Know Before You Go: Questions to Ask When You Visit a Senior Living Community
Are you or a family member considering whether a senior living community might be the right answer to these questions?
- How can you help your parents avoid becoming socially isolated or lonely?
- Are there options that could improve your parents’ quality of life?
- Where can you turn if you can’t provide all the help needed with the tasks of daily living?
If you’re ready to visit a few communities in your area to see firsthand whether senior living could be the best solution, the following information may help your visits be more effective.
How to discover the right senior living community
Before you visit a senior living community, you’ll want to define what quality senior living would mean for your parents and family. Begin by assessing and prioritizing the health care needs and preferences of your loved ones. Once you have a list, you’ll want to find the right senior living community that delivers.
For example, if it’s important that the community offer several outdoor or sporting activities, you’ll want to look for walking trails, bocce courts or patios with fire pits. If your loved one is living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, your priority might be the type of memory-enhancing programs available.
Once you have a better understanding of what type of community you may be looking for, you may want to familiarize yourself with these questions to ask before your scheduled visits:
Questions to ask when you visit an independent living community
- What type of residences are available?
- Are there different floor plans, locations and views to choose from?
- Are there restaurants or other dining options available?
- What does a monthly calendar of activities and social events look like?
- What steps does the community take to help new residents make friends?
- Are there opportunities available to remain both physically and mentally in shape?
- Is the community maintenance-free?
- Is scheduled transportation provided?
- What type of security measures are included in the community and personal residences?
Questions to ask when you visit an assisted living community
- What type of residences are available?
- Is there a choice of floor plans and sizes to choose from?
- What are examples of assistance offered to help the residents remain independent?
- What levels of care are offered?
- What type of dining options are available?
- Are there monthly scheduled activities and social events?
- What wellness opportunities are available to support living and aging well?
- Is scheduled transportation provided?
- What type of security measures are included in the community and personal residences?
Questions to ask when you visit a memory care community
- What type of residences are available?
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
- How does the staff respond to different behaviors and a resident’s anxieties?
- What therapy programs are available that could help stimulate memories
- What activities and amenities help the residents remain engaged?
- What type of assistance is available for dining or to participate in activities?
- Is the community designed to keep residents safe while allowing a sense of freedom?
- What is their visiting policy or hours?
- How are family members supported in the care of their loved ones?
Discover life at a Northbridge community
If you’re considering senior living for yourself or a family member, we hope you’ll visit one of our communities. You’ll find a maintenance-free, activity-filled and engaging lifestyle to help support your wellness goals.
You’ll also discover many benefits in a Northbridge Senior Living community, including our Signature Program S.T.A.R. Club (Sharp Thinking, Active Residents) – which offers our residents several activities to participate in with others, including:
- Daily exercise group
- Walking club
- Tai Chi & yoga
- Nutritional classes
- Library and book club
- Museum outings
- Artists in residence program
- Multi-generational music
- Genealogy Generations
We’re here to answer any of your questions and would like to share with you our free guide: Choosing the Right Senior Living Community: A Step-by-Step Guide for Making an Informed Decision. Or, contact us to schedule a personalized tour.
