You have done your research, narrowed down your list, and you are ready to tour a few personal care communities in Exton, PA. The good news is that someone from the community will take the time to personally walk you through and explain all the aspects of what it is like to live there. Although they will provide a lot of information during your tour, they may not cover everything you want to know, so you must know the right additional questions to ask along the way.
Being prepared for your tour means having a list of questions to ask, and it will be helpful if your questions are grouped together so you can keep your thoughts organized. Some of these questions may be answered right away during your tour, but it is always ok to ask again if you need more specific details.
Use the following six categories and the questions below as a guide to be sure you are getting all the information you need to make an informed decision. These are the top questions to ask when selecting a personal care community in Exton, PA.
Staff
Learning about the people who you will be in contact with day to day is perhaps the most important element. During a tour, you should be able to meet a few staff members and view how they interact with residents. Notice how you feel when you meet them and how they treat others. Staff should also receive regular training and education to best meet residents' needs. Here are some additional questions to ask about their staff.
- Is the staff onsite 24/7?
- What is the staff to resident ratio?
- Are staff members subjected to background checks?
- What kind of training does the staff receive?
- Are they trained on elder abuse and neglect or best practices in memory care?
Living Spaces
On your tour, you will likely walk through at least one floor plan, but there may be others to choose from, or shared apartment options as well. Some communities offer full housekeeping and laundry services right in your apartment so be sure to find out if they do and how those services work.
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Is there a waiting list for any certain floor plans?
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What floor plans do you offer?
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Are your apartments furnished or unfurnished?
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Can residents decorate and personalize their own spaces?
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Is internet access provided? Wi-Fi?
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Is laundry service included? How does that work?
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Is housekeeping included? How does that work?
Activities
You will not be able to see every event or activity offered while on your tour, but the best personal care communities will offer individualized, well-thought-out activities and programs. The events and programs offered are the heart of quality life for residents. Listen to see if your tour guide talks about their resident's interests and physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being when planning activities. Some communities will also involve their residents in making decisions and future plans as well.
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What types of activities are available to residents, and how often do they occur?
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Is there a posted schedule of events and activities?
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Are residents actively encouraged to participate?
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Do you provide transportation to the grocery store?
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Are there opportunities to interact with the surrounding community, such as scheduled outings or volunteering opportunities?
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Is live entertainment part of the activities schedule? If so, what kind, and how often?
Health Care
Your healthcare needs are going to change over time and you need to ensure the community you choose is able to meet these changing needs. It’s imperative to understand which medical needs can be met in-house and which cannot. Overall wellness options may also be offered.
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Do you have nurses on staff, or an in-house physician?
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What type of physical therapy and rehabilitation do you offer?
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How do you assist with medication management?
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Is there a written plan of care for each resident?
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Do you have transportation for doctor’s appointments?
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Do you offer any holistic wellness services like massage?
Lifestyle
Keeping the comforts and traditions you are used to should be very important as you transition to this next stage. Personal care communities vary in terms of what they allow but you should know that you do not need to sacrifice the unique personal parts of your life to find the best community for you. Be sure to ask questions that relate to your personal wants and desires for your retirement such as:
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What is your pet policy?
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Are overnight overnight guests allowed?
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Are visitors allowed all the time, or are there specific visiting hours?
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Are religious services provided here or available nearby?
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Are there any other extra fees? If so, what are they?
Next Steps
Only you know what’s best for you and your family, so if you have more questions, feel free to ask them at any time. The best communities will be happy to accommodate you and make your visit as informative as possible. Take these questions with you and don’t be afraid to ask them so you can make your final decision with confidence and clarity. 