Ready for a Visit? Our Assisted Living Community Tour Checklist

It’s a big step. 

Life-altering, even.

Moving into an assisted living community in Wilmington can be a dramatic change from living in your own home. But what should you look for when you’re visiting an assisted living community? Do you know the right questions to ask? We’ve provided this assisted living community tour checklist to help you.

For our residents, Cedar Cove brings the peace of mind knowing that help is just a call button away. For you, it means you’ll never have to worry about your parents (or sibling, or spouse) accidentally leaving the stove on or falling without anyone nearby to help. Discover why so many of our residents enjoy living at Cedar Cove, which is conveniently located so you can enjoy the beauty of the beach and the convenience of nearby medical facilities. 

What Should You Look for When Touring an Assisted Living Community?

There are several aspects to consider when compiling your assisted living community tour checklist. We’ve touched on just a few of the highlights.

The Staff

Look for staff who are friendly and polite. Ask about the staff-to-resident ratio. All staff members should look and act professional, and you should be greeted warmly and respectfully. You should also see examples of positive interactions between staff and residents.

The Community

Make sure the rooms and hallways are clean and odor-free. Check to see if the exits are clearly marked. Explore any outdoor areas to ensure they are aesthetically pleasing, safe and secure. Do the residents you see appear to be happy and engaged? If so, that’s a positive sign.

The Rooms

If you’re shown a model room, make sure it’s clean with easy access to emergency assistance buttons. It’s a bonus if the room gets natural lighting throughout the day.

Activities

Are there dedicated activity rooms and a regular calendar of events? Ask a staff member about any weekly events such as exercise classes, worship services, movies or any other activities available.

What Questions Should You Ask During an Assisted Living Community Tour?

Following are some important questions you should consider asking as part of your assisted living community tour checklist:

• What is the caregiver-to-resident ratio?
• Is it owned by a large corporation or is it family -owned? 
• How many rooms does the facility have? Are they private or semi-private?
• What certifications do the staff have?
• Are background checks performed on every employee?
• Is there a high staff turnover rate?
• Does the facility have easy access to RNs, PAs or doctors? Are there any on staff? 
• What medical professionals are available 24/7 to meet regular and unscheduled resident needs?
• What assistance is provided for help with activities of everyday living? 
• Does each resident have a plan of care? If so, how often is it reviewed and updated?
• Is medication management available? And is the facility licensed to administer medications?
• Are transportation services available to take residents to doctor appointments?
• What are the dining options? Can they accommodate different dietary needs?

As part of your assisted living community tour checklist, you should also always consider what you believe to be most important. While all checklists should deal with issues such as resident safety and medication management, it’s equally important to be sure that your new assisted living community in Wilmington includes activities and options you prefer.

What Are the Signs of a Well-Run Assisted Living Community? 

Signs of a well-run assisted living community include:

• Residents who are happy and appear to be well-cared for
• Easy access to health care professionals like nurses and MDs
• Clean hallways with clearly marked exits
• Health care that is readily accessible
• Transparent communication with staff and other members of the health care team
• Up-to-date certifications
• Staff ready to help those who need assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living) like eating or bathing
• Dining options that offer both variety and nutrition
• An activity calendar that has a variety of activities
• A facility that is both inviting and secure
• If memory care is needed, make sure those who work with these residents have specific training in working with those with dementia

Should You Tour an Apartment/Room During Your Tour?

Absolutely! This is where you or your loved one will be spending a lot of time, which is why you should definitely tour an apartment/room during your tour.

This gives you an opportunity to verify its true condition and not merely go by photos on the community’s website. You should pay close attention to:

• Lighting (both natural lighting and lamps/overhead lighting)
• Plumbing (and the size of the bathroom)
• Cleanliness
• Noise levels (particularly if located near a nursing station or in a busy hallway)

The key is to help ensure there are no unpleasant surprises. Remember: The staff should be happy to allow you the opportunity to see one of their rooms.

At Cedar Cove Assisted Living community in Wilmington, we are happy to show you one of our rooms. We have:

• 48 apartments for those who need memory care
• 62 assisted living apartments (this includes private and semi-private apartments)
• Private apartments with kitchenettes

Just contact us for a tour. We’d love to meet you so you can discover why our residents love living at Cedar Cove. 

We’ll Help You Tick All the Boxes in Your Assisted Living Community Tour Checklist

Our home-like environment offers so much more than a place to live; it creates a place you can call home. We’ll give you the peace of mind knowing that your loved one is cared for as if they were a member of our own family.

Looking for assisted living for yourself? We have 24-hour supervision for your safety, and we pledge to always treat you with the respect and dignity you deserve. 

So schedule a tour with us…and don’t forget to bring your checklist!