When you notice a loved one can no longer safely live on their own, you’re faced with important decisions. Can you provide the help they need while they remain at home? Should they move in with you? Or is it time to consider an assisted living community like Santa Marta? To guide you through the assisted living process, here’s an overview of what assisted living is, key questions to ask on your tour, and things to consider when making the move.
How Assisted Living Works
Santa Marta assisted living offers:
Knowledgeable staff: We provide around-the-clock care to help your loved one maintain their highest level of independence. Our highly trained team is available 24/7, noticing subtle changes that may indicate future health issues and adapting quickly to unexpected needs.
Assistance with daily activities: From getting dressed and bathing to medication management and meals, we provide the right level of support. Residents also enjoy chef-prepared meals and housekeeping services.
Social opportunities: Your family member will have daily opportunities to connect with others through a full calendar of activities, classes, and programs. Scheduled transportation is also available for group outings, shopping, and medical appointments.
Independence: Many people fear losing independence as they age. Assisted living allows your loved one to maintain independence without relying solely on family caregivers.
Privacy: Your loved one will have their own apartment and can enjoy all the community’s services and amenities at their own pace.
Assisted Living Process
To determine if assisted living is right for your loved one, start with a physician’s evaluation. When independent living is no longer safe or successful, a professional assessment of medical and daily living needs will help you understand the next steps.
Questions to Consider on Your Tour
As You Arrive
- Is the neighborhood safe, quiet, and pleasant?
- Do you like the location and outward appearance of the community?
- Is there convenient parking, including handicapped spaces?
- Are the grounds attractive and well maintained?
As You Tour
- Did you and your loved one receive a warm welcome from team members?
- Is your tour guide friendly and attentive to your needs and questions?
- Do team members greet residents by name and interact warmly?
- Can you talk with residents and staff during the tour?
Community Common Spaces
- Is the décor well kept, attractive, and homelike?
- Are there multiple common spaces for residents to enjoy with friends and family?
- Are the spaces actively being used while you’re there?
- Are there secure outdoor areas or courtyards?
Community Living Spaces
- Can you tour the apartments? How many floor plans are available?
- Are apartments private or semiprivate?
- Is there a kitchen area with a refrigerator, sink, and cooking element?
- Is the residence well lit with natural and artificial light?
- Can residents personalize their apartments with photos, artwork, and furniture?
- Are laundry and housekeeping services included?
- Is there a 24/7 emergency response system?
- Are utilities and cable TV included?
- Are visitors welcome anytime?
Assisted Living & Health Care Services
- Is an initial assessment conducted and a written care plan developed? How often are reassessments done?
- Are team members available to assist with daily living needs (dressing, bathing, mobility, personal care)?
- Who manages medications?
- What happens if health needs increase and a higher level of care is required?
Food and Dining Services
- Can you sample a meal during your tour?
- How many meals are provided daily?
- Do residents enjoy the food?
- Are meals nutritious, chef-prepared, and made with fresh ingredients?
- Are meals served restaurant-style or buffet-style?
- Are snacks available throughout the day?
- Can dietary needs and special requests be accommodated?
- Can family members join residents for meals?
Amenities, Services, and Social Activities
- Do residents seem engaged, social, and happy?
- Are there cultural, educational, recreational, and social programs?
- Are there organized outings to restaurants, cultural events, and community activities?
- Is there a full-time activities director?
- Are faith services offered?
- Can you view the monthly activity calendar?
- Is transportation available for appointments and shopping?
Team Members
- What’s the staff-to-resident ratio?
- What training do staff members receive, and how often?
- What is the team’s turnover rate?
Costs & Finances
- Is there a community fee, and what is the monthly cost?
- What’s included in the monthly fee?
- Can you review and take home a copy of the contract?
- Under what circumstances might costs increase?
- How does long-term care insurance apply?
Moving to Assisted Living
Once you decide to move, there are many details to manage. Here’s a checklist to help:
- Schedule utility disconnects.
- Gather valuables and important documents (jewelry, financial records, insurance policies, medical files, legal documents) and store them securely.
- Pack a suitcase for the first week, including medications.
- Ask a neighbor to collect any stray mail.
- Pack seldom-used belongings and valuables you’ll move yourself.
- Submit change-of-address notifications:
Financial Institutions
- Banks
- Credit bureaus
- Insurance companies
- Lenders
- Investment brokers
Government
- IRS
- State Department of Revenue
- DMV
- S. Post Office
Memberships
- Subscriptions/publications
- Civic organizations
- Place of worship
- Social or country clubs
- Fitness centers
Personal Services
- Accountant
- Attorney
- Cleaning service
- Lawn care or landscaping
- Physicians
Biggest Benefit of All the Hard Work
Once the decision is made and the move is complete, the benefits become clear. You’ll be able to step away from the daily caregiving role, knowing your loved one has professional support. This allows you to focus on enjoying meaningful time together.
Learn More About Assisted Living at Santa Marta
We’ve helped hundreds of families like yours make the transition to assisted living. We know how difficult it can be to determine what’s best for someone you love. That’s why research — including in-person visits — is so important. As you explore Johnson County senior care options, consider Santa Marta. To learn more, contact one of our helpful senior living counselors today.
