Questions To Ask When Choosing A Senior Living Community

Retirement’s the most wonderful thing. I get to enjoy all the things I never stopped to notice on the way up. After an extraordinary life, it’s time to enjoy my retirement.” – Patrick Macnee

If the time has come for you or your loved one to move into a Senior Living Community, you’re going to want to choose the one that will best fit your desires, needs, and one where you can enjoy you’re retirement.

Finding that right community can be a little daunting, but it doesn’t need to be, if you begin your decision making by touring the communities that are available in your price range and your desired living area. As you do this, you will have the opportunity to meet the staff, possibly some of the residents, and get an overall feel for what life would be like there.

But it’s not enough just to take a look around, you will want some important questions answered…

Questions to ask while touring Senior Living Communities:

This list of questions contains probably some of the most common and important questions to ask, but you may have others that are on your mind…don’t hesitate to ask them. In fact, ask all the questions you want, this is possibly your future home.

1. Ask about the safety precautions – This is a #1 priority.
   1. Is there staff onsite 24/7
   2. What are the plans in the event of a natural disaster?
   3. Do healthcare providers frequently visit?
   4. Is there a plan for checking on the welfare of the residents?
2. Ask about the food – Be sure to try the food at each community you’re considering.
   1. Will they prepare special diets?
   2. Are there snacks available, and when?
   3. Can meals be delivered to your room?
   4. Ask to see a sample menu.
3. Ask about financing options – You don’t want any surprises popping up when it comes to finance…
   1. What is the monthly fee, and what is included in that cost?
   2. Are there different floor plans for different price ranges?
   3. Will you need renter’s insurance?
   4. What are the costs of the meal plans?
4. Ask about the apartments – This will be your new home…will you be comfortable and happy there?
   1. What are the safety features?
   2. Are there kitchens?
   3. What kind of storage do they have?
   4. Can you control the thermostat?
   5. Are you allowed to hang things on the walls?
   6. Can you have pets?
5. Ask about social and fitness opportunities – The last thing you want is to become sedentary, you want to stay busy and active.
   1. Are there clubs or interest groups?
   2. Is there transportation available for off site excursions?
   3. Are there fitness classes or activities?
   4. Are there places for walking and enjoying the outdoors?
   5. Do they offer off site events or opportunities?
6. Ask about medical care – Not all senior living communities offer on site medical assistance, so you should be aware from the beginning what your options might be.
   1. Is there a physician or nurse readily available?
   2. Can the staff help with medication management?
   3. Is there an option for hospice or end of life care?

If you have concerns about moving into a Senior Living Community, asking these and any other questions you might have should put your mind at ease and make your choice of communities easier.

We are Certified Senior Move Managers recognized by our National Association of Senior Move Managers, NASMM! We are committed to serving our seniors with a high standard of ethics, best business practices and continuing education to help make whatever transition they are going through a Smooth Transition.

Contact us to learn how we can help you and/or your family cope with a senior downsizing anywhere in the Phoenix East Valley area…we offer a Free consultation.

We would love to serve you. 480-339-0011