10 Questions to Ask on a Senior Living Community Tour

A tour is designed to impress you. That’s not a criticism, it’s the point. But families who ask the right questions leave with a much clearer picture than those who simply admire the lobby. Here are ten worth asking every time.

About care and staffing

1. What is the caregiver-to-resident ratio, day and night? Nights are when thin staffing shows.
2. How do you handle a change in a resident’s care needs? You want to know whether a decline means a move.
3. What is staff turnover like? Stable teams know residents as people.

About daily life

1. Can I see today’s actual activity calendar? Not a sample, today’s.
2. What’s on the menu this week, and can residents choose?
3. How do residents get to appointments and errands?

About money and logistics

1. What triggers a rate increase, and how much notice do families get?
2. What happens if my loved one outlives their savings?
3. What is the move-out policy and refund schedule?

The most important one

1. Can I speak with a current resident’s family member? A community proud of its care will say yes without hesitation.

If you’d like a second set of experienced eyes on a tour, that’s exactly what I do. Reach out for a free consultation and I’ll help you read between the lines.