A tour is a sales visit. That is fine, as long as you bring your own agenda. Here is one. Print it, and take it to every community you visit, including ours.
Ask for these documents first
- The Uniform Disclosure of Assisted Living Services and Amenities. Every licensed assisted living in Minnesota must give you this. It lists what is offered and what costs extra, in the same format everywhere, which makes comparing easy.
- A blank contract. Read it at home, not in the lobby.
- The license type. Minnesota has two: Assisted Living Facility, and Assisted Living Facility with Dementia Care. Secured memory care requires the second.
- The most recent state survey. You can also look it up yourself at the Minnesota Department of Health.
Money
- What is the monthly rate for the apartment, and exactly what does it include?
- How is care priced? By level, by points, or by the task? Who decides the level, and how often is it reviewed?
- What did rates go up by last year and the year before? How much notice do residents get?
- What is charged at move-in, and is any of it refundable?
- Do you accept Elderly Waiver? From day one, or after private pay? What happens if we run out of money?
Care
- How many staff are in the building overnight? Are they awake?
- Is there a nurse on site, on call, or both? What hours?
- Who gives medications, and what training do they have?
- What happens after a fall? Who calls the family, and when?
- What would make you tell us our parent can no longer live here?
Daily life
- May we see this month’s real activity calendar and this week’s real menu?
- Can we stay for a meal?
- Can residents bring their own furniture? A pet?
- How do residents get to medical appointments?
What to notice without asking
- Do staff greet residents by name as you walk through?
- Does it smell clean, without smelling of cover-up?
- Are people in the common rooms, or is every door closed?
- How long does a call light stay on?
Want to try the list on us? Schedule a tour of French Meadow Place. Our pricing is already published, so you can skip ahead to the harder questions.
This guide is general information, not legal, financial or medical advice. Program rules change. Confirm details with the Senior LinkAge Line, your county, or a qualified advisor.