Important Questions For Your Senior Living Tour

Finding The Best Fit For You or Your Loved One

As you start the process of touring, we recommend having a prepared list of questions to help you gather as much information as possible during your tour. No need to feel overwhelmed – the following categories will take you through everything you need to know when you visit different senior living communities.

 

Outside of the community:

Is it located in a safe neighborhood?

Is it close to family and friends? Is it nearby church, doctor’s offices and other important locations?

Are there shopping centers or other businesses nearby?

Is the neighborhood attractive and pleasant?

Is there convenient parking outside, including handicapped spaces?

Is parking provided?

Is there an extra charge for parking? Is there covered parking?

Are the grounds attractive and well-maintained with gardens and trees?

Is there a secure, enclosed area where residents can walk and socialize?

 

Inside of the community:

How many people live there?

Are the residents friendly and welcoming?

Is the community footprint easy to follow?

Are hallways well lit and easy to navigate, with handrails for safety and room for wheelchairs?

Are the associates warm and attentive?

Are there open and inviting areas for residents to meet and socialize, including plenty of room for visiting family members?

 

Residences:

What different types of floor plans are available?

Is it possible to tour all the different types of residences available?

Do most residents have a private residence or do they share with another resident?

Does each residence have a private, handicapped-equipped bathroom, or is there one shared bathroom?

Are residents’ apartments personalized with photos, mementos or other possessions?

Is there adequate closet and storage space?

Do available apartments have an attractive view?

Do all units have a telephone? Cable TV? Internet access?

What is provided in each unit? Can residents bring their own furniture and decorate their residence?

Is the community smoke-free?

Is the community pet friendly?

 

Dining:

Are the dining rooms attractive and appealing?

How many meals per day are provided? All-day dining or at set times?

Are you able to sample the menu or visit for a meal?

Does the menu vary and offer appetizing, nutritious foods?

Are snacks provided and, if so, how and when do residents get them?

Does the community cater to specific dietary needs or special requests?

Are residents able to bring food back to their apartments? Do apartments have kitchens/kitchenettes?

Can visiting family members join residents in the dining areas?

Is a private room available for family celebrations or private dinners?

 

Activities:

What are the most popular activities?

Is there a calendar of activities, and are there any activities that you would like to participate in?

Are there multiple fitness programs and classes?

Are there scheduled outings or extended trips available for residents?

Are there social events, clubs or committees for residents to get involved with?

Is transportation available?

Are there worship services?

Does the community offer special services such as a beauty salon?

 

Safety:

What security features are in place? What do residents do in case of emergency?

Are there ongoing safety protocols for visitors and residents?

Are residents with walkers or wheelchairs able to get around with ease?

Are the floors non-skid?

Are rooms and bathrooms equipped with emergency call buttons?

Are the floors non-skid?

Are rooms and bathrooms equipped with emergency call buttons?

Are there handrails?

Are there sprinklers and smoke detectors?

Are there safety locks on the doors and windows?

 

Contracts & Finances:

Has the community provided you with a contract that details all fees and services? Is it easy to read and understand?

If there’s an entrance or community fee, how much is it and is a portion refundable?

How much is the monthly rent/service fee and what is included/not included?

What is the security deposit and is the deposit refundable?

 

After your tour, we hope you come away from the community with a good feel for how you would fit in there. Ultimately, you need to determine whether it’s a place you would be comfortable making your home. We’d love to show you around Renaissance North Tampa – please contact us to schedule a tour of our welcoming community.