Choosing the right senior living community takes significant time. It also demands in-depth research. And most of all, choosing the right senior living community requires a visit. No two communities are the same and you can’t make a decision confidently without touring the property and meeting the staff.
You need the time and space of a visit to an independent living, assisted living, or memory care community to get your questions answered and learn what additional questions you have. Sometimes, you don’t know what you value about a community until you begin touring and see what you do and do not like.
While staff will be happy to answer your questions on the phone, your visit is the perfect opportunity to discuss the community in detail. Don’t get home and realize you forgot to ask the questions you had! Here are some common questions to help you prepare for your visit:
Senior Living Community Tour Checklist:
Staff
- What kind of training does the staff receive?
- Is there high staff turnover in the community?
Dining
- Look at the menu. Do menus change daily, weekly, and monthly?
- Ask if you can sample the dining experience yourself.
- Can they adjust food for dietary restrictions?
Recreation and Activities
- Are there campus activities as well as excursions into the community?
- Are there additional costs for activities?
- How are residents reminded of activities and do they need to register beforehand?
Safety and Security
- Are there concerns about the neighboring community? How do they address these concerns?
- Is the community locked at a certain time of the night?
- How do residents reach out for help if needed?
- Ask about sprinklers and fire alarms.
Housing Options
- How many units does the senior community have?
- What are the floor plan options?
- How do prices vary based on housing selection?
- Are there additional fees for services, utilities, and care? What is included in the monthly fee?
- Does the community offer different levels of care?
Additional Questions
- Is the senior community pet-friendly?
- Are couples with different care needs able to live together?
- Is there a parking fee? What are other transportation options?
- Are there guest suites for visitors? Can you spend the night in a guest suite to get a first-hand experience of the community?
Questions to Ask Yourself to Help Evaluate Your Experience
You’ll learn a lot about a community by how the team interacts with you. Here are some questions to ask yourself after the tour to evaluate if the community aligns with you.
- Did you have a good connection with your tour guide? What did you like about him or her?
- How were your interactions with other staff you saw on the tour? Did they acknowledge or connect with you?
- How was the atmosphere in the reception area? Did it feel warm and friendly?
- Did they ask about you, your loved one, and your family?
- Did they seem interested in your goals and values for your loved one?
- Most of all, pay attention to whether the staff honors the significance of this transition. Did they treat you and your loved one with respect – or do they appear to be selling a product?
Tour Our Senior Living Communities in Nashville, TN
If you’re looking for the ideal senior living experience for yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to schedule a tour to see why our residents thrive while aging-in-place with us. Contact us today to learn more about the outstanding services and amenities at Blakeford Senior Living.