Photograph courtesy of Episcopal Retirement Services
Moving to a senior living community is a monumental decision that can come with many benefits. How do you know which one is the best one for you or your loved one? Here are five reasons why touring a senior living community is a critical part of making an informed housing choice.
You can learn about a facility’s care level options.
Visiting a community gives you a better understanding of the care levels it offers, from skilled nursing to independent living, and helps you understand which one best suits you or your loved one’s needs. If you’re visiting a continuing care retirement community, for example, you can learn how the organization supports its members by helping them transition between levels of care as their needs change.
You can assess cleanliness, security, and other factors.
Seniors rightfully have many concerns about senior living communities. One of the most common concerns? Cleanliness. Is there visible dirt and clutter? Are there other signs of disrepair, like shabby furniture and overflowing garbage cans? Are there unpleasant odors? While some of these things may be temporary, others are indications of ongoing neglect. A tour will reveal whether a community is clean and also let you ask questions in person about the facility’s housekeeping, maintenance, laundry services, and security.
Photograph courtesy of Episcopal Retirement Services
You’ll get a feel for the community’s culture and atmosphere.
When it comes to choosing a senior living community, there’s nothing more important than finding one that feels right. And while websites and brochures offer a glimpse of what life is like at a particular facility, they’re also designed to show a community in its best light. Ultimately, visiting a senior living community lets you or your loved one experience the culture and atmosphere.
You can observe the residents and staff in action.
A website or brochure can also give you a sense of the activities and outings planned for community members, but an in-person visit offers meaningful insight into engagement levels. Do community members participate in activities and social events? Do they appear involved and happy?
These considerations also apply to staff. Do staff members make eye contact with you and with community members. Are their exchanges with community members positive? When asked a question or for assistance, are they friendly and helpful? Trust your instincts. If any behaviors set off alarm bells in your presence, they’re likely even worse when not under observation.
You can sample the food and dining room experience.
Schedule your visit during a meal to taste the cuisine and learn about menu options, hours, and procedures, such as what happens if a community member can’t make it to the dining room for a meal.
But eating isn’t just about nutrition; it’s also a social enterprise. Is the ambiance inviting? Are members interacting with each other while enjoying their food? The answers to these questions reveal important information about the quality of life. Even better? Speak directly to community members about their experiences and opinions. What they share will inevitably reveal more than any marketing materials.
You wouldn’t purchase a home without seeing it in person first, would you? Ultimately, the same goes for choosing a retirement community. Also, keep in mind that it’s never too early to start planning ahead. Even if moving to a senior living community still feels far off in the future, proactively looking into your retirement community options can help you ensure optimal outcomes if and when the need arises. Schedule a time to tour Episcopal Retirement Services’ senior living communities today.
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