Touring a senior living community is an important step in planning for the future. With welcoming staff and thoughtfully designed spaces as your backdrop, it’s a chance to explore potential new homes, learn about daily life, and start imagining what it might feel like to live there.
How to Tell if a Community Is the Right Fit
The best way to know if a community fits you is to pay attention to how it feels when you visit. Notice how staff interact with residents, whether people seem engaged and comfortable, and if the overall atmosphere matches what you are looking for in your daily life. Talking with current residents can give you an authentic sense of the culture, while asking about the community’s history and milestones can reveal what they value most. Here’s what to know and what to ask.
Rooms and Floor Pans
To learn more about the rooms and floor plans you can ask questions like:
- What floor plans are available, and how do they differ in price and features?
- How close are the rooms to each other, and to key amenities like the laundry, elevators, and staff areas?
- What safety features are in place to prevent falls or injuries?
What Are the Dining Options?
Don’t skip the food questions, especially if you have dietary needs. Ask how meals are planned, whether menus change daily, and if they can accommodate specific dietary restrictions. If choosing what to eat each day feels overwhelming, find out if staff can help with meal planning or recommendations. Food is a big part of daily life - make sure it works for you.
Follow-up questions might include:
- Which meals are included each day?
- What time of day are meals served?
- Is there in-room cooking, or do residents eat in a shared dining area?
- Are there vegan or gluten-free options available?
- Are outside drinks and food allowed within the community?
- How do the staff help residents with meal choices and routines?
How Do Residents Stay Engaged In Colder Months?
Ask questions about recreational activities and social events. For example:
- Can I see a sample monthly calendar?
- How do residents sign up for events?
- What hobby groups or clubs meet regularly?
- Are family and friends welcome at events?
- Do you have any holiday events planned?
What Healthcare Services Are Available In The Community?
You will want to ask questions about the on-site healthcare services available, both for daily routines and emergency care:
- What medical care is offered on-site?
- How are families updated about the health matters of their loved ones?
- How do you coordinate with residents’ personal doctors?
How Are Costs and Fees Structured?
Clear pricing helps with confident planning. To learn more you can ask:
- What are your monthly fees?
- What services are an additional charge?
- How do insurance companies work with the community?
How Does The Staff Interact With Community Members?
Be sure to ask about the people you’ll interact with every day and what you can expect from them. Consider asking:
- What is the team member-to-resident ratio?
- How long have key members been part of the community?
- How are staff screened before being hired?
- What specialized training do members receive for memory care or other specific needs?
Visit a Merrill Gardens Community Near You
Making a big move is a major step, and thoughtful preparation can make the transition smoother. The questions you ask today not only help you understand the details, but also reveal the sense of community and care that will matter most in daily life. With the right insights, you can approach this decision with confidence and choose a place that truly feels like home.