Finding The Right Community For You Or Your Loved One
Taking a tour gives you the opportunity to meet the community’s staff, view the amenities, observe the residents and get a feel for the community first-hand. We recommend having a prepared list of questions to use during the process to help you gather additional insight. Use the following groups of questions to help you understand what to look for as you tour senior living communities you are interested in.
Exterior:
- Is the neighborhood appealing and friendly?
- Is convenient parking provided, including handicapped spaces? Is there an extra parking charge? Is covered parking available?
- Are the grounds well-maintained and attractive, with gardens and trees?
- Is there a secure, enclosed area where residents can walk and socialize?
- Is the community located in a safe neighborhood?
- Is the community close to family and friends? Are there nearby places like churches, doctor’s offices and other essential locations?
- Are there shopping centers or other businesses nearby?
Interior:
- How many people live in the community?
- Is the layout of the community easy to navigate?
- Are there common areas providing enough space for residents to spend time with each other and visiting family members?
- Are the common spaces cheerful, inviting and homelike?
- Are the hallways well-lit and easy to navigate, with handrails for safety and space for wheelchairs?
Residences:
- Do most residents have private apartments, or do they share with another resident?
- Is it possible to tour all the different types of residences available?
- Does each residence have a private, handicapped-accessible bathroom, or is there one shared bathroom?
- What is provided in each unit? Are residents allowed to bring their own furniture and decorate their residences?
- Are residents encouraged to personalize their apartments with photos, mementos or other personal items?
- Is there enough closet and storage space in the residences?
- Do the available apartments offer an attractive view?
- Do all units have a telephone, cable TV and internet access?
- Is the community smoke-free?
- Is the community pet-friendly?
Dining:
- Are the dining rooms attractive and welcoming?
- How many meals are provided each day? Are they available all day or at set times?
- Does the menu offer a variety of appetizing, nutritious options?
- Are snacks available, and when can residents enjoy them?
- Does the community cater to special requests or specific dietary needs?
- Are residents able to bring food back to their apartments? Do apartments have kitchens?
- Can visiting family members join residents in the dining areas?
- Can you try the food or visit for a meal?
- Is there a private room available for family celebrations or private dinners?
Activities:
- Is there a schedule of activities, and are there any that interest you?
- Are there scheduled outings or extended trips for residents?
- Are there social groups or clubs for residents?
- Is transportation available for trips, outings and doctor appointments?
- Are there worship services offered?
- Does the community offer additional services, such as a beauty salon?
Safety:
- Can residents with walkers or wheelchairs move around easily?
- Are the floors non-skid?
- Do rooms and bathrooms have emergency call buttons?
- Are there handrails in necessary areas?
- Are there sprinklers and smoke detectors throughout the community?
- Are there safety locks on the doors and windows?
Contracts & Finances:
- Has the community provided a contract that details all fees and services? Is it clear and easy to understand?
- If there’s an entrance or community fee, how much is it, and is any portion refundable?
- How much is the monthly rent/service fee, and what is included or not included?
- What is the security deposit, and is it refundable?
We hope these questions help you feel more confident as you explore different senior living communities. If you’re interested in touring Longleaf Liberty Park, our staff would be happy to show you around and answer any questions you may have.
