As the American population ages, the use of assisted living facilities will likely increase. According to A Place for Mom, by 2040, more than 80 million Americans will be older than 65 years old, with nearly 15 million more by 2060. Assisted living is a great option for seniors who need little to no assistance while living among their generational peers. Here are a few questions to ask as you decide what will be the right assisted living facility for you or a senior you're looking out for.

1. What Services and Amenities Do You Offer?

Assisted living facilities can provide housekeeping services, daily meals, and transportation for seniors that no longer drive. Seniors needing more care may get help bathing, dressing, and monitoring their medication. It's also common for these facilities to have recreational activities for residents.

2. What Levels of Care Do You Provide?

Facilities usually have a multiple-tier system that can include three to six levels of care ranging from almost no assistance to one-on-one daily monitoring. Residents receive an individual assessment upon arrival at the facility to determine the care level they fall on. Some facilities offer a broader care level than others, so make sure you understand if they can adjust the care of a resident if needed.

3. What Safety Measures Are in Place?

Safety can mean many things, from food safety to physical safety to dealing with emergency issues. You want to feel confident that any senior will be well looked after in case they fall or have a medical emergency at night. Ask about how residential floors are monitored and how quickly someone can respond.

4. Are There Social Activities?

Most facilities provide a range of social programs and activities for residents. Some may have game nights or casino trips. More and more facilities also have wellness programs that cater to seniors. Ask if they have a calendar of events you can see to get an idea of the opportunities available for your loved one to enjoy. You want a place where your beloved senior can remain engaged in life with other seniors and the greater community.

Making a final decision on senior care can take some work. Not all assisted living facilities are the same, so ask the right questions to ensure you find the right fit for your senior loved one. If you have a senior who needs a professional and compassionate place to stay, contact Evergreen Senior Living for more assistance.