What questions should I ask when touring assisted living?
All-in monthly cost for your loved one's specific care level (not the starting rate). Direct-care staff turnover rate over the past 12 months. Most recent HHSC inspection report. Current Alzheimer certification (if memory care). Resident-to-direct-care-staff ratio at your loved one's care level. Move-out triggers.
The five questions above eliminate 80% of community-fit risk. The all-in cost question prevents pricing surprise — every community has tiered care levels, and the marketing rate rarely reflects what your loved one will actually pay. Staff turnover predicts care continuity — high turnover (>50% annual) is a red flag. The HHSC inspection report shows actual regulatory standing, not marketing. Alzheimer certification is required for secured memory care in Texas. The staff ratio question filters how staffing changes by acuity. Move-out triggers — what care needs would force your loved one to leave the community — predict whether this is a long-term home or a stop on a journey. SeniorIQ pre-verifies HHSC license and Alzheimer certification on every match.
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