6 Items to Pay Attention to When Touring a Senior Living Community
Finding the right senior living community is a significant step to living the retirement you’ve earned. Touring a community may seem like one of the easiest parts of the process, but there are many things you may overlook during your visit.
The British Columbia Seniors Living Association is providing six items to pay attention to or look for during a tour of a senior living community. If you’re interested in learning more about the senior living options in the British Columbia area, visit our blog.
Tip #1: Appearance and Cleanliness
While it’s typically recommended to not judge a book by its cover, in this case, appearances matter as this community will be your new home. Consider things like:
- Are common areas kept clean?
- How is the exterior of the building(s)?
The upkeep of a community is just as important as the services and amenities it may provide. Be sure you’re moving into a community you would be proud to show off!
Tip #2: Pay Attention to Staff and Residents
When touring a senior living community, observe the staff to ensure they are friendly and attentive. The type of community it is (independent living, assisted living, etc.) will impact the amount of care and attention staff is providing. It’s also important to note the relationship between residents and staff.
Tip #3: Consider Your Dining Options
While this can take a backseat to other questions or concerns, the dining experience at a senior living community is a vital component! You want to ensure the dining staff can work with any dietary restrictions you may have, and that the community offers meals and menu items that appeal to you.
Tip #4: Ask for an Activity/Event Schedule
During your visit to a senior living community, be sure to ask for an activity or event calendar to review. A full activity calendar typically means a vibrant and lively community with new experiences for you to enjoy!
Tip #5: Tour the Grounds
Spending time outside with nature, fresh air, and the sun is a crucial component to maintaining your health and wellbeing. While touring a senior living community, make sure to take time to walk around and inspect the grounds. If you’re typically active outdoors, you want to ensure the community you choose offers walking paths, outdoor patios, etc.
Tip #6: Trust Your Instincts
Once you’ve completed your tour of a community, take a second to check in with yourself. How do you feel? Are you excited to learn more about this community, or was it an unmemorable experience? The community you choose will be your new home, so trust your instincts, and go with your gut!
Choosing the right senior living community is an important decision, so don’t settle for a community that doesn’t meet your needs or desires. If you’ve recently started touring senior living communities and are having difficulty finding the right one, BCSLA may have the solution.
Our member directory is full of excellent senior living communities that you can explore and visit! We have over 175 members in our directory, and each community listed has a proven track record of success. Our members must meet specific requirements to join; making our directory a list of the best senior living communities British Columbia has to offer! For more on this topic, visit our resource page, Choosing a Retirement Home.
