All this week we are taking a look at what the five essential questions to ask when evaluating an assisted living facility are. Today, we address question number four:

What is the culture like?

Of all the responses we received when asking what the most important questions were, the most common response was FOOD! Your parents have been cooking for themselves for decades, and have their own tastes and thoughts on how things should be prepared. Oftentimes, the food made at ALFs is mass-produced, with many dietary concerns in mind (low salt and low sugar content are the most common features – and bring on the largest number of complaints). Ask the facility for a copy of a recent weekly or monthly menu. Is there much variety? Are there more than one option at every meal? If the resident decides they don’t want to eat that night’s fare, is there a kitchenette in their apartment or on their floor that they can use instead? Sometimes, facilities will keep a dress code for their cafeteria – does your mother prefer the comfort of a nightgown to a skirt and blouse?

In the other homes your parents’ have chosen throughout the years, they probably only considered how their own family would interact within its walls. Now, however, they will have new housemates. During your visit, does it seem like the other residents interact with each other friendly and frequently, or are they all holed up in their rooms? Which environment would your parent be more likely to prefer? Of course, friendly staffers are always an advantage. Do they make an effort to chat with the residents about their day, or is it strictly business?

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