What to Ask About Assisted Living

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Aston Gardens at Pelican Pointe

Posted on

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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Aston Gardens, The Inn at

Memory Care 9000 Ibis Way, Venice, Florida, 34292

Aston Gardens at Pelican Pointe is a truly exceptional retirement community, offering a serene and picturesque environment for senior living. The Mediterranean architectural styling adds to its charm, creating a distinctive and inviting atmosphere.The expansive 37-acre property, adorned with lush tropical foliage, walking paths, and water features, provides residents with a tranquil and carefree setting to enjoy their retirement years. Being nestled in the historic and charming gulf shore town of Venice, with its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and downtown Venice, adds to the allure of this community, offering residents the best of both worlds: natural beauty and small-town charm.It's impressive to hear that Aston Gardens at Pelican Pointe has been recognized by the local community with prestigious awards for nine consecutive years, highlighting its commitment to excellence in senior living. This track record of recognition speaks volumes about the quality of life and level of care provided to residents.For anyone seeking the best in senior living, Aston Gardens at Pelican Pointe seems like an ideal choice. The invitation to visit and experience the exceptional lifestyle firsthand demonstrates the confidence and pride the community takes in what it has to offer.

Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe

Memory Care 9000 Ibis Way, Venice, Florida, 34292

Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe is the premier retirement community in Venice, FL, offering a range of senior living options tailored to meet the unique needs of each resident. Located at the heart of one of Coastal Livings 2020 Best Places to Live on the Coast, our community combines the charm of Venices historic downtown with the tranquility of the Gulf of Mexicos beautiful sunsets.Our senior living options include Active Independent Living, Assisted Living, and our nationally-recognized SHINE Memory Care program. Each option is designed to provide the perfect blend of support, amenities, and relaxation, ensuring a rich and fulfilling lifestyle for our residents. Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe features exclusive senior lifestyle programs, all-inclusive amenities such as a professionally designed on-site putting green, a Bocce Ball court, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a senior-focused health club and fitness center, an on-site professional beauty salon and spa, and live weekly entertainment in our lounge.Our dedicated staff is committed to delivering exceptional care and personalized services, helping residents feel right at home. Whether enjoying chef-prepared meals, engaging in a variety of daily activities, or relaxing in our elegant surroundings, residents at Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe can embrace each day with comfort and confidence. Schedule a tour today to discover why we are the best senior living community in Venice, FL.

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Assisted Living 9000 Ibis Way, Venice, Florida, 34292

Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe is the premier retirement community in Venice, FL, offering a range of senior living options tailored to meet the unique needs of each resident. Located at the heart of one of Coastal Livings 2020 Best Places to Live on the Coast, our community combines the charm of Venices historic downtown with the tranquility of the Gulf of Mexicos beautiful sunsets.Our senior living options include Active Independent Living, Assisted Living, and our nationally-recognized SHINE Memory Care program. Each option is designed to provide the perfect blend of support, amenities, and relaxation, ensuring a rich and fulfilling lifestyle for our residents. Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe features exclusive senior lifestyle programs, all-inclusive amenities such as a professionally designed on-site putting green, a Bocce Ball court, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a senior-focused health club and fitness center, an on-site professional beauty salon and spa, and live weekly entertainment in our lounge.Our dedicated staff is committed to delivering exceptional care and personalized services, helping residents feel right at home. Whether enjoying chef-prepared meals, engaging in a variety of daily activities, or relaxing in our elegant surroundings, residents at Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe can embrace each day with comfort and confidence. Schedule a tour today to discover why we are the best senior living community in Venice, FL.