff seem to be enjoying the activity as well? View the community event calendar. Do they match your loved one's interests? Look for small and large group activities, trips or outings. Inquire about religious services if this is important.
The Dining Room Experience is very important to seniors. Are special diets accommodated? Discuss entree choices and ask about dining hours and procedures. Discuss what happens if a resident cannot make it to the dining room for a meal. Do residents often eat meals in their rooms? Don't forget to ask about the laundry service. Who does the laundry and what are the procedures and cost?
Safety and Security features are very important. Are the bathrooms accessible and do they have grab bars in convenient locations? How does a resident contact staff if they have an emergency? What other safety features are available in the apartment and throughout the community, such as secured doors? How are medications managed?