Life is a series of chapters, each one rich with new experiences, challenges and discoveries. The story of your life is not a linear path that ends at a certain age; it is an “Ageless Adventure” that continues to unfold with wisdom, joy and purpose.

The beginning of this adventure is often about embracing help. The freedom that comes with knowing support is available for daily tasks—like dressing, managing medications or personal care is the true start of a new chapter.

It’s an opportunity to shed the daily worries and burdens and reinvest your energy into the people and passions that bring you joy.

This is the heart of what we celebrate during National Assisted Living Week®, and it’s a belief we live every day at Landow House, our assisted living residence on the campus of Charles E. Smith Life Communities.

We believe that planning for a move to an assisted living community is not about losing independence, it’s about gaining the support and security you need to truly thrive and enjoy a vibrant life.

Your Essential Research Guide to Assisted Living

We know that embarking on a new journey requires a clear map. That’s why we are so pleased to partner with the experts at Oasis Senior Advisors. Their guidance helps individuals and families navigate the many considerations of assisted living in Montgomery County, ensuring that you find a community that truly fits your unique needs and desires.

To help you begin your research and plan, Oasis Senior Advisors shared a list of 10 Questions to Ask When Touring Assisted Living Communities:

            1. What Types of Living Spaces and Amenities Do You Offer?  This cuts to the heart of the hunt for an assisted living community. Ask about the living quarters, how much privacy you can expect, what personal things you can bring, whether any items are forbidden on the property. If you need medical assistance, be sure to inquire about the level of assistance available and how frequently you can anticipate being checked on. Most communities offer a wide range of apartment styles in various sizes, layouts and locations. Consider where you’ll be happiest and in what kind of floor plan. Then ask to see an apartment. Envision your belongings in the apartment.
            2. What Lifestyle and Leisure Programming Is Available? Older adults often choose to move into senior living communities because they feel increasingly isolated in their own homes. Some older adults may be unable to drive, while others find that health concerns keep them at home. The switch to a new community offers room for new opportunities to learn, socialize and play. Ask what activities are available.
            3. What Precautions are in Place for Residents’ Safety? For adults contemplating life in an assisted living community, safety issues are highly important. Ask what the community does to ensure your safety. Think about posing questions like:
              • Do residents have access to alert buttons for emergency assistance? Do these buttons provide the residents’ location so that associates can easily locate them? Does the apartment have pull cords?
              • What about bathing safety? Are there rails or easy-to-entry bathtubs? Are there grab bars and non-slip surfaces installed such as a shower seat vs chair?
              • How does the community handle medical emergencies?
              • What about at night? Are associates available 24/7?
              • Is there a generator for backup power?
              • What background checks does the community perform on associates?
            4. What Can a Resident Do If They Have a Complaint? No community is perfect; however, excellent ones are committed to great care and continual improvements in service. They have an open-door policy, actively soliciting and addressing feedback from families, residents and associates. Ask how the community manages concerns. The first stage should be to contact the community’s leadership team, and from there, an option to reach out to management or ownership. Inquire about a feedback loop, and whether there is a policy for managing complaints or concerns. Quality communities are transparent and facilitate excellent communication between families, associates and residents.
            5. Is Transportation Available? There’s a whole world outside of your community, and it’s important to remain connected to it. Ask about the community’s transportation options. Most communities offer transportation within a defined radius, often via a regular shuttle service. The community may also have predetermined transportation days for doctor’s visits, religious services and other necessities. There may also be transportation to scheduled outings, such as restaurants, museums, theaters and more. Be sure to ask whether you can request additional transportation as needed, and any associated fees.
            6. What Training and Qualifications Do Associates Have? Excellent associates are the heart of an excellent community. Ask about the specific training and qualifications of associates at every level. What medical providers are available? What experience and training do they have? Who will be interacting with and caring for you daily? Are there monthly or other regular meetings to strengthen skills and address concerns?
            7. How Does the Culinary Program Support Resident Wellness? Older adults are more interested in delicious and healthy food than ever before. A generation ago, senior living communities offered meals at set times. Everyone ate the same food together, often in assigned seats. That has changed significantly. Many communities now offer all-day dining services at multiple venues, including formal dining areas. The more meal options that are available, the more likely it is you’ll find something delicious and healthy that you enjoy. Good nutrition is a key ingredient in the recipe for good health, and that means palatable and healthy food options should be available. If you have special dietary needs, such as vegetarian or low sodium, ask how the community accommodates these needs. The food preparation team should regularly consult with a nutritionist and should be prepared to work with your doctor to meet your nutritional goals. Are meals made from scratch?
            8. What Onsite Medical Support is Available to Residents? Most adults looking into senior living communities need, or will need, medical care on an ongoing basis. Ask questions specific to your medical needs. For instance, you may want to ask how the community supports residents’ physical, cognitive and emotional needs and what types of therapy and services as available. Are they on site? You’ll also need to plan for the care you may need in the future. Some good starting questions include:
              • What health conditions can this community manage?
              • Will I need to move to another location in the community if my needs change?
              • Can you help with medication management?
              • What daily needs can you help me with?
              • Can your community help me get medical help if my needs change? Will you be monitoring for changes in the condition of residents?
              • Can I keep my prescription and over-the-counter medications in my room or must someone else administer them?
            9. What is the Average Monthly Cost? It can be intimidating to talk about money. You might feel like you’re being stingy or cheap by asking specific, direct financial questions. But finances are a major factor in your decision. After you’ve taken a tour and decided that a community is on your list of top choices, get a clear cost breakdown. Some questions to consider:
              • What is the base price per month/year?
              • How are costs paid?
              • What is the cost for the amenities and living arrangements I saw on my tour?
              • What specific amenities are included in the base price? Regular visits with associates? Laundry? Meals?
              • What add-ons do I have to pay for and at what cost?
              • Is there a community or entrance fee?
              • What is the process for admission?
              • What documents do you need before I transition to your community?

    Discover Your Next Chapter at Landow House

    These questions are just the beginning of your adventure, and we are here to help you find the answers. Our sales counselors are ready to walk you through each step of the process at Landow House.