Can I maintain my independence?
When selecting the place that’s right for you or your loved one, it’s important to remember one of the biggest concerns: losing independence. To know if you’re at risk of losing independence, here are some questions you could ask to the places your considering:
- If I’m still able to drive, can I have my car?
- Can I come and go as I please?
You should also consider where the property is located. Is it on a busy street or busy corner where it might feel uncomfortable to stroll outside?
Is it all inclusive?
Not all residences are all inclusive. So, the price you were quoted, may not be the price you pay every month. Here are a few things to ask about:
- If I need to go to the doctor, do you charge for transportation to and from the doctor’s office?
- Are care fees included in the price? For example, if I need an extra shower per week, will that cost extra? What if I’m having an off week and need extra assistance for that week?
- Is food included? What if I was hungry and wanted an extra snack or additional portion?
- What if I do need an increased level of care? Do we have an agreement before the rates change?
What is the food like?
A top question we hear from families is how is the food? No one wants to live off of poor quality and bad tasting food. So, how can you assess what the food is like? Here are some things to ask about:
- Can I come by and try the food?
- How many options do you provide per meal time?
- How often do the menu items repeat?
- What if I don’t like the options for a meal time?
Are there outdoor spaces?
It may not be obvious at first, but after you live somewhere for a while, having access to outdoor spaces makes a big difference in quality of life. When you’re looking at a property, here are some things to look for:
- Can I easily go for a walk outside?
- Are there green spaces where I can be close to nature?
- Are there outdoor patios or covered areas where I could be outside to eat, play card or board games?
- Are there options such as a grill for me to use?
- If my family wanted to come for a picnic, would there be a place for that?
Is there an onsite nurse?
Some places have registered nurses on staff and on site, but not everyone. A full-time, onsite registered nurse makes a big difference in the quality of care available on a regular basis and in times of emergencies. Here are some good questions to ask:
- Do you have a full-time nurse that is available at least 5 days a week onsite and on call 24/7?
- Are they a contractor?
- Do you have a nurse call button in every room? If so, who responds?
What are the staff like?
While this is a top concern, it’s not like you can just ask the places you’re considering, are you staff members nice people? Yet, knowing who will be providing care for you or your loved one is very important. Here are some things you could do to get a feel for them:
- Go on a tour of the residence. How were you greeted?
- Were you able to meet more than the person meeting with you?
- When you ask some of the questions above, were they understanding and helpful?
- Where do the owners live?
- If I have an issue that I need to bring to your attention, to whom do I direct it?
Can the care level increase to my needs?
It’s not uncommon for our care levels to increase as we get older. If the residence you’re considering isn’t able to help past a certain point, it could mean having to move. If you don’t want to move again, here are some questions to ask:
- What are the levels of care that you provide?
- What are your prices for those different levels?
- What if I need memory care (alzheimer’s or dementia)?
What kind of activities do they do?
Nerf gun day 
Taking in a museum 
Cooking with friends
One of the key benefits to an assisted living residence is the option to stay active. When you ask about the activities, here are some to look out for:
- What do you offer for exercise?
- Do you go on outings? If so, how often and to what kind of places?
- Do you have clubs for things like cooking, walking, etc.?
- What about Bingo?
- Do you have live music or entertainment?
- What are some of the resident favorites?
- What do you do for holidays?
Do they offer a refundable deposit?
Many times new residents will start by putting down a deposit. Usually this is to either hold a specific room ahead of a move-in date. But, plans can change. You’ll want to know if you put down a deposit and change your mind—will you get it all back? Is there a deadline?
About Paramount Parks
Paramount Parks is an assisted living residence in Eagle, ID. We offer care levels from independent senior living up to full time memory care. Our philosophy is that we work for you and consider our residents family. Residents can be as active as they want with activities such as cooking club, bingo, live music, weekly outings, and more. You can come try our delicious food on a complimentary lunch tour. We’re also offering Virtual Tours at the moment. Meet our friendly staff, including our owner who works onsite.
