Tips for Touring a Senior Living Community

When touring it’s important to bring along questions and checklists. But, we also know it’s the impression you take away from a personal visit that will influence your final decision more than anything else. 

Here are some intangibles that you’ll want to pay attention to as you tour. 

Tips for Touring

1. What’s The Overall Feel Of The Place? 

First impressions aren’t just about people, we have them about places as well. We know when we’ve walked into a welcoming environment and when we haven’t. Here are some things to note: 

• How does the physical space look?
• Is it maintained and tidy?
• Did you see any cleaning or maintenance staff while on your tour?
• Are walls touched up with paint?
• Is furniture clean and taken care of?

Don’t underestimate your instincts, you’ve relied upon them for years to guide you and choosing a community is no different.

2. How Do Staff And Residents Interact? 

While you’re touring note how the staff and residents address each other. Are they formal, casual or somewhere in between? How comfortable are you with their interactions and can you picture yourself engaging in a similar fashion? 

Get feedback on the community as well. 

• Do you know anyone who lives there?
• Are they happy with their move?
• Would they recommend the community?
• Check out the community’s social pages for third-party reviews and comments. Now some of these you’ll probably disregard, but overall what are people saying?

These interactions will tell you a lot about who lives and works in the community.

3. Security and Safety 

As with any move you’ll want to know about the safety of the community. Security goes well beyond lighting and locked doors, check out the following: 

• How easy is the campus to access?
• How many points of entry are there?
• Does the community have a team dedicated to safety and security?
• Is the safety team on shifts 24/7?
• Are there safety measures in place in each accommodation, patio home or apartment?
• Are exists clearly marked?
• Ask about inclement weather procedures and fire drills.

If you’re considering this to be your new home, determining their commitment to safety and security is essential.

4. Take a Test Drive 

If you can try a meal or stay for a weekend we encourage you to do so. Take any opportunity you can to interact with those living and working in the community. 

We know people visit our campus an average of six times before they decide to move in, which gives us all plenty of opportunity to get to know one another. 

So if you’re invited on trips or for special celebrations join in. Because the more time you spend in a community, the more informed you will be. 

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