Questions to Ask When Touring Senior Living Communities
Choosing to transition to a senior living community is an exciting gateway to a new chapter in life for seniors. As with any significant decision, it’s important to be well-prepared and inquisitive.
Your journey to finding the ideal senior living setting begins with:
- 1. Assessing your short- and long-term needs and preferences.
Understand your unique needs and preferences. Consider factors like location, accommodations, security, cost, type of care needed now or in the future, and any specific amenities or services that are must-haves for you or your loved one. - 2. Conducting research.
Start by researching senior living communities in your desired area. Use online resources, reviews, and recommendations from friends or family.
ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS TO FIND THE IDEAL SENIOR COMMUNITY
Here are essential questions to ask while touring a senior living community:
QUESTIONS ABOUT DAILY LIFE
One of the first areas to explore during your senior living community tour is the daily life and activities:
Activity & Social Programs: Inquire about the range of activities and programs available. Do they align with your interests and hobbies? During your tour, request to view the monthly or weekly activity calendar and ask about resident involvement in activity planning. Are there clubs or groups that cater to shared interests?
Some examples of activities typically featured in senior living communities include:
- Dancing classes
- Swimming
- Gardening
- Arts and crafts classes
- Music and theatre programs
Exercise Facilities and Classes: Staying active is a key component of a fulfilling lifestyle. Exercise studios and classes are available in senior living communities to promote physical activity and fitness. Many fitness centers are equipped with treadmills, stationary bikes, and weight machines. Some also offer group exercise classes, such as aerobics, yoga, Zumba, and cardio dancing.
Transportation: Inquire about if the community you are visiting offers reliable and accessible transportation. Make sure to understand the transportation options both on and off-campus. Ask about the availability of shuttle services for scheduled outings, medical appointments, and grocery shopping.
At John Knox Village, the activity and social calendar is bustling, including live entertainment and performing arts programs, interactive lifelong learning classes with guest speakers, fitness activities, aquatics classes, a nine-hole golf course, a bowling alley and more.
EVALUATE THE DINING EXPERIENCE
Given the significant role nutrition plays in seniors’ health and well-being, assessing dining options during your visit is critical. Inquire about dining options, delivery services, and accommodations for dietary restrictions and allergies to ensure that you and/or your loved one receives the nourishment they need in a comfortable and enjoyable dining setting.
What do mealtimes look like? How many dining venues are there? What’s on the menu? Is the food of good quality, and can dietary needs be accommodated?
At John Knox Village, we offer multiple dining venues and restaurant-style dining for every occasion, from formal tableside service to casual pubs, with outdoor seating, pickup and delivery services.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND AMENITIES
Living spaces and community features can greatly influence your decision:
Accommodations: Find out what types of accommodations are available. Can you personalize or furnish your living space to make it feel like home? Is the community committed to redevelopment and expansions to meet the needs of today’s seniors?
Amenities: Explore the amenities offered within the community, such as fitness centers, libraries, gardens, or outdoor areas. How will these amenities enhance your daily life and well-being?
STAFF AND RESIDENT INTERACTION
The relationship between staff and residents is important in a thriving community:
Staff Interaction: Pay attention to how staff members interact with residents. Is there a genuine sense of care and support?
Feedback Loop: Inquire about the process for addressing concerns and providing feedback about the community and staff.
Staff Qualifications and Training: Staff qualifications and training greatly impact the quality of care in a senior living community. During your visit, don’t hesitate to ask about the staff members’ certifications or continuing education.
HEALTH AND CARE SERVICES AVAILABLE, IF NEEDED
The quality of healthcare and support services is important to understand:
Levels of Care: Is the community a continuing care retirement community, offering independent living and a full continuum of care on-site that enables you to move to a higher level of care yet remain in living in your community? Or does the community only offer certain types of levels of care?
Transition smoothly to higher levels of care while staying rooted in the comfort of your community. Unlike some communities, John Knox Village offers a full spectrum of care options. Plus, with an on-site clinic and ambulance service, residents have access to medical attention right within the comfort of your community.
Health Care Staff Availability: Ask about staff availability. Are there caregivers on-site 24/7, and what is their training and qualifications?
FINANCES AND CONTRACTS
Financial aspects and contractual details can significantly impact your decision:
Cost Structure: Understand the cost structure and what is included in the one-time and monthly fees.
Contracts: Study the contract thoroughly. What are the terms and conditions, and is there flexibility for changing circumstances?
Incentives: Are there any move-in specials or incentives? What types of referral programs does the community offer?
NEXT STEPS AFTER YOUR SENIOR LIVING TOUR
After the tour, your journey doesn’t end. Here are some essential next steps:
Review Your Notes: Take the time to review your notes, reflect on your experience, and discuss with loved ones.
Revisit if Necessary: If you have any doubts or questions, don’t hesitate to revisit the community for a second look.
YOUR SENIOR LIVING ADVENTURE AWAITS
Choosing a new home in a senior living community is a significant decision, but by asking the right questions during your tours, you can ensure that you’re making an informed choice. Take your time, trust your instincts, and enjoy this new chapter in your life with the knowledge that you’ve gathered all the necessary information.
JOHN KNOX VILLAGE: WHERE EACH DAY OFFERS NEW POSSIBILITIES
In Kansas City, seniors consistently choose John Knox Village because here, your days are rich with choices. that will enable you to explore a wide variety of activities and experiences. Whether it’s a morning of pampering in our salon, an afternoon golf outing, or a workout in our fitness center, you’ll discover your unique style of living in every moment. What’s more, you’ll be surrounded by warmhearted people, ready to make the most of retirement.
If you’re ready to embrace a lifestyle where each day is uniquely your own, among neighbors who will quickly become friends, contact us today to begin your journey to John Knox Village.