Important Questions To Ask When Researching A Senior Community

Finding the right senior housing for a loved one should be an exciting time. But it’s not a decision to take lightly and when all you want to do is make sure you select the best community; it can get a little stressful. So where do you start? The first thing you need to know is the differences between assisted living and a memory care community.

Assisted living

Designed for seniors who still want to have their own space but need help with daily activities, this option allows for personalized assistance to fit the needs of the resident and empowers them to stay as independent as possible. 

Memory care

Providing services for seniors with forms of dementia or other memory impairments, these communities provide a safe space for residents to call home. Offering memory-focused activities and caregivers trained to understand the challenges of memory loss. 

Once you know which of these applies and do research on those in your area, the next step is looking into specifics. Here are the important questions to ask:

Are they committed to their community?

Calson has been committed for over 30 years. Our family has been actively involved in senior living and we are continuously innovating our communities for seniors throughout Northern California. Our family and team members work hard to ensure a safe, engaging, and comfortable environment for all residents. 

Do they go above and beyond CDC guidance for safety?

Being CDC compliant is important, but the best communities think beyond the minimum requirements. Keeping residents and care teams safe during this time has to be the number one priority. Finding new ways to support the physical and social interactions of residents while ensuring their safety is the only way to maintain a thriving community. To that end, we offer staff training on COVID-19 so we are all up-to-date on new information and procedures.

Are they passionate about keeping residents active?

It’s not good enough to just keep residents safe, communities must also address their social needs. By incorporating social distancing and taking a creative approach to traditional activities, we can reenact dining at a favorite restaurant, offer scenic country rides, create a movie theater experience, and provide local outdoor entertainment to our residents. We even invented a plexiglass cubicle that provides a new way for residents to enjoy in person visits from loved ones.

Do they have a care team that is qualified and loves what they do?

The right people make all the difference. Working in an assisted living facility is more than just a job. It takes a person with kindness and compassion to take on the crucial work of caring for other people. When researching and touring facilities, take time to talk to staff members. Ask them what they love about their jobs. Ask how long employees typically stay in their positions and if they find their jobs fulfilling. Observe interactions between staff and residents. Do they seem friendly and invested in the community members or do interactions seem rushed and status quo? Relationships between residents and their care teams are integral to the happiness and functionality of the entire community.

Are they motivated to keep residents connected to family and friends?

It is more important than ever for residents to be able to connect with their loved ones safely. At our communities, parades on holidays like Mother’s Day and Father's Day allow families to visit the senior care communities with decorated cars and fun signs. It is obvious how much our residents enjoy seeing loved ones and feeling the excitement of the event. 

The choice to transition a loved one to a senior community can feel daunting, but by understanding your options and having the information you need, you can make a choice you feel excited about. The key is doing your research, asking the right questions, and setting aside time to do a virtual tour of your top choices. By staying involved and engaged in a loved one’s care, this can be a meaningful experience for you, too.

To learn more about our communities or to set up a virtual tour, contact us today!