The key to choosing a senior living community that suits your lifestyle is to ask the right questions during your search. When you have identified a few promising communities, schedule a tour so you can see it for yourself and hear firsthand from residents and team members. But when you’re there, what questions should you ask? Here’s a list of helpful questions to get you started during your tour.
1. What is the Community Culture Like?
Community culture is critical. A healthy, vibrant, enriching community can set you up for success and empower you on your senior living journey. During your tour, consider the unique feel of the community itself. Does it seem active and energetic or cozy and relaxed? How does that fit with your personality and preferences?
Other questions to ask:
- What kind of activities and events are available to residents and how often do they happen?
- How would you describe the community culture and how does the team support that culture?
- What is the visitor’s policy? What family-friendly activities and events do you offer?
- How does the community help new residents transition into the community and form connections?
The best way to get a clear picture of the community culture is to chat with current residents. Ask them about their favorite parts of the community and how their transition was when they first moved in. You may even be able to ask your sales team member to set up a coffee chat between you and a current resident. Be sure to bring a few icebreaker questions as well as any questions that came up during the tour about the living experience.
2. Can You Provide a Complete List of Services and Amenities Available?
Whether a community lists amenities and services on its website or not, these can change, so you will want to ask about them during your tour. Request a detailed list of current services and amenities to get a clear picture of what will be available to you as a resident.
Green flags include:
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- Time-saving services. Housekeeping, landscaping, on-call maintenance, and more—all of these services give you time back into your day that you can spend on what matters most.
- Delicious dining venues. Food is a critical factor of healthy senior living. It’s important to evaluate the community’s dining options as part of your search. Are the meals well-balanced? Do they prioritize senior nutrition? Do they offer grab-and-go options, chef-prepared meals, or a mix of both? See if you can get a sample menu or even enjoy a meal or two at the community’s most popular dining venue as part of your visit. If you have specific dietary requirements, you should also ensure that these can be met.
- Entertainment. In addition to the essentials, the community you live in should offer things that appeal to your interests, like a putting green or art studio. Explore the community amenities to see if anything piques your interest.
When it comes to services and amenities, you may want to ask:
- Do you offer transportation to appointments?
- How do the community services and amenities support resident health, wellness, and enrichment?
- What safety features does the community offer?
- Are there any plans to expand or change the community services and amenities?
3. What is Covered in the Contract and Monthly Fee?
Each senior living community you tour should be transparent about its financial requirements. Look for a full anc clear explanation of any entrance fees or deposits, monthly fees, and what happens if your care needs change. They should detail what services, amenities, and benefits are available to residents and if any aren’t covered by the monthly fee. If their explanation feels vague, this is a red flag.
For additional questions about senior living contracts, refer to this article: Life Care Contracts: Questions You Should Ask.
4. What Levels of Care Does the Community Offer?
While we all want to live a healthy life for as long as possible, there’s a chance that our care needs may change. Because of this, you should ask whether or not the community has additional levels of on-site care available.
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) grant priority access to additional care options at a predictable monthly rate. This gives you and your loved ones peace of mind that if your health needs change, you can stay in the comfort of your community and receive excellent care.
Here are some additional questions to ask about the community’s care levels:
- What kind of training and certifications are required for team members?
- What kind of benefits come with living in a CCRC?
- Are residents given priority access to additional types of care if they need it?
- Do all team members undergo background checks?
5. What are the Residences Like?
There are various floor plans to choose from in every retirement community. During your tour, your community should be able to show you a model living space to give you an idea of the residences’ look and feel.
During your tour, you may also want to ask:
- What kind of floor plans and square footage options do you offer?
- What is the community’s policy on renovations?
- What are the options in terms of finishes and appliances?
- Is there a waitlist? Will your ideal floor plan or accommodation type be available when you need it?
- Do your residences come furnished or unfurnished?
- Does the community have a pet policy? If so, what is it?
Schedule a Tour at Village on the Green
Embark confidently on your senior living journey at Village on the Green, a retirement community in Orlando, Florida. Village on the Green is designed for sophisticated, vibrant seniors like you. We strive to provide residents with a maintenance-free lifestyle, peace of mind, and an enriched daily life. Learn more and schedule a tour here.
