When it comes to aging services, there can be more questions than answers. That's why AAHSA wants to give you access to the experts: our members.
This page features members' answers to questions we've received from consumers about finding the right aging services for themselves or their loved ones. Have a question to ask? Send it to AAHSA's Sarah Mashburn.
What should someone look for when touring a nursing home?
“Look for the interaction between caregivers and elders. What do the elders look like? Are they happy, clean, etc? Is it clean? Is there an odor? There should not be.” – Laura Fowler, Kingston Nursing Center, Conway, S.C.
“Active, alert residents; clean, pretty and comfortable facilities; employees who are friendly and busy with residents.” – Nadine Baker, Schervier Nursing Care Center, Riverdale, N.Y. “Look at the residents. Do they look well cared for? Do they show signs of life? Recently a prospective family shared the following with us: "Your residents looked up when we came by giving us the impression that they expected to be engaged. At other places residents just kept their heads down." – Tom Church, Catholic Care Center, BelAire, Kan.
“1. The odor 2. The staff ratio 3. The activities for Residents 4. The Resident's room, bathroom. 5. If there is Television and Telephone in the rooms. 6. The Menus. 7. The friendliness of staff.” – Irene Singh, ACC Nursing Center, Sacramento, Calif.
“Odor, cleanliness of rooms and residents, attitudes of employees and residents, activity calendar, dining room and an actual meal, what services are provided by the home and how often available. Is there space for personal family events, church services.” - Denise Gooden, Affinity Health Services, Berlin, Pa.
“The cleanliness of the facility and any odors; The appearance of the residents; The activities for the week ; Medicare Rankings/ Medicare Web site ; Staffing ratios. Visit once, then visit again on another day” - Melanie Van Dorn, Jewish Home Lifecare/ Sarah Neuman Center, Mamaroneck, N.Y.
“When touring a nursing home, I look at the building’s design I think everyone checks for odors -- are carpets shampooed night? What is being done for mental stimulation or are patients all lined up in wheel chairs in the halls? Are temporary rehab patients in a separate section from the terminally ill? What about Alzheimers or dementia patients? - Marleen Allen Varner, National Continuing Care Residents’ Association, Sewanee, Tenn.
"Remember -- first impressions DO count. Your tour begins when you park your car. What is the entrance like? Is the concrete soiled from spilled liquids, are there cigarette butts visible, is the window and door glass dirty and covered with fingerprints?
Do you see beautiful plants and flowers? Is there outside seating that is safe, clean, and comfortable? Weather permitting, are there residents enjoying themselves, or are they sleeping or despondent?
As you enter you will be able to determine many things. Whose home have you just entered, the residents’, or the employee’s? It should reflect the individuals who live there. Look at how the staff acts. Are they attentive, warm, friendly, inviting, dressed professionally, and happy to help? Does the air inside smell clean and fresh? If residents are present how do they look? They should appear happy and healthy, clean, well groomed, and in appropriate clothing. Do they smile and make eye contact when you say hello?
As you continue to tour be aware of how you feel. Are you relaxed with your guide and what you are seeing? Or, are you upset, uncomfortable, and uneasy? Do you have the opportunity to ask questions and are the answers honest and clear? Most importantly, ask yourself, would I live here? Would my needs be met here, would I be happy and maintain my independence if I lived here? Would I enjoy the food as prepared here…would I be able to fulfill my dreams and desires if I lived here? " - Sally Myers, Administrator of The Mather Life Centre, Evanston, Ill.
When you’re touring a senior housing community, what are the most important things to consider?
“1. Reputation. How long has the company been in business? 2. Has ownership changed hands one or more times in the last five years? 3. Do the grounds look kept and does the facility look clean? Don’t confuse an old building for a dirty building. Many older facilities are very well run, but they should be clean. – Scott Wynn, Beatitudes Campus, Phoenix, Ariz.”
“The ability to age in place, their reputation, the amenities, their size and their financial standing.” – Mary Granata, Oakwood Commons, Dearborn, Mich.
“Location to your family, quality of life and care, staff turnover and cleanliness.” - Melanie Van Dorn, Jewish Home Lifecare/ Sarah Neuman Center, Mamaroneck, N.Y.
" Consider the lifestyle options available. Determine if this community offers you the services, philosophy, location, and community that will enable you to create a fulfilling life plus the peace of mind of future care and services. Make sure to meet a variety of residents to determine if they have been able to create a day-to-day lifestyle that is rewarding, satisfying, and wellness driven. Meet and consider the staff. Are they friendly, polite, engaged, and happy with their community and work? The staff is an excellent measure of the quality of services provided. Determine the financial stability of the community. Is the community financially viable and sound? Do residents have the opportunity to provide input to the oversight of the community? " - Gale Morgan, Mather LifeWays, Evanston, Ill.
What are some questions prospective residents should ask current residents?
Prospective residents should ask current residents the following:
- Are you allowed to make choices and are they honored?
- Do you get to arise when you wish?
- Do you get to go to bed when you wish?
- Are you treated like a member of the family with respect and love?”
- Laura Fowler, Kingston Nursing Center, Conway, S.C.
Here are some things to ask:
- How long have you been here?
- Is there a lot of staff turnover?
- What do you like best about living here?
- What do you like the least?”
- Melanie Van Dorn, Jewish Home Lifecare/ Sarah Neuman Center, Mamaroneck, N.Y.
I think you should ask the following:
- How long have your lived here and what changes have you seen? What surprised you that you didn't expect when you moved in?
- Do you recommend this community to your friends?
- How's the food?
- How effective is Resident Council?
- Can residents initiate new activities if they can find enough interest?
- Marleen Allen Varner, National Continuing Care Residents’ Association, Sewanee, Tenn.
These are some good questions to ask:
- What is it really like living in the community?
- What most surprised you when you moved in?
- What was the most difficult adjustment you had once you moved in?
- What do you like the most about living in the community?
- What do you wish they could change about their community?
- Is management responsive to your needs?
- What is the staff like?
- How well does staff listen to suggestions?
- What is the process associated with apartment maintenance requests?
- Tell me about the programs offered?
- What types of fitness classes are offered?
- What is the dining experience like?
- How does the complimentary transportation work?
- How do you get to know people?
- What does orientation entail?
-Sara McVey, Mather LifeWays, Evanston, Ill.
Who should a prospective resident ask to speak with at a retirement community?
“In addition to the sales team, the prospective resident should speak to the residents. Sometimes family members are also available who can give insight.” - Mary Granata, Oakwood Commons, Dearborn, Mich.
“Another resident, the activities’ director and the director of admissions.” - Melanie Van Dorn, Jewish Home Lifecare/ Sarah Neuman Center, Mamaroneck, N.Y.
“A volunteer coordinator, someone from resident council, and the activities director. - Marleen Allen Varner, National Continuing Care Residents’ Association, Sewanee, Tenn.
" When a prospective resident has interest in a community it is always best to call the community and ask to speak to the sales department. Although every community has a different name for this area of responsibility, the most universally understood term is the sales department. Make sure to schedule your visit by booking an appointment with the sales department so that you can plan your time and assure that you have their complete attention. When you call for an appointment you should ask to have the informational brochure sent to you before your visit so that you can make a list of questions you might have for the sales person. " - Barbara Alafat, Executive Director, Mather Place of Wilmette, Wilmette, Ill. What is the most important question a person should ask potential home care provider?
“What is important to you as a caregiver?” - Melanie Van Dorn, Jewish Home Lifecare/ Sarah Neuman Center, Mamaroneck, N.Y.
“How long have you been providing home care and why did you choose it as a career?” - Marleen Allen Varner, National Continuing Care Residents’ Association, Sewanee, Tenn.
" If you are thinking about bringing a caregiver into your home, the most important consideration is safety. The first thing to do is ask is for a comprehensive background check. This should include a criminal background check as well as verification of a person’s license and credentials. Ask for references and make sure to verify they are accurate. If you work through a caregiving service, make sure they bonded, licensed and insured. Ask the service for references as well." - Sally Myers, Administrator of The Mather Life Centre, Evanston, Ill.