What Families Should Ask While Touring an Assisted Living Community in Fort Worth
As you explore assisted living options in the Fort Worth area, it’s important to make the most of each tour you take.
This vibrant city offers plenty of choices when it comes to assisted living communities, but knowing what to look for in a particular living space can feel overwhelming.
Knowing the right questions to ask can make all the difference when making the final decision, which is why this list of questions are essential when touring an assisted living community in Fort Worth.
With the right questions, you can get the answers you need and feel comfortable that you’ve made the best decision for your loved one.
Questions About The Living Situation
One of the most important sets of questions to ask relates to the living situation and safety considerations. Assisted living in Fort Worth depends on quality living spaces that take accessibility and accommodation into account.
Here are some of the key questions to ask when looking at any assisted living community in and around Fort Worth:
- What are the different apartment sizes, and what types of floor plans are available?
- What furnishings are provided upon move-in, and what can residents bring from home or buy and have delivered?
- How often is maintenance performed, and how are those maintenance needs addressed?
- What modifications can be made to the rooms – and how do residents get approval for changes?
- What are the specific security measures for rooms and the building as a whole – and how are visitors tracked?
- How are unique situations – such as wandering risks – addressed?
Questions About The Location and Local Amenities
A common question many have about Fort Worth assisted living isn’t so much about the assisted living community itself, but what’s available in and around their future home. Here are a few key questions to ask as you start looking:
- How close is the assisted living and memory care community to your family’s home and workplaces?
- What’s the distance to your loved one’s preferred medical providers – especially medical centers such as Texas Health Harris Methodist or Baylor Scott & White?
- Is the assisted living community near top Fort Worth attractions that your loved one may wish to visit?
- How accessible is the assisted living community to shopping and grocery areas around Fort Worth?
- How close is it to places of worship and cultural centers?
Questions About The Dining Experience
Texas is known for great food and you want to make sure that the same quality is seen in the dining options. A great way to learn about the various dining and culinary options at an assisted living community is to have a meal while on tour – but don’t be afraid to ask specific questions about the dining experience:
- Are there any special dietary accommodations available?
- Can residents request specific meals or dishes?
- Is the menu regularly updated and rotated to offer variety?
- Are there any dining events or themed meals offered?
- How are food allergies and sensitivities handled by the kitchen staff?
Questions About Care and Medical Support
Those who live in an assisted living community in Fort Worth want to know that their specific healthcare needs are taken into consideration. While most will have on-site healthcare specialists, there may be times when specialized care is needed – and you want to know the different options.
- Which local medical groups visit the community?
- What is the community’s relationship with nearby healthcare options?
- How are medications managed for residents on-site?
- What’s the protocol that staff follow for medical emergencies?
- Is there transportation included for medical visits?
Questions About Staff and Training
The care team that will be caring for your loved one matters. When you know that the professional staff at a senior living community are looking out for the best interest of your loved one, you’ll enjoy the experience all the more.
When looking at assisted living communities, ask:
- What are the staff-to-resident ratios during different shifts?
- What types of training and ongoing education do staff members receive?
- How long have the key staff and professionals been with this community?
- What’s the turnover rate like here?
- Does the community have bilingual professionals on staff?
Meet different staff members on your tour and get to know them. You’ll quickly get a feel for the style of personal engagement they offer.
Questions About Texas Weather
Fort Worth weather can be unpredictable! This plays a big role in families being able to visit or communities being able to operate normally. Don’t be afraid to ask:
- How does the community handle any extreme weather events such as severe weather, heat waves, or ice storms?
- Are there backup systems in place to handle any power outages in the heat or during winter storms?
- Does the community offer covered parking areas for visitors?
- How are outdoor activities changed when the weather is dangerous?
Questions About Daily Life and Activities
Assisted living communities are committed to providing a high quality of life for their residents, and that includes activities and social engagements that keep everyone connected. Don’t be afraid to ask about the various ways that a particular assisted living community helps residents get active:
- What types of activities and events does the community offer?
- Are there opportunities for residents to participate in group outings or trips?
- How are individual interests and preferences taken into consideration when planning activities?
- Are there any fitness programs or classes available?
Make sure to ask whether the community will take the time to get to know your loved one’s preferences, particularly when it comes to their social expectations and any hobbies they might be interested in.
Cost and Financial Considerations
While not always the most important consideration, how to pay for assisted living plays a role in your final choice. As you gather information and tour, you’ll want to consider:
- What services and amenities are included in the basic monthly rate?
- Which services do you offer that may incur additional charges?
- Are there different payment and pricing options available?
- How often do rates typically increase in this assisted living community?
- Do you offer financial assistance to help offset the cost?
Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions about finances and budget – because when you trust that all of your financial considerations are taken into account, you’ll feel that much more comfortable when making the final decision!
Get All Of Your Questions Answered At Bristol Park At Eagle Mountain Assisted Living & Memory Care
Asking the right questions and getting the answers you are looking for is only one part of the decision to choose an assisted living community in Fort Worth.
Here at Bristol Park at Eagle Mountain Assisted Living & Memory Care, we know how important it is to find a community that feels like home.
That’s why we invest the time to answer any and all questions you may have about our community, from the social events we hold to the culinary options. Schedule a tour and see the difference that comes with an assisted living community that is designed around resident-first care!
