Questions to Ask when Considering a Non-Christian Science Living Community

Questions to Ask when Considering a Non-Christian Science Living Community

First, questions to ask yourself:

• Will the environment here support my study and practice of Christian Science?
• How will I be able to participate in church activities here or outside the facility?
• Will I feel comfortable with the kinds of conversations I hear in the dining room? In social activities?
• How do I feel about the overall mental atmosphere?

Facility:

• What types of apartments are available?
• What type of security and safety measures do you have in place?

Money matters:

• What is the monthly cost per apartment? What are the differences in price?
• What is included in the rent? What is not included?
• How often do rent costs go up?
• What is your billing policy?
• Are there additional optional and/or mandatory fees for services or activities?

 Food:

• Are meals included in the rent — what are the dining options?
• Do residents have input on the menu choices?
• Can you accommodate special requests?
• Can my family eat with me in the dining room?
• May I/we sample some meals?

Residents and Community:

• What is the profile of a typical resident?
• What is a standard day in the life of a resident here?
• Is there an assessment prior to moving in? What is included in it?
• Is there a wait list? How is it managed?
• Can a family member stay the night?
• Do you have a residents’ council or some way to collaborate with residents?
• May I meet/speak with some of your residents about their experience living here?

Activities and services:

• Do you offer outside entertainers, educators, or speakers? What are some examples?
• Are there clubs or interest groups?
• Do you have an activities calendar?
• What kinds of shared spaces do you have (e.g., dining, kitchen, outdoors, entertainment, etc.)?
• What kinds of transportation do you provide? Is there a charge for use?
• What additional services are available if my care or personal needs change while living here?
• Are there Bible study or other such groups meeting at the facility?

 Policies:

• What are your guest/visitor policies?
• What are your smoking and alcohol policies?

Staffing and Care (if an assisted living facility):

• What levels or types of assistance does your facility provide?
• Do you have physicians and/or nurses on staff?
• Is staff on site 24/7?
• What is your staff-to-resident ratio?
• What type of training does your care staff complete?
• How does the staff respond to unexpected physical/medical needs?
• Do you require residents to have regular visits with a physician? May a resident opt out of these visits?
• Are there mandatory vaccinations?
• Can I be taken to a Christian Science nursing facility rather than a hospital
• May a Christian Science nurse visit me onsite?