Questions to Ask on Senior Living Tours
February 26, 2020
Making the move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is an exciting decision. But with so many choices available, how will you know what community is the right fit for you?
While there are a variety of ways for you to do your initial research on communities, including online searches and talking to trusted friends and family members, there is no substitute for experience when it comes to making the final decision. And the best way to get a feel for what life is like at a community is through a tour.
Touring a CCRC Allows You to Get a Feel of the Community
Personally experiencing a senior living community gives you an unmatched research opportunity when looking into your next home. Jeff Westerman, son of The Atrium at Navesink Harbor residents, shared that when they first toured the community, “It was love at first sight, and in every respect… it was instantly a case of ‘where do we sign?’”
Touring a senior living community helps you decide what the best option is for you.
Learn More About CCRCs Before Your Tour with Our FREE Guide.
What Should I Look for in a Senior Living Community?
In order to get the most out of your tour at a senior living community, take inventory of what the most important things are for you to find out while you’re there and create a list of questions. Remember, there is no question too absurd when confirming comfort in your potential new home. This is the place where you will have endless opportunities with more friends, more fun and less worry.
To help get you started, we’ve compiled the following list of questions to ask on your CCRC tour:
Are there onsite amenities available?
When choosing your future home, you want to be sure it is a good match for how you like to live and what you like to do. Ask about the full range of social, educational and cultural activities offered within the community. Typical offerings include creative classes, fitness areas, guest lectures and more.
What is the dining experience like?
In most CCRCs, dining is a social highlight of the day. You may want to check what types of foods are offered, whether or not the hours are convenient and if special dietary needs such as low-sodium or kosher meals can be accommodated.
Are there a variety of levels of care?
Although you may not be in need of healthcare services at the moment, it’s important to ask if your future needs will be taken care of. Access to healthcare is vitally important for your wellbeing.
Is the staff qualified and caring?
Ask about certifications, credentials and training of the staff to ensure you’re in good hands. Even go as far as talking to the current residents about their relationships with the staff – sometimes, you’ll find that the team members demonstrate professionalism and convey a sense of warmth in their interactions with residents and each other. This is a promising sign when it comes to the quality of care you’ll receive.
How many floor plan options are there?
CCRCs most commonly offer apartment-style living, with sizes ranging from studios to two-bedrooms, all in a variety of floor plans. When touring, ask to see more than one floor plan to get a better feel of the space you need.
What is the emergency plan?
Should the need arise, know that there is an emergency preparedness and safety plan. Although this will hopefully not have to be used, knowing that situations have been thought through and mapped out is reassuring and a sign of the credibility of the community.
What is the community’s financial stability?
A move to a CCRC is an investment in your future. Look for signs that the community you choose is on strong financial footing. For example, is the community established, with a long history of success? Is it backed by a large organization with stability and strength? These are both good signs of a financially secure community.
Can I afford to live here?
Of course, the most common question to ask when looking into a senior living community – is the lifestyle and services available within my means? Sales counselors are willing to talk you through your unique financial situation and find a plan that works the best for you.
[ctabar link=”https://atriumatnavesink.org/contact-us/”]Come see for yourself! Contact us today to schedule your personal tour.[/ctabar]
More seniors are recognizing the many benefits of calling The Atrium at Navesink Harbor home. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Come see for yourself!
Still interested in learning more? Check out some related blog posts on saying “yes” to the CCRC lifestyle offered by The Atrium at Navesink Harbor:
