Choosing where a parent will live is one of the biggest decisions a family makes. A tour is the best way to get a feel for a home, and the right questions help you compare places fairly. Here is a list to take with you.
About care
- What levels of care do you provide, and how is a resident’s level decided?
- What happens if my parent’s needs change?
- How are medications managed?
- How do you work with doctors, nurses, therapists and hospice providers?
- How many staff are on duty during the day and at night?
About the staff
- How are caregivers screened before they start?
- What training do they receive, and how often?
- Will my parent see the same faces from day to day?
About daily life
- What does a typical day look like?
- Can I see a sample menu? Do you cater for special diets?
- What activities are offered, and are residents encouraged to join in?
- Are rooms private? What can residents bring from home?
About cost and paperwork
- How is the cost worked out, and what is included?
- Which services cost extra?
- Do you accept long-term care insurance or veterans’ benefits?
- What paperwork is needed to move in?
About families
- What are the visiting hours?
- How will you keep us informed about how my parent is doing?
- Who do I call with a question or a concern?
Trust what you see
Beyond the answers, notice how the home feels. Is it clean and calm? Do residents look comfortable? Do staff speak to residents with warmth and respect? Visit more than once if you can, at different times of day.
At Allegiance, tours run every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Call 404-246-6606 or 404-913-3624 to arrange a visit, and bring this list with you.