Some seniors will be able to live alone well into their golden years, and many others will have the opportunity to live with family members as they age. But for many older adults, at some point, they will have to consider a senior living residence. If you or a loved one are considering the move to assisted living, there are many details to factor into your decision. Not only will you need to choose a residence that can accommodate any present needs, but you need to have options as you grow older. A senior living tour is a great way to get the answers you need.

One of the best ways to decide which assisted living residence is suitable for you is by taking a tour of the facility. By preparing your questions ahead of time and understanding what to look for, you can make a choice more confidently. This article talks about six questions you should ask when touring an assisted living residence.

What to Take Note of on a Senior Living Tour

What is the overall quality of life? While you can ask people their opinion, one of the best ways to get your answer to this question is by observation. Do the residents seem happy? Are they sitting alone, or are they engaged with others? Do you see activities going on, or is there an active calendar of events posted? Are common areas cheerful, clean, and well-kept? These observations can help you determine how happy you or your loved one would be living in the facility. When touring the facility, you can also look for residents to strike up a conversation with – they will often give you honest feedback about life in the residence. Here’s a Tip: Ask how long they have lived there. Individuals in their first few months of residence are often much more uncomfortable with their circumstances, as they have not quite settled into their new phase of life.
What is the quality of care? While many people enter assisted living as relatively independent individuals, additional services should e provided to account for changes as you age. In addition to standard assisted living support, look for memory support, long-term care, and short-term rehabilitation services to cover any eventuality
as needs change. The community you choose should accommodate both current and future requirements. If a resident eventually requires a different level of living and care, how does the facility handle communication and family involvement? If the facility’s recommendation is to move someone into a new level of care, it should be a joint conversation between loved ones and professionals – not a unilateral decision by either party.
What is the staff morale like? You can find the answer to this question by interacting with personnel and staff at the residence and by asking current residents how they are treated. During your tour, keep your eyes open to observe interactions between residents and staff. You can also ask administration officials about their mission statement and values.
What level of amenity can you expect? Dining is one of the most important aspects of any residence, so be sure to sit down for a meal if you are visiting the facility. While enjoying the food, you can ask about dietary accommodations, menu alternatives, and daily or weekly menu variations. Take a look at the upcoming menu to view the variety. Review the dining room as you would a restaurant – would you eat there again? Would you want to eat there every day? Beyond dining, be sure to ask to see a community calendar of events and ask about enrichment activities such as a fitness center, garden, or movie theater. If you have a car, ask about parking availability; if you don’t, inquire about available public transportation and ridesharing opportunities.
Are there inviting outdoor areas? Florida has lovely weather, especially over the winter – and being outside is therapeutic for everyone, including seniors. Check out the landscaping, gardens, walking trails, or other outdoor features provided for residents. If the community is pet-friendly and you bring an animal, is there an outdoor space dedicated to your furry friends?
Is the fee structure transparent to residents and families? Make sure information about finances and billing is available and clearly presented. Vague answers about pricing, extra expenses, ala carte services, and expected fee increases could be red flags. You’ll want to understand the reality of the cost of living and the possibility of fee increases.The staff and administration at A Banyan Residence in The Villages welcome the opportunity to meet you and your family and provide a private senior living tour to acclimate you to our assisted living or memory care centers. Call today to schedule your visit.