Questions to Ask

Questions to Ask when selecting a Senior Living Community

Many different factors come into play when researching a senior care community for you or a loved one. There’s no better place to learn about and understand these aspects than at the communities you’re considering. An initial piece of advice is to visit the different senior care communities on your list so that you can get a feel for each. But while you’re there, it’s a good idea to have a list of questions ready so that your most detailed queries get answered. Here’s some we think are important.

1. Who are the residents? It’s good to know who your loved one’s fellow residents will be before moving in. You want him to feel comfortable with the people he will be surrounded by, and you want him to have ample opportunities for socialization. 
2. Are the residents cared for in a way that is acceptable to you? This is another question that might be best answered by observing residents on your visit. Are the residents engaged in conversation and involved in activities, or are they left alone?
3. How does the community adapt to the changing needs of residents? Your loved one will most likely continue to change after he or she moves into the community, as this happens, needs will change, too. Is the community able to meet the changing needs of your loved one?
4. What about the food? Is it good? Dining options and all the numerous questions that can be thought of about food should be considered. Certainly you want your loved one to eat nutritious food so that he or she stays as healthy as possible, but you also want to satisfy her taste buds. Food, like life, should be an enjoyable experience, and your future elder care community should work hard to satisfy.
5. What recreational activities are available? Again, like delicious food, this is a quality of life question. One community may offer only television and gatherings, while another (like Homeplace of Henderson) might be able to offer golfing, trail walking, fishing in a pond, and more. You want your loved one to enjoy her golden years. 
6. Who will be taking care of your loved one? You’ll need to know the staff working at the community and be assured that they have received training and will continue to receive professional development. 
7. How are levels of care determined? And how does staff determine a change of care level as your loved one continues living at the community? As we mentioned above, your loved one’s needs will change throughout his or her stay, so it’s sound planning to understand how the community’s staff will first determine what the initial care level is and then have the skills and knowledge to determine when it needs to change. Is the staff competent enough to do this? And when changes are made to your loved one’s care level, how does the community inform family of this change? You need to be kept informed.
8. Costs? You’ll need to feel assured that you are getting a great value. Can you get more for a better price somewhere else? You won’t know unless you do your research. 

That’s a good note to end on. We feel that you can’t get a better value or better services than what we offer at Homeplace of Henderson. We’re always available to answer any questions you might have. Please contact us. 

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To contact the Homeplace of Henderson, email Jessica Beaven at jessica.beaven@homeplaceofhenderson.com, call at (270) 577-0534, or write to 1 Homeplace Boulevard, Henderson, KY 42420.