Searching for the right assisted living community for a parent can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time navigating senior care. With so many communities offering similar services, how do you know which one is truly the right fit? While amenities and aesthetics are important, the heart of any great community lies in its people, programs, and care philosophy.
Before making a decision, it’s essential to ask thoughtful, targeted questions to get a clearer understanding of what life will be like for your loved one. This guide is designed to help adult children like you feel more confident and informed as you explore options. For even more guidance, visit our FAQs about senior care.
Questions to ask about the assisted living community
The best communities feel warm, personal, and rooted in connection. These questions can help you assess the daily environment and lifestyle offerings:
- What are the dining options like? Are meals prepared fresh daily?
- Are pets allowed?
- What types of apartments are available? Can couples live together?
- How often are rooms cleaned, and is laundry included?
- Is there on-site transportation, and is it wheelchair accessible?
- Are there outdoor spaces, like porches or walking paths, that residents can use independently?
- What are the community’s social and wellness programs like? Are outings and events included?
At The Arbors and The Ivy, residents have access to a wide range of engaging activities, from arts and crafts to music, local excursions, and wellness classes. These activities encourage connection and quality of life beyond basic care.
Questions to ask about resident personal care
While your parent’s current needs are important, it’s also critical to think ahead. Many people begin assisted living with only light support, then need more help over time. These questions can help you evaluate how adaptable the care will be:
- What levels of personal care are offered?
- How are care needs assessed? Who performs assessments, and how often are they updated?
- What happens if my parent needs more support down the line, such as help with dressing, toileting, or mobility?
- How personalized is the care schedule? Can routines (like morning vs. evening showers) be customized?
- How does the community encourage residents to remain as independent as possible?
The Arbors offers personalized service plans that are reviewed regularly and adjusted as needed. Care is designed to support independence while ensuring safety and dignity, even as needs evolve.
Questions to ask about the care staff
The people who provide care will have a major impact on your loved one’s experience. Look for a team that is compassionate, experienced, and invested in residents’ well-being:
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day and at night?
- What kind of training does your direct care staff receive? How are they prepared to support residents with memory loss or physical limitations?
- Is a nurse on staff? What are their responsibilities and hours?
- Who is responsible when the nurse is off duty?
- Are staff trained to manage behaviors related to dementia, including sundowning or wandering?
- What is the staff turnover rate?
At The Arbors and The Ivy, team members are chosen for their warmth and dedication. Many have been with the communities for years, creating consistency that residents and families value. Nursing staff are available seven days a week, and additional third-party health providers offer on-site support as needed.
Questions to ask about resident medical needs and health care
Even though assisted living is not a medical setting, the ability to coordinate and respond to healthcare needs is still essential. These questions can help you understand how the community manages medical support:
- Are care plans documented in writing? Who is involved in creating and reviewing these plans?
- What happens when there’s a disagreement about a care plan?
- How are changes in health monitored, and how often are updates shared with families?
- What healthcare professionals are available on-site (e.g., physical therapy, podiatry, wound care)?
- What is the protocol if my parent feels unwell or has a medical emergency?
- How are medications managed? Who is authorized to distribute them, and how are staff trained?
- Can my parent use their preferred pharmacy?
At The Arbors, residents benefit from on-site visits by third-party health professionals, medication management services, and thoughtful health monitoring—all designed to support wellness without disrupting daily life.
Questions to ask about memory care
Even if your loved one doesn’t currently need memory care, it’s smart to choose a community that offers it, especially if dementia or Alzheimer’s runs in the family. Here’s what to ask:
- Is there a separate neighborhood or program for residents with memory loss?
- How does care in memory support differ from traditional assisted living?
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio, and how is staff trained?
- How is nutrition managed for residents who may forget to eat or struggle with utensils?
- What types of activities are offered for residents with memory challenges?
- Are outdoor spaces available in memory care? Are they secured and monitored?
- How are behavioral issues managed, and what is the policy on restraints?
- Can couples remain together if one requires memory care and the other does not?
The Arbors and The Ivy offer specialized memory care programs through the Reflections Memory Program, available at select locations like The Ivy at Ellington. These programs provide a secure, calming environment with structured routines, sensory engagement, and meaningful activities.
Final thoughts: Why these questions matter
The decision to move a parent into assisted living is never easy, but asking the right questions can make it a lot more manageable. By focusing not just on the surface-level offerings, but also the quality of care, flexibility of services, and long-term fit, you’ll be better prepared to choose a community that supports your parent’s needs today and into the future.
Ready to learn more?
If you’re starting your search for assisted living, we invite you to explore our FAQs about senior care and download our free educational guides. You’ll find helpful checklists, planning advice, and deeper insights into what makes The Arbors and The Ivy unique.
Schedule a tour at your closest Arbors or Ivy location to experience our communities firsthand and see how we can help your loved one live with connection, comfort, and care. Call 860.698.8613 or complete our online form today.