Getting Prepared & Video Tips

1. Prepare a well lit space with a pleasing background for the interview location. 
   
2. The person you are interviewing should be facing a light source of some type, if possible.  Avoid having the interviewee situated with their back toward a light source such as a bright window, because it will be very difficult to see the person being interviewed.
   
3. Prepare a list of questions ahead of time (see examples below).  Some interviewees might appreciate seeing the list ahead of time so that they can gather their thoughts beforehand.
   
4. Set up a tripod, if available, for steady footage.
   
5. Have the interviewee use a lapel mic or other microphone, if possible.  If you don't have a microphone, position the camera fairly close to the interviewee in order to get the best audio.
   
6. Make sure the interview does not take place in a noisy location such as in front of a fountain or in a busy room.
   
7. Record in landscape orientation.
   
8. Capture extra footage of your interviewee beyond the actual interview.  This can be done before or after the actual interview.  The HeartLegacy team can show some of this extra footage while the interview audio is being played; this creates a more dynamic and interesting video.  Examples of extra footage to capture:
   
1. visiting with their loved one
2. moving around the community with their loved one
3. waving hello and/or goodbye to staff members at entrance
4. interacting with staff members
   
5. hugging or kissing their loved one

Suggested Questions

1. Tell me about your loved one and how you came to the decision of placing them in a senior living community.
   
2. When you decided to look into senior living, what things were most important to you and your loved one in your search? 
   
3. What fears did you have about the process of searching for a home for your loved one?
   
4. Which, if any of those fears have been alleviated?
5. Why did you choose this community for your loved one? What made us stand out above the rest?
   
6. Was there anything anyone at the community did that made it easier for you to make a decision?
7. In what ways do you think our community has helped improve the quality of life for your loved one?
8. Tell me about the support this community gives you and your family.
9. What is your favorite thing about this community?
   
10. Tell me about the staff who works with your loved one. What is the level of personal assistance?
    
11. What would your tell others about the dining program and food that your loved one is served here?
    
12. What programs attracted you to this community (exercise, physical therapy, social activities, spiritual)?
    
13. Tell me about the communication you receive from the community about your loved one’s well-being. 
    
14. How happy are you that you chose this community for your loved one?