Prepare for Your Visits to Senior Living Communities.

Visiting a senior living community is the best way to see whether it’s a good fit for you or a loved one. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the touring process, having the questions below as a guide can help you feel more prepared and confident during your visit.

Exterior:

• Is the community located in a safe neighborhood?
• Is the neighborhood attractive and pleasant?
• Are the grounds well-maintained with gardens and trees?
• Is there a secure, enclosed area where residents can walk and socialize?
• Is the community close to family and friends? Is it near a church, doctor’s offices and other important locations?
• Are there shopping centers or other businesses nearby?
• Is there convenient parking outside, including handicapped spaces?
• Is parking provided? Is there covered parking?
• Is there an extra parking charge?

Interior:

• How many people live in the community?
• Is the community layout easy to follow?
• Are the community’s common areas welcoming and cheerful?
• Do the common areas have enough room for residents to spend time with visiting family members and each other?
• Are the hallways well-lit and easy to navigate, with handrails for safety and wheelchair accessibility?

Activities:

• Is there a calendar of activities, and are there activities you or your loved one would like to take part in?
• Are there social events, clubs or groups for residents?
• What types of fitness classes and wellness activities are offered?
• Does the community offer special services such as a beauty salon?
• Are there worship services?
• Are there scheduled outings or extended trips for residents?
• Is transportation available?

Dining:

• Are the dining rooms attractive and inviting?
• How many meals are provided per day? Is it all-day dining or at set times?
• Does the menu vary and offer appealing, healthy foods?
• Are snacks provided, and 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 meals back to their apartments? Do apartments have kitchens/kitchenettes?
• Can visiting family members join residents in the dining areas?
• Is a private room available for private dinners or family celebrations?
• Are you able to sample the menu or visit for a meal?

Residences:

• Do most residents have private residences, or do they share with another resident?
• 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?
• Are residents’ apartments personalized with photos, keepsakes or other belongings?
• Is there adequate closet and storage space?
• Do available apartments have an attractive view?
• Do all residences have a telephone? Cable TV? Internet access?
• Is the community smoke-free?
• Is the community pet-friendly?
• Is it possible to tour all the different types of residences available?

Safety:

• Are there ongoing safety protocols for residents and visitors?
• Can residents with walkers or wheelchairs get around easily?
• Are there handrails?
• Are the floors non-skid?
• Are rooms and bathrooms equipped with emergency call buttons?
• Are there sprinklers and smoke detectors?
• Are there safety locks on the doors and windows?

Contracts & Finances:

• Has the community provided you with a contract that details all fees and services? Is it easy to read and understand?
• If there’s an entrance or community fee, 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 the deposit refundable?