TOP 10 Tips when taking a tour of a senior housing community

If you are narrowing down your choices among senior housing communities, it is important that you take a personal tour and have your questions answered. Take these tips into consideration when taking your tour and get the most out of your visits. 

1. Take two tours of the communities after you've narrowed your choices. Make a scheduled visit for the first tour to go over all prices and accommodations. Make an unscheduled visit for the second tour. Keep in mind that if your second visit is not during normal business hours, you may be shown around the community by staff who do not have all the answers to your questions immediately. Be sure to follow up on any questions that cannot be answered immediately.

2. During your tour, make sure you see a resident room, the dining area, the activity area(s), and the administrative offices to get a broad perspective of all the places a resident may need to go.

3. Pay attention to interactions between staff and residents. Does your tour guide know the residents by name and stop to speak with them? Does staff wear name badges and greet you?

4. As you wak down the hallways, check the nameplates on the apartment doors. Are there many vacant rooms? Inquire about those vacancies, but remember that a newly built community may take some time to build up their community census.

5. Observe the activity level of the residents. Are residents socializing in the common areas? Are they involved in activities? Ask for an activity calendar to note any special events that your loved one would enjoy.

6. Observe the appearance of the residents. Do residents appear to be well cared for in grooming and other indicators of personal care?

7. Observe the appearance and cleanliness of the community and resident rooms. Keep in mind that there is a difference between isolated incidences and widespread and recurring patterns of uncleanliness.

8. Have a meal there and ask to eat with the residents. If your loved one is with you, let them lead the conversation and be there for support. Ask for a menu and mention any special diet preferences or requirements your loved one needs.

9. Bring a family member or close friend with you who can provide an additional perspective to consider how your tour went overall.

10. Write down all your questions before your tour to make sure all your concerns are addressed. Do not hesitate to ask to meet any of the main personnel who can help get your questions answered.

Need more information or have a Top10 topic to share? Contact us