Choosing a community to support day-to-day life as needs evolve is an important decision—one that goes far beyond floor plans or meal options. For older adults and their families, it’s a time to reflect on what matters most: values, connection, and the opportunity to continue living with purpose.
If you’re exploring personal care and assisted living options, knowing what questions to ask can help bring clarity and confidence to the process. At Barclay Friends, thoughtful conversations are encouraged—because selecting a place to live is about finding the right fit, not just checking off a list.
Assisted Living vs Personal Care: What’s the Difference?
Here are several areas to explore during your search:
1. Community Philosophy and Values
Start by getting a feel for what shapes the life of the community.
- What principles guide daily life here?
- How is a sense of connection nurtured among residents and staff?
- What does autonomy look like for residents?
Barclay Friends draws inspiration from Quaker values, where respect for each person’s voice and experience is central. Conversations with staff and residents can offer insight into how those values are reflected in everyday life.
2. Accommodations and Living Options
Understanding where and how someone will live is foundational.
- What types of accommodations are available—suites, apartments, shared residences?
- How are living spaces personalized for comfort and ease?
- If health needs change, what options exist within the same campus or network?
As part of a continuing care approach, Barclay Friends offers settings designed to evolve with individuals, minimizing the need for future moves.
3. Wellness and Personal Services
Physical, emotional, and cognitive wellness are integral to overall well-being.
- What health and wellness services are available?
- Are there wellness programs that support mind, body, and spirit?
- How are personal services tailored to meet individual preferences and routines?
Look for communities where care is not only present, but approached with dignity and attentiveness.
4. Dining and Hospitality
Food is often at the heart of connection—something to look forward to and enjoy.
- What are mealtimes like here?
- Are there flexible dining options, such as take-out or multiple venues?
- How are dietary needs and preferences accommodated?
A shared meal can say a lot about a community. It’s worth sitting down for one, if possible.
5. Life Enrichment and Learning
Opportunities to grow, create, and engage don’t end at retirement—they evolve.
- What kinds of learning, cultural, or recreational programs are available?
- How are residents encouraged to contribute or lead programs?
- Are there partnerships with nearby cultural or educational organizations?
Barclay Friends offers programs that reflect the interests and creativity of residents, often shaped with their input and enthusiasm.
6. Financial Transparency
Understanding the financial commitment is essential to long-term planning.
- What is included in the monthly fee?
- What happens if personal finances shift over time?
Open and transparent conversations about cost reflect a community’s integrity.
7. Accessibility, Safety, and Culture
Finally, ask about the environment—how it supports both comfort and peace of mind.
- What features ensure accessibility across the campus?
- How is safety addressed—both in living spaces and across the neighborhood?
- What is the day-to-day culture like, according to residents?
Hearing directly from community members often offers the clearest picture of life in a new place.
A Conversation Worth Having
Every visit is a chance to ask, listen, and reflect. As you explore options like Barclay Friends, consider not just what services are offered, but how it feels to be there. Is there warmth in the conversations? Do people speak with agency and pride about their lives?
Those moments of connection can reveal more than any brochure ever could.
To begin a conversation or schedule a personal tour, reach out to Barclay Friends. Asking the right questions is a powerful first step in finding a community that truly feels like home.