If the thought of touring senior living communities sounds overwhelming, you are not alone. It can be a time of mixed emotions. Many people feel excitement about what comes next, but also sadness about leaving what is familiar. In some cases, it may mean leaving home after years or even decades. It’s only natural that seniors and their adult children would feel a little apprehensive.
Knowing what to ask when visiting can make tours easier. The right questions reveal the lifestyle, support, and culture each community offers. This article will help you and your loved ones ask informed questions so you can confidently make a decision.
Understanding Daily Life in the Community
Tours are not a time to be shy. If you are naturally quiet, consider bringing along a friend or family member who can help get people talking! This part of the process is essential to understanding what daily life actually feels and looks like for residents. Some ideas of things you can ask:
- What does a typical day look like for residents?
- What kinds of activities or social events are offered each week?
- Are residents involved in programming, and do they have opportunities to share feedback?
Pay attention to how the residents interact with each other and the staff. Better yet, start a conversation with a resident if you get the chance. It can also be helpful to talk with their family members.
Questions About Care and Support Services
A senior living community’s care levels and support services have a big impact on the overall experience of its residents. While it’s not always fun to think about, understanding how a community supports residents if their care needs change or if they experience a health episode is important. Some possible questions could be:
- What levels of care are available within your community? (For example, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care support)
- How do you create care plans, and how are they updated? How would my costs change, if at all, if a higher level of care is needed?
If some of the terms are new for you, don’t feel bad about asking the community to explain them. You’ll quickly learn what they mean, and it’s important you understand what is and is not included as you make your decision.
Exploring Dining, Wellness, and Lifestyle Amenities
The services and amenities that will shape your daily life in a community are some of the more fun but also more important to explore. These often shape your quality of life and, therefore, satisfaction in a community. You probably already know what is most important to you, but try to learn about dining and nutrition options, wellness programs, and fitness classes. In-person tours are great because they give you a much better sense of the community than you can get from a website video. If time allows, consider trying a meal or joining a class or activity. Most communities are happy to accommodate such requests.
Practical Questions About Costs and Contracts
Financial clarity is a critical part of the decision-making process for most families, so don’t be bashful about asking questions and follow-up questions. This is another area where it can be helpful to have a family member present so you can debrief together later. Some ideas of commonly asked questions:
- What is included in the monthly fee?
- Are there additional services that may cost extra?
- How do contracts work if care needs change?
It’s also common to request details and materials in writing after the tour, so you can refer back to them later as you digest the information.
Bringing It All Together During Your Visit
Many people decide to tour multiple communities during this process. It can be helpful to bring a list of questions and to take notes. After a few visits, you’ll be better able to compare the ones you’ve visited, which will help you narrow your options. The right community will have some or all of the amenities that are important to you. It should feel welcoming, transparent, and supportive.
Touring communities is a critical step in finding the right home. By knowing what questions to ask and what is important to you, you can make this process feel much less overwhelming and ideally, even enjoyable.
Considering a community near Indianapolis? Consider setting up a tour with Compass Park in Franklin today. We’d love to have you.
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