Touring a Senior Living Community: Get the Most Out of Your Time
Online reviews. Word-of-mouth. Website research. There are plenty of ways to gather information when considering a move to a senior living community. Although there are benefits to each research tool, there really is no substitution to setting up a tour and visiting the community for yourself.
Touring a senior living community helps you decide what is the best option for you. When you tour a senior living community, you’re able to truly get a sense of what your life would be like should you make the decision to move. You can talk to staff members and residents and ask any question that might come to mind.
Helpful Hints and Questions to Ask When Choosing a Retirement Community
In order to get the most out of your tour at a senior living community, collect your thoughts. Before arriving at your tour destination, take inventory of what the most important things are for you to find out while you’re there and create a list of questions. Here are a few common inquires we’ve pulled together to get you started:
- What kind of amenities do you offer? – You want to make sure that your days are filled with engaging activities that you enjoy. If you have a hobby like painting, it’s important to ask if there is an art studio available. Or a pool may be on your must-have list for low-impact exercise opportunities.
- Will I receive adequate care? – Access to healthcare is vitally important for your wellbeing. So, make sure your current healthcare needs are provided for. And should those needs change in the future, ask if there are opportunities available to receive care beyond your current requirements.
- Is the staff caring and knowledgeable? – Staff members at a senior living community become more like family. Look into credentials and ask current residents about their relationships.
- How is the dining? – You’ll be eating plenty of meals in the dining area, so ask about the quality and nutrition of the food. If you have a special dietary concern, ensure you will be accommodated. Some communities, like Springpoint, even offer to have you stay for lunch to get a taste of the dining experience.
- What is the emergency plan? – Should the need arise, you’ll want to know that there is an emergency preparedness and safety plan. Although this will hopefully not have to be used, knowing that situations have been thought through and mapped out is reassuring and a sign of the credibility of the community.
- Can I afford the community? – This is perhaps the most common question asked while on senior living tours. Thankfully, sales counselors are able to walk you through your financial considerations and find a plan that suits your needs and finances.
- May I see more than one floor plan? – Although you may have a pretty good idea of how much space you need, seeing the floor plan layouts in person helps you truly imagine how your belongings will fit.
- What is the quality of life? – The best way to learn about a senior living community is through the residents who currently reside there. Speak to a few and ask them how they’ve enjoyed their experience and what they like most about the community.
Remember: there is no question too absurd when it comes to confirming comfort in your potential new home. Once you’re done with your tour, imagine yourself in the community. Really step back, take in all that you have learned, and picture yourself walking through the hallways or settling in for the night in an apartment. Getting a taste of what your life could be like by visiting the community will help in your decision-making process.
Join Us for a Tour at One of Our Springpoint Senior Living Communities
Experiencing a senior living community in person allows you an unmatched research opportunity when looking into your next home. Jeff Westerman, son of residents at Springpoint community The Atrium at Navesink Harbor, shared that when they first toured the community, “It was love at first sight, and in every respect… it was instantly a case of ‘where do we sign?’”
Come see a Springpoint Life Plan Community for yourself! Find a community near you and contact us for a tour today.
