According to information gathered by U.S. News, assisted living in Los Angeles, California costs $5,478 a month. Seniors and their families can expect to pay $398 more than the national monthly median of $5,350. You’ll spend plenty on alternative senior accommodations, regardless of where you live.
If senior placement will cost a lot no matter what, you should prepare a list of questions to ask assisted living facilities. Ensure you and your family get your money’s worth by knowing what your assisted living community offers. Below are five essential questions you should ask assisted living facilities.
1. Do They Have Pricing Plans?
Five grand a month isn’t cheap for many Americans, and it may be hard for them to come up with the out-of-pocket costs. Many people opt for Medicaid or reverse mortgages; however, the former won’t cover all expenses and reverse mortgages can be expensive and may increase debt.
The first of your senior living questions should be if the community has a pricing plan to help with associated fees. Many communities offer payment aid or plans to accommodate those with lower incomes.
2. What Level of Care Does the Facility Offer?
“Level of care” refers to how much help they offer the residents. For example, some assisted living communities only help with activities of daily living (ADLs). Here’s what seniors can expect help with:
- Bathing
- Grooming
- Toileting
- Mobility aid
- Like moving from beds to chairs
Other communities offer memory care services for those with dementia. Those who are largely seeking alternate accommodation and little else can opt for independent living. Don’t assume that any facility offers all these services when choosing retirement homes.
3. Does the Community Offer Individual Care Plans?
Even people in independent care — those who can handle their own daily needs — need individualized aid. Certain people require specific diets and medications, and no two people have the same preferences. To be certain the assisted living facility can accommodate each resident, you should ask:
- How the facility assesses resident needs
- How often they reassess individual care plans
- How they accommodate changing needs over time
4. What Activities Does the Community Offer?
Activities are one of the most important elder care considerations when choosing your new home. Activities contribute to residents’ well-being by keeping them mentally stimulated, physically fit, and socialized. Ask what activities the facility offers and if they can be tailored to the individual.
5. How Do You Keep Residents Safe?
Assisted living communities should have accommodation like safety rails in bathrooms and near entrances and exits. There should be alert buttons in case of emergencies. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be in every resident’s room, hallways, and common areas. These are only a few examples, so here’s an assisted living checklist you can use.
The Right Questions to Ask Assisted Living Facilities
You should know the right questions to ask assisted living facilities you’re touring, and we hope this blog article can guide you. Know what they charge and what activities they offer. Ask about safety precautions and individual care plans.
At Commonwealth Royale Senior Living, our community blends compassionate care with vibrant living, offering the perfect balance of independence and support. Our dedicated team creates a warm, enriching environment that enhances the lives of both residents and their families.
The Commonwealth Royale Senior Living staff is ready and willing to answer your care home inquiries while offering loving, yet relatively autonomous care for seniors.
We offer ADL aid, well-prepared meals, and various activities for residents. Contact us today to become part of a comfortable and competent assisted living community.
Call us at (213) 392-6381 to book a tour of our facility or visit www.ComRoy.com to learn more.
