Once you determine that senior living is the right choice for yourself or a loved one, you must find a community that checks all the boxes for the things you want and need.
With over nearly 30,000 assisted living communities in the United States alone, finding and choosing a community in your area can be overwhelming for seniors and their families.
Touring potential senior living communities is a vital step in making the best choice. An in-person tour allows you to assess the community and observe residents and the overall feeling you get.
To help you make the most of your senior living tours, we’ve compiled essential observations and questions to ask to make an informed decision.
Observations to Make While Touring Senior Living Communities
Your evaluation begins as soon as you enter the community, pay attention to the overall atmosphere. Observe the cleanliness, and look for safety features such as ramps, wide doorways, grab bars, and sufficient lighting.
Consider whether the community is welcoming, aesthetically pleasing and if the residents and staff are friendly and happy. Look for evidence of well-maintained communal areas, outdoor spaces, dining rooms, and comfortable seating arrangements.
Staff Questions
The senior living team is arguably the most essential component of the community, especially for specialized care such as memory care. Are the staff members friendly? How do they interact with the residents? How well has the team communicated with you so far?
Ask the following questions during your tour:
- What training and certifications are required for staff?
- Are background checks performed?
- What is your staff-to-resident ratio?
- What is your turnover rate?
- What is the community’s reputation/rating?
Download our free Family Decision Toolkit for helpful tips about choosing the senior living lifestyle.
Accommodation Questions
Senior living communities offer various living choices, starting with studio apartments up through larger multi-bedroom apartments. They can include amenities such as accessible bathrooms, individually controlled cooling and heating, and resident safety features.
Make sure the living accommodations meet your needs by asking:
- What types of apartments are currently available?
- Are apartments furnished?
- Are pets allowed?
- What’s included in the monthly rent?
Food and Dining Questions
Food plays a critical role in senior living, not only for nutritional needs, but also for variety and taste. Ask these questions concerning meals:
- How are dietary restrictions handled?
- What are my dining options?
- Can I sample a meal?
- How many meals and snacks are offered daily?
- What if I get hungry after the meal service ends?
Social and Recreational Questions
One of the main benefits of a senior living community is the opportunity for social engagement and recreational activities. Ensure the senior living community you choose provides a socially active lifestyle by asking the following questions:
- Do you have an activity coordinator?
- Can I see an activity calendar?
- Do you offer fitness classes?
- Do you offer transportation to offsite events?
- How often do activities change?
- What amenities do you offer?
Health and Wellness Questions
Understanding a senior living community’s commitment to health and wellness and the level of medical care is paramount for seniors. The following questions will determine if the senior living community prioritizes the health and wellness of residents:
- Are there onsite nursing staff? Are they available 24/7?
- How do you handle medical emergencies?
- Do you offer fitness classes?
- Is there a fitness center?
- Are there specialized classes such as yoga, meditation, or Tai Chi?
- Do you help with personal care such as bathing, dressing, and toileting?
Wrap-up
Choosing the right senior living community requires research and careful planning. When touring senior living communities, pay attention to the environment, staff, and residents.
Asking the right questions and observing key aspects will enable you to make an informed decision that ensures you or your loved one will be safe, comfortable, and active.
Great senior living communities like Seasons Senior Living will welcome your questions and are happy to help ensure you make the right decision. Contact the caring senior living team at Seasons Senior Living would love to help! Download our free Family Decision Toolkit for helpful tips about choosing the senior living lifestyle.
