If you’re choosing an assisted living community for yourself or your loved one, there can be a lot of pressure to make the best choice. The best way to evaluate the assisted living community is to ask the right questions during a tour.
A tour is one of the best ways to assess whether a community provides the proper care, comfort, and support for your loved one.
At The Kensington Redondo Beach, we’ve done thousands of tours of our community. We’ve noticed some particular questions help visitors understand what makes the right fit for our guests.
So, we’ve compiled a list of the top questions to ask an assisted living team when you’re on a community tour—ours or anyone else’s.
If you’re considering assisted living in Redondo Beach, The Kensington Redondo Beach invites you to schedule a tour or stay tuned into our events calendar for upcoming Open Houses.
Questions to ask when touring an assisted living community
A thorough tour of any community should include discussions about these major subjects:
- Care options
- Amenities
- Team member qualifications
- Costs
- Policies
Get more information about each of these subjects with the following questions.
Care and medical support
- What levels of care are available? Some assisted living communities offer different levels of care, from minimal assistance to advanced medical support. Confirm whether the facility can accommodate future care needs.
- What happens if care needs change? Will the community allow them to stay in the same place, or will they need to transfer to another facility? At The Kensington Redondo Beach, we provide aging in place, which enables residents to receive increasing levels of care without moving to a different community.
- Is there 24/7 nursing care on-site? While many assisted living communities have caregivers available around the clock, having licensed medical team members on-site 24/7 can provide added peace of mind.
- How is medication management handled? Ask if trained team members oversee medication schedules and what protocols are in place to ensure accuracy and safety.
- What rehabilitation and therapy services are available? Check if the community offers on-site rehabilitation services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy—each can be a valuable resource for residents recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions.
Teams and training
- What are the team member’s qualifications and training requirements? Find out how caregivers and medical team members are trained, how often they receive continuing education, and how they handle medical emergencies.
- What is the team member-to-resident ratio? A low team member-to-resident ratio means more personalized attention and faster response times.
- How does the community handle residents with cognitive decline? Ask team members about their experiences with dementia care and whether there are specialized memory care programs available.
Daily living and amenities
- What types of apartments or living spaces are available? Assisted living communities typically offer studio, one-bedroom, or shared apartments. Ask to tour different options and see what features are included.
- Are pets allowed? If your loved one has a pet, check if the community is pet-friendly and whether there are any size or breed restrictions. The Kensington Redondo Beach welcomes pets and recognizes pet companionship’s physical and profound emotional benefits.
- What activities and social programs are available? A strong social calendar is essential for residents’ mental and emotional well-being. Ask for an activities schedule to see if there are events, outings, and hobby-based programs that match your loved one’s interests.
- How are meals prepared, and can dietary restrictions be accommodated? Dining is a key part of senior living. Ask to see the menu and check if special resident diets, such as low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, or vegetarian options, are available. The Kensington Redondo Beach offers chef-prepared meals with high-quality ingredients.
- What are the transportation services like? Does the community provide transportation for doctor’s appointments, shopping, or recreational outings? Is there a set schedule, or can residents request transportation as needed?
Safety and security
- What security measures are in place? Ask about security personnel, emergency response systems, and monitoring for residents with dementia who may wander.
- What happens in case of a medical emergency? Learn about the emergency response process, including how quickly team members respond to medical needs and whether on-site emergency call systems exist.
- Are there safety features for residents with mobility challenges? Look for grab bars, walk-in showers, non-slip flooring, and wheelchair-accessible common areas.
Costs and financial considerations
- What is included in the monthly fee? Ask for a breakdown of costs, so you know what’s covered and what may require additional fees. Some communities offer all-inclusive pricing, while others charge separately for services like medication management or therapy.
- Are there additional costs for higher levels of care? Will there be added charges if a resident’s health needs change? Understanding cost structures can help avoid unexpected financial strain.
- What is the policy on Medicaid, long-term care insurance, or veteran’s benefits? Some communities accept long-term care insurance or VA benefits to help cover costs. If applicable, ask about eligibility and payment options.
- What happens if a resident runs out of funds? Find out if the community offers financial assistance programs or if residents must relocate if they can no longer afford care.
Why choose The Kensington Redondo Beach for assisted living
Are you touring assisted living communities in Redondo Beach? The Kensington Redondo Beach stands out for its commitment to excellence, aging-in-place model, and specialized care programs.
Our assisted living community provides:
- Aging in place so residents aren’t required to move when care needs increase
- 24/7 nursing support for safety and peace of mind
- Three specialized levels of memory care
- On-site rehabilitation and therapy services
- Chef-prepared meals with high-quality ingredients
- A robust social calendar and engaging activities
- Pet-friendly policies for the enhancement of residents’ quality of life
- Living accommodations for couples
Join us for a tour
The best way to evaluate an assisted living community is to experience it firsthand.
Contact our team to join us at The Kensington Redondo Beach to tour our community and see firsthand how we love and care for your family as we do our own.