When you tour different senior living communities, you’ll gain first-hand knowledge about the services, amenities, pricing and other important factors that help determine the best choice. Prepare for your visit by identifying and prioritizing your or your loved one’s wants and needs, as this will help determine the type of community you’re looking for and narrow your options so you can begin touring.
We suggest preparing a list of questions to guide your information gathering and insights. Use the following question categories to help you understand what to look for when touring a senior living community.
Ask These Questions to Find the Best Fit
Location:
- Is the community located in a safe neighborhood?
- Is the community close to family and friends? Is it near churches/places of worship, doctors’ offices and other important locations?
- Are there shopping centers or other businesses nearby?
- Is the neighborhood attractive and pleasant?
- Is there convenient parking outside, including handicapped spaces?
- Is parking provided?
- Is there an extra parking charge? Is there covered parking?
- Are the grounds attractive and well-maintained with gardens, trees and landscaping?
- Is there a secure, enclosed area where residents can walk and socialize?
Interior of the Community:
- How many people live there?
- Is the community layout easy to follow?
- Are the community’s common spaces cheerful and welcoming?
- Do the common spaces have enough room for residents to spend time together and visit family members?
- Are the hallways well-lit and easy to navigate, with handrails for safety and room for wheelchairs?
Activities:
- Is there a calendar of activities, and are there any activities that you or your loved one would like to participate in?
- Are there social events, groups or clubs for residents?
- Is transportation available?
- What types of fitness classes and wellness activities are offered?
- Are there scheduled outings or extended trips for residents?
- Does the community offer special services such as a beauty salon, wellness center or library?
- Are there worship services?
Dining:
- Are the dining rooms attractive and appealing?
- How many meals are provided per day? Is all-day dining available, or is it only at set times?
- Are you able to sample the menu or visit for a meal?
- Does the menu vary and offer appetizing, nutritious foods?
- Are snacks provided? If so, how and when do residents get them?
- Does the community cater to specific dietary needs or special requests?
- Are residents able to bring food back to their apartments? Do the apartments have kitchens/kitchenettes?
- Can visiting family members join residents in the dining areas?
- Is a private room available for family celebrations or private dinners?
Residences:
- Do most residents have a private residence, or do they share with another resident?
- Is it possible to tour all the different types of residences that are available?
- Does each residence have a private, handicapped-equipped bathroom, or is there one shared bathroom?
- What is provided in each residence? Can residents bring their own furniture and decorate their residence with photos, keepsakes or other belongings?
- Is there adequate closet and storage space?
- Do available apartments have an attractive view?
- Do all apartments have a telephone? Cable TV? Internet access?
- Is the community smoke-free?
- Is the community pet-friendly?
Safety:
- Can residents with walkers or wheelchairs get around with ease?
- Are the floors non-skid?
- Are rooms and bathrooms equipped with emergency call buttons?
- Are there handrails?
- Are there sprinklers and smoke detectors?
- Are there safety locks on the doors and windows?
- Are there ongoing safety protocols for visitors and residents?
Contracts & Finances:
- Has the community provided you with a contract that details all fees and services? Is it easy to read and understand?
- Is there an entrance or community fee and if so, how much is it and is a portion refundable?
- How much is the monthly rent/service fee and what is included/not included?
- What is the security deposit, and is it refundable?
We hope you’ll use these questions to feel more comfortable as you tour senior living communities — and to find a new future home for you or your loved one. If you’re interested in touring The Oaks, our staff is happy to show you around and answer any questions you may have.