Insider Tips for Touring a Senior Living Community
When you are exploring a retirement community for yourself or an older adult loved one, taking an in-person tour is the best way, without question, to decide if it is a good fit or not.
Retirees have several living options to consider, including independent living, assisted living, memory care and continuing care retirement communities, also known as CCRCs. They each offer different services, amenities and levels of care to accommodate each older adult’s unique lifestyle vision and healthcare needs, present and future.
The number of retirement living options can be a bit overwhelming, but the following tips and advice culled from Pathway to Living’s senior living experts can simplify the selection process and help you make the most of every retirement community tour.
Eight Tips for Touring
1. Schedule in Advance – Call and schedule your tour to make sure there is someone available to show you around the retirement community and who has the time to answer all your questions.
2. Prepare – Older adults and their family members should have a list of concerns ready to share with the senior housing representative to help the provider understand your personal situation. This way they will know exactly what living options, healthcare services, if any, and conveniences you are looking for.
3. First Impressions Matter – Upon entering the senior living community, do you feel welcome? Is someone there to greet you with a smile? is the air fresh? Are the apartment floor plans appealing? Give the community the white glove test—from the front lobby throughout your entire tour—to check for cleanliness and clutter.
4. Ask Questions – This will help you discover what levels of care, services, amenities and recreational and social activities are offered as well as whether there is an entrance fee and what the monthly fee is. Remember, no question is too small or silly to ask. They are professionals who are accustomed to addressing unique situations and concerns.
5. Pay Attention – Notice how the staff interacts with residents and what the residents are doing. Are they engaged in social activities or are they sitting alone watching television?
6. Get Details – Ask to see samples of an activities calendar, menu, rate sheet and floor plans. Inquire about the longevity of the team, the specific roles of each person, any specialty training or certification they have, and what is the staffing ratio. Inquire about what happens if a resident’s needs change. What nursing care and long-term care options are offered at the retirement community.
7. Stay for Lunch – Often when on a tour you will be invited to stay for a complimentary meal. This is an excellent opportunity to sample the cuisine, service and overall dining experience.
8. Make a Connection – Ask to be introduced to a resident and possibly a resident’s family member with whom you can have an objective chat about their impressions of the community. Find out their opinions about the recreational activities, health care, and social activities.
“We want residents who choose our senior living community to feel confident that they made the right decision,” says Pathway to Living’s Lifestyle Specialist Erick Toledano, who frequently gives tours at Aspired Living of Prospect Heights. “It’s also good to see residents’ family members experience the peace of mind that comes from letting go of the caregiver role and returning to being a son, daughter, or grandchild.”
Pathway to Living owns and operates Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care communities in Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Florida.