How to find the best fit for your needs.
Touring a senior living community gives you valuable insight into what it has to offer you or your loved one. It’s your chance to evaluate each community’s amenities, services, value and other important factors in your decision-making process. It’s also an opportunity to get a feel for the community. If you’re wondering where to start, we recommend having a prepared list of questions to help you gather as much information as possible during your tour. Below, we’ve outlined everything you need to ask as you visit various senior living communities.
Outside:
- Are the grounds attractive and well-maintained with gardens and trees?
- Is there an enclosed, secure area where residents can walk and socialize?
- Is the community close to family and friends? Is it near your church, doctors’ offices and other important places?
- Is there convenient parking outside, including handicapped spaces?
Inside:
- How many residents live in the community?
- Is the community layout easy to follow?
- Are the community’s common areas cheerful and welcoming?
- Do the common areas have enough space for residents to spend time with one another and visit family members?
- Are the hallways well-lit and easy to navigate, with handrails for safety and room for wheelchairs?
Dining:
- How many meals are provided per day? All day or at set times?
- Does the menu offer a variety of appetizing, nutritious foods?
- Are snacks provided? If so, how and when do residents get them?
- Are you able to sample the menu or visit for a meal?
- Does the community accommodate specific dietary needs or special requests?
- Are residents able to bring food back to their residences? Do apartments have kitchens/kitchenettes?
- Can visiting family members join residents in the dining areas?
Activities:
- Is there a calendar of activities, and are there any activities you or your loved one would enjoy?
- What types of exercise classes and wellness activities are offered?
- Are there social events, groups or clubs for residents?
- Are there scheduled outings or extended trips for residents?
- Is transportation available?
Residences:
- Is it possible to tour all the available floor plans?
- Does each apartment have a private, handicapped-equipped bathroom, or is there one shared bathroom?
- What is provided in each unit?
- Can residents bring their own furniture and decorate their residence?
- Is there adequate closet and storage space?
- Do all units have a telephone? Cable TV? Internet access?
Safety:
- Can residents with walkers or wheelchairs get around with ease?
- Are the floors non-skid?
- Are there handrails?
- Are rooms and bathrooms equipped with emergency call buttons?
- Are there smoke detectors and sprinklers?
- Are there safety locks on the doors and windows?
Finances & Contracts:
- Has the community provided you with a contract that details all fees and services? Is it easy to read and understand?
- If there’s an entrance or community fee, how much is it and is a portion refundable?
- How much is the security deposit and is it refundable?
- How much is the monthly rent/service fee and what is included/not included?
Visiting a senior living community allows you not only to see the residences and amenities, but also to get acquainted with the community’s staff and residents. And most importantly, it shows you whether you can see yourself or your loved one living there comfortably and confidently. If you’d like to take a tour of The Palms at Plantation, please contact us so we can show you around our beautiful, welcoming community.
