What to Ask When Visiting Senior Living Communities

Once you have made the decision that you or a loved one is ready to move into a senior living facility, the next step is to tour a community near you. Taking a tour can be exciting for some yet nerve-wracking for others. While you or your loved one may be excited about the prospect of moving into a new community, others feel anxious about the change.

To ease your worries, consider planning ahead so you know what questions to ask on your tour. Seeing the community in person gives you the opportunity to envision what life looks like for residents and whether you or your loved one would be a good fit. Doing so can help you compare important qualities of communities and offer the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve made the right choice. 

Curious what you should be prepared to ask when visiting a senior living community? Read on to find our top questions to ask when you go on your next tour.

• What Senior Living Options Do You Offer?
• What Services Do You Offer?
• What Activities Are Available?
• What is Your Pricing Structure?
• What Housing Options are Available

What Senior Living Options Do You Offer?

When searching for the right community in your area, you need to know whether the community can provide the assistance you or your loved one needs, both now and in the future. Senior living communities can vary greatly depending on the level of care they provide.

There are three main types of communities to choose from – independent living, assisted living, and memory care. These communities provide various levels and types of care, often within the same location. This range allows you or your loved one to transition from independent living to assisted living, or from assisted living to memory care, all without needing to change addresses.

• Independent living communities are best for seniors who want to live an active lifestyle without the hassle of home maintenance.
• Assisted living communities are similar, but they provide seniors with daily care to help them manage everyday activities.
• Memory care is specifically designed to provide personal care for people with dementia and other forms of memory loss.

Most older adults considering senior living communities need, or will eventually need, ongoing medical care. Ask questions specific to you or your loved one’s medical needs. For instance, you may want to ask how the community supports residents’ physical, cognitive and emotional needs and what types of therapy and services are available.

Not sure which option is best for you or your loved one? Consult with a physician who can provide a unique insight into current and future care needs. Senior living community staff can also provide information and advice on the appropriate care level for your loved one, depending on their needs. Some good starting questions include:

• What Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) do you assist with? Are there any that you are not equipped to manage?
• Will I need to move to another location in the community if my needs change?
• Will you assist me or my loved one if needs change?

What Services Do You Offer?

When touring a senior living community, it’s crucial to inquire about the services they offer. While you want to ensure you or your loved one is taken care of at the community, you can’t forget to ensure services are available to provide an enjoyable experience. 

Don’t forget to learn more about the dining program by asking to see a copy of the community’s weekly menu. While many older adults associate senior living with bland food, in most cases – your potential community will have a specialized culinary team that creates delicious meals. If you or your loved one requires specialized meals based on religion or allergy, be sure to find out what options would be available.

Questions to ask include:

• Are housekeeping services available?
• Are laundry services available? If not, are units available in-room or on premise?
• Is transportation offered? If so, how often?
• Are residents allowed to use cars? Is parking available?
• Is the community in charge of handling medications?
• What dining options are available to residents?
• What does a daily meal plan look like?
• Are there restaurants on property or is food served in a centralized dining hall?
• Is this a pet friendly facility?

What Activities Are Available?

Staying active and socially engaged is important for residents in senior living facilities. During your tour, be sure to find out what community events and entertainment options they offer. Finding a senior living community that not only offers organized engagement opportunities, but makes an effort to involve all residents, is important to discover while you’re touring the community. Questions to ask include:

• What activities are available, and do they have any eligibility requirements?
• What specific amenities do you offer? Are they included in the monthly fee?
• What sort of on-site support is available?
• Do you offer exercise classes for residents? If so, what classes are typically available?
• What recreational opportunities are available?

What is Your Pricing Structure?

While bringing up the subject of finances can feel a bit awkward, it’s important to know what you or your loved one’s monthly budget would look like as a resident. Before your visit, determine what your price range is and research what federal programs are available to help you or your loved one.. While touring the facility, confirm what the pricing structure of the community looks like, what the monthly fee would be, and what’s included in that fee.

What Housing Options are Available? 

When touring a facility, you may be excited to learn about the amenities and services, but don’t forget to discover what lodging options you can choose from. It’s important to know what types of lodging options are available and whether the options suit you or your loved one’s needs. 

Communities typically offer a wide range of options, from apartment style rooms to villa style condos. To get a better idea of what options you have available, consider asking questions such as:

• What lodging options are available? Will we tour one during my visit?
• What sizes and floor plans are available? 
• What outdoor living spaces are available?
• What does the community offer to support independence?
• How do homes differ based on the level of care needed?

Find the Right Senior Living Community for Your Lifestyle

Touring a senior living community and determining your next steps can feel stressful. But, if you ask the right questions and feel at home with the senior community, you can reduce the anxiety around this big change.

National Church Residences offers quality senior living options around the country that can help you live out your ideal lifestyle. If you want to explore our communities, give us a call today or use our online community finder to find a retirement community that’s right for you.