Don’t Let Your Questions Go Unanswered: Here’s Why You Should Schedule Another Senior Living Tour
The first time you experience anything it can be hard to take everything in, and it is certainly true when you go on a senior living tour. That’s why it’s so important to schedule another tour soon after your first visit: to ask all the questions you either forgot to ask or wish you had.
Remember, this may be one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make, so you want to be sure you have all the information you need. And while you certainly can learn a lot from a senior living community’s website, social media posts and their brochures, there’s something about speaking to a staff member in person that can make a huge difference.
Here are some reasons why you want to schedule more than one senior living tour:
There’s no place like home.
Whether you walked through a furnished model apartment or peeked inside a resident’s apartment, it’s always a good idea to go back and take another look (or several). This can give you the opportunity to really picture how your furnishings would fit or is it time to start with some new pieces? Going back lets you take a moment to picture yourself there…in the kitchen, resting in the bedroom, greeting guests at your door. Could you feel at home there?
Be sure to ask any lingering questions you might have about the apartment…square footage, finishes, storage space, etc. Take another look inside the closets. Note the amount of natural light. If you have upgrades on your mind, ask about that.
Wellness and wellbeing.
If you don’t have a clear picture of what is available in terms of helping residents stay healthy and independent, a second senior living tour is the time to get the details. Depending upon whether you are looking at independent living or assisted living, or you are considering memory care for a loved one, find out if a nurse is on duty 24 hours a day. What type of emergency call system do they use? What kind of monitoring will take place?
Also find out more about how they help residents stay healthy—classes, nutritional counseling, one-on-one instruction in balance or strength, for example. Be sure you get the answers you need so you can make your decision with confidence.
Getting to know you.
Being the “new kid” is never easy! But in today’s senior living communities, the goal is to make everyone feel welcome and at home. Ask what specific programs they have for easing the transition.
For example, are there resident ambassadors that help a newbie find their way around? Will a new resident have a “welcoming” dinner companion for a few nights? Are there get-togethers among neighbors where a new resident can make new friends?
Don’t be shy to ask anything that’s on your mind when you are on an additional senior living tour. Whether you are joining other independent living or assisted living residents, or your loved one is moving into a higher level of care, it’s comforting to have a clear picture of what life will be like there.
Dollars and sense.
One senior living tour may not be enough to get a full understanding of the costs involved in a senior living community. Make a list of any unanswered questions you may have and take them with you…monthly fees, pricing incentives, extra costs for certain amenities or services, move-in specials, frequency of rent increases and financial planning resources. Be sure you understand what costs are covered by your monthly fees.
The core of everything.
Details are important when you are trying to get answers on a senior living tour. But so is stepping back and getting the big picture—the “why” of what makes a particular community stand out. Ask about the community’s mission, or core values. What is the overall goal for residents? How does the community accomplish this in everyday life?
A senior living community that truly puts the resident first will have a good reputation, and its staff members will take pride in their jobs. Get a feel for how your questions are received, and if the answers are delivered with enthusiasm and in a positive, helpful manner. And go back as many times as you need!
Senior living, the Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio way
At LSS Senior Living, our goal is to offer seniors quality care and comfort in a friendly and warm environment that feels like home. We offer a continuum of services to lend a helping hand when you need them. Find out more about our communities:
Speak to an advisor today, we’re here to help. Learn more about your options by downloading a copy of our guide, Choosing the Right Senior Living Community.