Page 13 - Healthcare News 2021 Senior Planning Guide

Informed Decision
Questions You Should Be Asking About Assisted Living By JOY PETERSON
Looking for assisted living for a loved one can be difficult, especially when something is needed right away. At Christopher Heights, we want to be sure
you have all the answers to the questions you should be asking every community you consider.
General Questions
• Who is your parent company?
• How long have you been in business? Is it the original company?
• How long has your community been operational?
• May I have a copy of the residency agreement that is to be signed?
• What types of apartments or suites are available?
• What licensing do you operate under?
• Can I meet another family with a loved one in the community?
• What types of activities are offered? May I have a copy of this month’s calendar?
• Tell me about some of the current residents.
• Do you have any outdoor space for residents and their families to enjoy?
Staffing Questions
• How many team members care for each resident? • Are staff on site 24/7?
• Is there a nurse on duty 24 hours a day?
• Can staff administer medications?
• What types of training, experience, and education does your care staff have? What kind of ongoing training do you offer?
Medical Questions
• What is the highest level of care you are licensed to provide?
• Do you complete a medical assessment prior to someone moving in? If so, what does that assessment include?
• Is the suite held if the resident is in the hospital? At what cost?
• Who determines when a discharge from the community is necessary? How much notice is provided in that situation?
• Do you have experience with Alzheimer’s? Parkinson’s? Diabetes? (Or the specific diagnosis of your loved one.)
• Do you have a designated, secured memory-care neighborhood?
• What security and safety measures do you have in place for memory-care residents and/or those with walking disabilities?
• Do you offer hospice and end-of-life care?
Financial Questions
• Are you for-profit or not-for-profit? If other communities in your network are for-profit, who owns them?
• What is the monthly cost to live at the community? • What is not included in that price? If the community
Assisted
Continued on page 34
“We want to be sure you have all the answers to
the questions you should be asking every community you consider.”
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Live Life Again
If we have learned anything over the last year, it’s that socialization, peace of mind and a sense of community are all things that we need in our lives in order to be healthy and happy.
Here at Christopher Heights our residents have embraced our close-knit community and a vibrant social calendar, all in a safe living environment.
Call to Schedule a Tour!
Belchertown Location: 413-323-5500 • Northampton Location: 413-584-0701
HEALTHCARENEWS VIEW THE DIGITAL GUIDE AT HEALTHCARENEWS.COM AUGUST 2021 13