By Laura Stamski
The short answer: choose a community that can grow with changing needs, is clear about costs, keeps steady staff around the clock and helps residents live full, independent lives. Many communities look alike on a tour. In my experience, the real differences show up in the answers to these questions.
• Are you dropping off dinner more than two nights a week? Are you the only one driving to every appointment? If so, your loved one may benefit from assisted living. I’m here to help you ask the right questions.
I often meet older adults who move to assisted living when their needs are already too advanced to fully enjoy the benefits. It’s a hard truth, but one I see every day. Accepting that you or someone you love could use a little extra help takes some reflection, but I promise it is so worth it.
• What is assisted living, really?
I always tell families that assisted living is extra support, not a loss of independence. Residents have private apartments, their own routines and their own choices, with help for the harder parts of the day like medications, bathing or getting to appointments. Free from home upkeep and cooking, many of the residents I know have more time for friends and hobbies.
Unlike a nursing home, which provides 24-hour skilled medical care, assisted living is for people who are mostly independent but just need some support.
• How do I know it’s time?
I encourage families to watch for missed medications, falls, skipped meals, isolation, unpaid bills or an exhausted family caregiver. I’ve seen again and again that moving before a crisis lets your loved one help choose and settle in on their own terms.
• What if care needs change?
This is one of the first questions I suggest asking. Find out whether the community offers enhanced assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing on site or through an affiliate. More levels of care mean fewer moves and familiar faces as needs change.
• What is included, and what costs extra?
I recommend asking about transportation to appointments and errands, on-site healthcare and which services are billed separately. One thing I love about Cherry Ridge, a St. Ann’s Community, is that residents can receive physical, occupational and speech therapy right in their apartments, so they can recover at home.
• Who is there at 2 a.m.?
Ask about staff-to-resident ratios on nights and weekends, caregiver training and how long staff have worked there. I always pay attention to that last one, because long-tenured caregivers mean more consistent care.
• What is daily life like?
I’d ask how care plans are personalized and how residents stay social, spiritual and engaged. If your parent is introverted, ask how staff support quieter residents so they don’t become isolated.
Quick checklist for your tour
3 Levels of care offered, on site or nearby
3 What the monthly fee includes, and what costs extra
3 Transportation for appointments, errands and outings
3 Examples of activities and events
3 On-site therapy and healthcare services
3 Staffing ratios on days, nights and weekends
3 Caregiver training and how long staff have worked there
3 How care plans are personalized and updated
3 Social, spiritual and quiet options for every personality
Asking the right questions makes all the difference. If you are exploring options for yourself or someone you love, I would be glad to answer your questions or show you around Cherry Ridge. Call 585-697-6703 or visit stannscommunity.com/cherry-ridge.
Laura Stamski is a marketing representative at Cherry Ridge.