Essential Questions to Ask During a Senior Living Tour

Exploring retirement communities is an exciting step towards discovering your ideal living option, tailored to your unique needs and preferences as you age. While the variety of choices can sometimes be overwhelming, we’re here to help simplify the process. We’ll give you questions to ask for your senior living visit and even provide you with a senior community tour checklist.

How to Narrow Down Your Retirement Community Options

Before you need to know what to ask about senior living or figure out your criteria for choosing a senior living community, you should familiarize yourself with the available options. Here’s some suggestions for getting started:

Ask a friend. You and your friends probably share similar interests, so their opinions and advice can help you home in on some choices right off the bat. Consider consulting your doctor as well, who might offer valuable recommendations tailored to your future health needs.

Figure out your needs. Take an honest inventory of where you are now and where you could be in the future. Senior living offers independent living, a maintenance-free lifestyle featuring a variety of services and amenities. Plus, many Life Plan Communities like Santa Marta also offer assisted living which is for those who need a little help with daily activities. There’s also memory care for people with dementia and skilled nursing for those who need round-the-clock care.

Decide what you can afford. It’s important to figure this out so you don’t fall in love with an option you can’t afford. However, communities do offer a range of floor plans and contract options, so they’ll probably have something to fit both your budget and lifestyle.

Evaluate their services and amenities. Does the community offer services (classes, clubs, housekeeping, dining) and have amenities (community gardens, dining options, art studio) that are important to you? If you have a hobby, could you start a club around that hobby?

Do your research: Once you know what you’re looking for, what you need and what you can afford, it’s time to start your search. Review community websites and read their testimonials and online reviews. You might also see if they have a community Facebook page. That’s a great way to get a feel for the community’s residents and staff members.

Tour your top selections: After you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time for community tours. Visiting a community is the best way to get a feel for their lifestyle, see their amenities, taste their food and meet your potential neighbors. At this point, the most important question you can ask is, “Can I see myself living here?”

Your Guide to Visiting Senior Living Communities

Here’s our senior living tour tips and questions to ask as tour your top selections.

First Impressions

• Are the community’s buildings, paths and exterior well maintained?
• Do staff members greet you warmly and introduce themselves?
• Are there ramps, handrails, wide doorways and other modifications for accessibility?
• Do you see a genuine connection between staff members and residents?
• Are common areas and amenities such as the fitness center or pool clean and well maintained?
• Do residents seem happy and engaged?

Residences

• Are you able to tour the apartments you’re interested in?
• Are the interiors, especially kitchens and bathrooms, well lit?
• What’s the noise level outside of the apartment?
• Will the community allow you to repaint the walls or update appliances?
• How far will you be from dining venues and other amenities?
• Can you bring your pet?

Dining

• What does the meal plan cover?
• Does the community have a formal and a casual dining option?
• Are you able to try their menu?
• Do most of the items on the menu sound appealing to you?
• Can the kitchen accommodate special dietary needs if necessary?
• Is there a private dining room where you could host a family celebration?

Outdoor Areas

• Does the community offer outdoor places for recreation and relaxation?
• Are paths and landscaping well maintained?
• Is there 24/7 security?
• How is guest access to the community controlled?
• Are there areas for pets, like a dog park?

Activities

• What kind of activities do they have on their monthly calendar?
• What do residents do for fitness, entertainment and social get-togethers?
• What are some of the more popular classes?
• Are seasonal or other special events held in the community?
• Can residents suggest and initiate a new activity or club?

Future Neighbors

• Can you get residents’ candid opinions on living in the community?
• Do any residents have a spouse or partner in another part of the community, e.g., memory care or skilled nursing, and what’s that experience like?
• How do residents rate the quality of life compared to living in their previous home?
• What do they wish they’d known before moving in?

Community Costs

• How much does it cost to join the community?
• What’s included when you live in the community?
• What are the breakdowns of the various entrance fee and monthly fee options?
• If you’re moving in with a spouse, is there a second person fee? If so, what is it?
• Does the community offer entrance fee refundability to protect your estate?
• Do you need to pass medical requirements before qualifying as a resident?
• What kinds of tax deductions might you be eligible for?
• How are the finances of the community and their ownership?
• What is the community’s reputation?
• What types of on-site care options do they offer?

See for Yourself Why Residents Love Santa Marta

Imagine discovering a lifestyle that lets you focus on your personal happiness while providing you long-term security and peace of mind. You’ll find all that and more at Santa Marta. Check out our floor plans and then come see for yourself how our engaging lifestyle and wellness philosophy promotes a happier, healthier life. To schedule a personal visit, contact one of our friendly senior living counselors. They’d be happy to show you around and answer all your questions.