Choosing the right assisted living community is one of the most important decisions you can make for yourself or a loved one. Touring potential communities is the best way to see the environment, meet the staff, and get a feel for daily life. But knowing the right questions to ask can help you go beyond the brochure and uncover what truly matters.

Below is a checklist of essential questions—along with insight into how The Veranda Assisted Living in Staten Island excels in each area.

1. What Levels of Care Are Provided?

Not every assisted living community offers the same services. Some focus solely on basic assistance, while others provide additional care for residents with more complex needs.

What to Ask:

• Do you offer different care levels, including memory care for Alzheimer’s and dementia?

• How do you evaluate and adjust care as needs change?

At The Veranda:
We offer a full range of care—including a specialized Memory Care Wing—so residents can age in place even as their needs evolve. Our care plans are regularly reviewed to ensure each resident receives the right level of support.

2. How Is the Staff Trained and What Is the Staff-to-Resident Ratio?

Staff availability and training directly impact quality of care and responsiveness.

What to Ask:

• What is the ratio of caregivers to residents?

• How are staff members trained to handle medical, emotional, and cognitive needs?

At The Veranda:
Our team includes highly trained professionals available 24/7, with additional training for dementia and Alzheimer’s support. We maintain attentive staffing levels to ensure personalized care.

3. What Are the Living Accommodations Like?

The comfort of living spaces plays a huge role in quality of life.

What to Ask:

• Are rooms private, semi-private, or a mix?

• Are accommodations ADA-compliant?

• Can residents personalize their space?

At The Veranda:
We offer both private and semi-private rooms—many ADA-compliant—with features like call-bell systems for safety. Residents are encouraged to bring personal touches to make their rooms feel like home.

4. How Are Meals Prepared and Served?

Nutrition and mealtime experience are essential to health and happiness.

What to Ask:

• How many meals are provided daily?

• Can you accommodate dietary needs?

• Is dining communal or in-room?

At The Veranda:
Residents enjoy three chef-prepared meals daily in a restaurant-style dining room, with menus that accommodate special diets. Meals are as much a social experience as they are nourishing.

5. What Activities and Social Opportunities Are Offered?

Staying active and engaged is crucial for overall well-being.

What to Ask:

• What daily activities are available?

• Are there outings, fitness programs, or creative classes?

• How do you encourage residents to participate?

At The Veranda:
We offer a full calendar of activities—from fitness classes and theater nights to creative arts and community outings—ensuring there’s something for every interest and ability.

6. What Medical Services Are Available On-Site?

Easy access to healthcare can reduce stress and improve outcomes.

What to Ask:

• Is there a medical clinic on-site?

• Are there visiting physicians or specialists?

• How are emergencies handled?

At The Veranda:
Our on-site medical clinic includes physician services and access to specialists like cardiologists and geriatricians. Staff are trained to respond quickly to emergencies.

7. How Do You Ensure Safety and Security?

Safety protocols should be clearly defined and visible during your tour.

What to Ask:

• Are there 24/7 staff and security measures in place?

• How are doors, hallways, and outdoor spaces secured?

At The Veranda:
We provide 24-hour supervision, secure entry systems, and thoughtfully designed spaces to promote mobility while minimizing risk.

8. What Are the Costs and Payment Options?

Understanding costs upfront helps families plan confidently.

What to Ask:

• What’s included in the monthly fee?

• Are there extra charges for certain services?

• Do you accept Medicaid or other programs?

At The Veranda:
We participate in the New York State Assisted Living Program (ALP), which allows eligible residents to use Medicaid to cover most costs—making quality care accessible without financial strain.

Assisted Living Tour Checklist

When you visit an assisted living community, bring this list with you:

• What care levels are offered?

• What is the staff-to-resident ratio?

• Are staff trained in dementia and Alzheimer’s care?

• Are rooms private/semi-private and ADA-compliant?

• Can residents decorate their own rooms?

• How many meals are served daily?

• Can dietary needs be accommodated?

• What activities are offered daily?

• Are there outings or special events?

• Is there on-site medical care?

• What emergency procedures are in place?

• Are there secure entry and monitoring systems?

• What is included in the monthly fee?

• Are Medicaid or other payment options available?

Touring with Confidence

Asking the right questions during a tour helps you look beyond appearances and focus on what truly matters for your loved one’s safety, comfort, and happiness. At The Veranda Assisted Living, we welcome these questions—because we’re proud of the answers.

Ready to See for Yourself?
Schedule your tour today by visiting our Contact Us page and experience firsthand how The Veranda provides comfort, care, and community in Staten Island.