Here are some types of questions to ask when touring the Autumn View Gardens assisted living community in Ellisville or any other option.

Ask About Staff Ratios, Training and Policies

Talk about staffing to understand the qualifications of care providers, how many people are available to offer assistance and what policies govern care. Some specific questions you might ask include:

• What are the staff-to-resident ratios? Ratios let you know how many staff are on hand compared to the number of residents daily. Ask how these ratios change throughout the day, as daytime, evening and overnight ratios may differ.
• Is a clinical care provider on-site at all times? Find out if a nurse or LPN is available during all times of the day or whether one is on call.
• What training is required? Discover whether the community requires staff to complete regular compliance, CPR/first aid, fall prevention and infection control training. Ask about training related to conditions relevant to you or your loved one, such as dementia, diabetes or Parkinson's.

Find Out About Lifestyle Amenities

Many assisted living communities offer lifestyle amenities and activities designed to support older adults in remaining active and vibrant. For example, Autumn View Gardens offers a full activity calendar, flexible dining times, a bistro for cooking classes and family gatherings, a coffee bar, a library and a computer center, among many other amenities.

Questions you might ask about lifestyle amenities include:

• Can you show me residents' favorite spaces? Understanding where current residents like to spend time can help you see what type of amenities are offered and how the community currently uses common spaces.
• What are the meal options? Find out when meals are served, where they're served and whether you have options for in-room meal service as needed.
• What type of pets are allowed? Autumn View Gardens in Ellisville allows pets like dogs, cats and birds. Find out if your pet companion will be allowed to move into assisted living with you.
• What does the activity calendar look like? Talk about regularly scheduled events and ask if there are plans to incorporate any classes or activities that align with your interests.

Clarify Wellness Services Provided

When touring an assisted living community, ask about the types of wellness services provided. Important questions include:

• Does every resident get an individual care plan? Every person is unique, and each resident needs a personalized level of care. Ensure any assisted living community you choose offers this option.
• What on-site treatments are available? Find out what type of services you can get without leaving the community. At Autumn View Gardens, we offer on-site pharmacy, therapy, exercise, spiritual care, rehabilitation and podiatry services.
• How does staff handle medical emergencies? Ensure there's a policy and infrastructure in place to support 24-hour emergency calls. Ask more than one staff member about this policy to determine whether training on handling emergencies is consistent.

Ask About Care Transition Options

Many people get caught up in the here-and-now when moving into a community. It's also important to consider your future needs and whether a community can serve you throughout retirement. Find out how a community handles transitions to various care levels. For example, Autumn View Gardens offers memory care services as well as assisted living. You might ask questions about how the staff evaluates care needs and what happens if you need to transfer to a different level of care.

Request a Tour of Different Apartment and Suite Types

Don't rush your tour. Spend time in all areas of the community, and ask if you can eat lunch in the dining room. Tour all the apartment and suite layouts available to understand your options.

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