What to Ask About Assisted Living

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Aston Gardens at Pelican Pointe

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Dec 10, 2021

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Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties

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When seniors or their families start looking at assisted living communities there are several important questions everyone should ask. Most of these are pretty obvious size, cost, location, etc. But then there are the less obvious things that may not pop into your mind right away, but may actually turn out to be a deal breaker.
Here are some questions gathered from the experiences of other seniors. Take a look, mull them over, add your own and then ask the ones that you think will make a difference in whether your senior living experience is terrible or terrific.
Keep in mind that not all of these things will be important to you. And just because one of them is an issue for someone else, it might not matter to you at all. Also, there is no right and wrong answer. For instance, some seniors might prefer to bring their own furniture to make a place feel like home, while others might not want the hassle or expense of buying new or moving it.
So if something really important doesn't meet your expectations, consider it a possible deal breaker. Or if several of the lessor issues all come up on the wrong side of your list, you need to give that assisted living community a little more thought before packing your bags and moving in. Take a look.
For anyone:

How many residents live there?
What is the ratio of staff to residents?
What are the living accommodations like an apartment, single room with private bath, single room with a shared bath or double room?
Is furniture provided or do you need to bring your own? What will fit?
Can residents put things on the walls? Do you do it yourself or does maintenance do it for you?
Is there a nurse on staff?
What types of activities do they do with residents?
Do they expect everyone to take part in activities?
Do they remind or invite residents to join in or do you need to remember and come down on your own?
Are the activities appropriate for the residents age, memory, interests and ability?
Can you have a pet? Are there restrictions? Who is responsible for the pet?
Do they offer transportation? As a group or individual rides? What is the cost per one-way trip?
Are there rehab or physical therapy services on site?
Can you choose where and with whom you want to eat or are you assigned?
What is the food like? What's a typical, breakfast, lunch and dinner? Is there ever a choice or does everyone get the same thing (unless they have special needs).
How do they accommodate special food needs? (Gluten free, diabetic, etc.)
Are there visiting hours? Can visitors dine with the resident? Is there a charge? Are reservations needed?
How does the waiting list work? Is there a deposit required to be on the list? How much? Does that amount go toward the monthly fee or to the company? Is it refundable if you change your mind?
What happens if you aren't ready when they call with an opening? Do you drop to the bottom of the list?

For those who need very little assistance:

Can the residents suggest or organize activities?
Is there parking available? Inside or outside? Is there an extra charge for parking?
Are there laundry facilities or is laundry provided? Is there an extra fee?
Is housekeeping included?
Can you cook in your apartment?
Can you choose to only eat part of your meals with the group? Do you only pay for meals you eat?
How active/social are most of the residents?
Do they offer any outings? Where? How often?

For those with mild dementia or physical limitations requiring more assistance:

Does anyone assist residents with activities?
How is medicine handled? Is enough water provided to swallow a pill? How do they prepare pills if they're large and difficult to swallow?
Is there a bedtime or curfew? What time do they help residents get ready for bed? What time is lights out? What if you're a night owl? Can you stay up longer? What time do they start getting people up in the morning? Is it done room by room or do they take into consideration that some people just wake up earlier or prefer to sleep later?
How often do residents get baths or showers?
Can they accommodate two-person transfers?
What type of clothes do they suggest for residents? (e.g. whatever you choose or easy to pull on outfits?)
How is laundry done? How often? Is it done individually or more than one persons clothing at a time? How do they make sure clothes are returned to the correct room?
What do they do if clothes or personal items go missing? How do they find it?
If snacks are included, are they given to everyone or just people who ask or just if those at an activity?
Can you have their own food in your room?
What supplies are provided? (e.g. shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, Depends, etc.). What happens when the resident runs out of something? Do they have extra in stock or do they send someone for it? If so, how are you charged for that? Do they expect a family member to go get it?

Now that you've reached the bottom of the list, don't let these questions overwhelm you! And don't worry. Quality senior living communities, are here to help.
Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe is a premier senior living community in Venice, Florida. Our state-of-the-art community offers multiple levels of care for aging adults, including independent senior living, assisted living, and memory care. Learn more about our senior living programs by CLICKING HERE!

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Memory Care 9000 Ibis Way, Venice, Florida, 34292

Aston Gardens at Pelican Pointe is a Florida retirement community designed with Mediterranean architectural-styling and is located in the historic, quaint gulf shore town of Venice, just off the Gulf of Mexico. This Florida senior-living community is built on 37 acres and includes lush tropical foliage, walking paths and water features which provide the perfect setting for peaceful, carefree living in Venice, FL and since it's just minutes from the picturesque, tree-lined streets of downtown Venice, you'll always have the comforts of living in a friendly, small town. In fact, the local community has voted us "Best Retirement Community," "Best Overall Assisted Living" and "Best Assisted Living Under-50 Beds" for NINE years in a row and there's a very good reason for it. If you want to experience the best, you'll want to come over and visit us at Aston Gardens!

Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe

Assisted Living 1000 Aston Gardens Dr., Venice, Florida, 34292

Welcome to the home of award-winning senior living in Venice, Florida. Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe is in the heart of Venice, just minutes from the best shopping, entertainment and medical facilities. Rich in local culture and appreciated for its world-class amenities, Venice is an amazing city to enjoy in your retirement years. Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe provides the perfect setting for peaceful, carefree senior living. Residents enjoy exceptional accommodations, fine dining, resort amenities, a daily schedule of recreational, social and educational activities, health and wellness programs, complimentary transportation and the finest professional team members in Florida. You'll enjoy an all-inclusive, affordable country club lifestyle complete with resort amenities and plenty of fun activities. Plus, our exclusive comprehensive wellness program, in partnership with Gulf Coast Medical Group, will help keep you healthy. For independent living, rent a luxurious apartment home or purchase an elegant villa. For residents who need more personal attention and care, our spacious suites for assisted living and memory care provide the perfect setting. And when you are not at home, head over to the well-appointed 23,000+ square foot Grande Clubhouse for good times with friends. Give us a call to find out why we are America's award-winning senior-living community!

Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe

Memory Care 1000 Aston Gardens Dr., Venice, Florida, 34292

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