What To Ask On Your Senior Living Tour

Every senior living community is unique so it’s helpful to differentiate between your options by taking a tour. We suggest having a prepared list of questions to gather as much information as possible during your tour, which will help keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

 

How to prepare for your visit.

Use the following categories of questions to learn about the different amenities, services and levels of care at each community,

 

Exterior:

Are there shopping centers, healthcare facilities or other businesses nearby?

Is the neighborhood attractive and appealing?

Is there convenient parking outside, including handicapped spaces?

Is there an extra charge for parking? Is there covered parking?

Are the grounds appealing and well-maintained with gardens and trees?

 

Interior:

Are the residents friendly and welcoming?

Is the community’s layout easy to follow?

Are the associates friendly and attentive?

Are there open and inviting areas for residents to meet and socialize, including plenty of room for visiting family members?

 

Residences:

What floor plans are available?

Is there adequate closet and storage space?

Do available apartments have an attractive view?

What is provided in each apartment? Can residents bring their own furniture and decorate their space?

Do all apartments have a telephone? Cable TV? Internet access?

Is the community pet friendly?

 

Activities:

Does the community provide a schedule of activities, and are there any activities you would like to participate in?

Which activities are most popular among current residents?

Does the community provide scheduled outings or trips for residents?

Are there social groups or clubs for residents?

What fitness opportunities are available?

Is transportation available?

Does the community offer special services such as a beauty salon?

 

Dining:

Do you find the dining rooms to be warm and inviting?

How many meals per day are provided? All day or at set times?

Are snacks provided and, if so, how and when do residents get them?

Does the community cater to specific dietary needs or special requests?

Can visiting family members join residents in the dining areas?

Are you able to sample the menu or visit for a meal?

Is a private room available for family celebrations or private dinners?

 

Safety:

What security features are in place? What do residents do in case of emergency?

Are there ongoing safety protocols for visitors and residents?

Are rooms and bathrooms equipped with emergency call buttons?

Are there handrails?

Are there sprinklers and smoke detectors?

Are there safety locks on the doors and windows?

 

Contracts & Finances:

Will the community provide you with a contract that details all fees and services and is it easy to read and understand?

What is the security deposit and is the deposit refundable?

If there is an entrance or community fee, how much is it and what portion is refundable?

How much is the monthly rent/service fee and what is included/not included?

 

We hope these questions are beneficial as you tour different communities and become more comfortable with your decision. If you’d like to take a tour of The Reserve at Fairhope, please contact us so we can show you around and answer any questions you may have.