5 Tips for Touring a Senior Living Community
Selecting the right living community for your loved one is an important decision that one must make. During the decision-making process, it is key to think of that someone dear to you – be it your spouse, father, mother, uncle, or aunt. Consider several living community choices around you and compare to see which suits your loved one the best before deciding on the best one.
Most people go to visit senior living communities after discussing with family members or the individuals in need. Others prefer to go on tours and allow what they see influence their decisions. Different communities offer diverse services. At Rittenhouse Village, we have communities that cater to the individualized needs of our residents. You can contact us online or call us at today.
The Ultimate Senior Living Tour Checklist
If you intend to tour a senior living community, below is a senior living checklist to help guide you during your tour.
1. Observe the Community’s Environment
It is easy for one to get distracted by the sight and arrangements of flowers and plants within senior communities. Pleasant as they may be, one must look beyond them. The environment should not only be beautiful, but clean and comfortable. Check out for indicators showing that not only visible areas are well-kept, but the whole community. Check if the layout possesses features that allow mobility challenges. Venture into the spaces where residents sleep and eat. If there are signs of neglect, that community isn’t the best option.
2. Scrutinize Interactions Between the Team and Residents
It’s pivotal to examine how the team at the senior living community communicates with residents. As the team members converse with residents, observe if the residents are at ease. See if they engage members of the community in activities. Beyond interactions, also check if there are enough team members to attend to residents. If there is a shortage of team members, it’ll be risky to join them or send a loved one there.
3. Ask Questions
Questions lead to discoveries. As you prepare for your tour to a senior living community, you could draft out a list of questions. Ask the residents, their families, and team members. Though not limited to these, some examples of salient questions include:
- What are the personal care options available to residents?
- What is the team-to-resident ratio? Are team members overworked?
- What are the monthly fees and any other expected expenses?
- Under what circumstances will relocating residents be required?
- Are medical services available?
- How are emergencies handled?
- Are there individualized plans for residents?
- Is there a nurse on duty at all times of the day?
4. Safety and Security
Safety and security are paramount for senior residents. For those experiencing symptoms of dementia, there must be someone available to supervise them. As you observe the environment, watch for the hallways, rooms, and meeting areas to see if they have the slightest sign of clutter. Seniors should move around without fear of bumping or tripping over anything. Ensure the senior living community has a system that helps them attend to emergencies if there is a need.
5. Interact with Residents
Discussing with residents is a wonderful way to get honest opinions. If the senior community does not meet up to the standards, residents will most likely tell you this. Also, pay attention to their gestures and facial expressions. Anyone who is satisfied with the services will wear an expression that conveys their satisfaction. If it’s possible to have access to past residents, this is also helpful.
Experience a Rittenhouse Village Community Tour Today
With countless senior living options, a tour through a senior living community is a necessary part of making an informed decision. You must pick a home that not only caters to unique needs but also suits the personality of the individual who will live there.
Our locations include the following:
- Rittenhouse Village At Lehigh Valley
- Rittenhouse Village At Michigan City
- Rittenhouse Village At Muhlenberg
- Rittenhouse Village At Northside
- Rittenhouse Village At Portage
- Rittenhouse Village At Valparaiso
Rittenhouse Village provides communities that are safe, functional, and well equipped to take care of residents. You can contact us at to schedule a tour through our communities or find out more about our services.
