Smart Questions to Ask on a Senior Living Community Tour
Download our complete checklist to help you make the best decision for yourself or a loved one.
You may feel overwhelmed with information if you’re touring a senior living community, whether for yourself or someone you love. From floor plans to contracts, care levels, amenities, and ambiance, there’s a lot to absorb! Keeping everything straight can be even more challenging if you’re visiting multiple communities or still trying to figure out whether now is the right time to move.
With so many details to consider, coming prepared with questions can help you have more meaningful conversations and make informed decisions. While it’s always possible to follow up after a visit, arriving with thoughtful questions in hand helps you make the most of your visit and focus on what matters most to you.
To help you get started, David Calnan, a senior sales counselor at Orchard Cove in Canton, MA, and Sandra Spring, a retirement counselor at Orchard Cove, shared some of the most common questions they hear from prospective residents and their family members.
At the end of this post, you’ll find a downloadable checklist of questions to ask when touring a senior living community. Bring it along on your visits, whether you’re touring a Hebrew SeniorLife community or somewhere else!
Here’s a sneak peek of 10 questions you’ll find in the checklist, which includes even more on care and safety, community culture, dining, finances, and long-term planning:
- What senior living residence styles and care levels do you offer?
- What is the community’s pricing structure?
- If my health changes, will I need to move to another level of care?
- What safety features and emergency protocols are in place?
- Are nurses or physicians available on site or on call?
- What activities, clubs, and fitness or wellness programs do you offer?
- Can I stay overnight to experience the community before committing?
- Could you connect me with current residents to hear about their experiences?
- Can meals be customized for allergies, intolerances, or preferences?
- How will my long-term care insurance work if I choose to live here?
Download the full list here
Choosing a senior living community is about more than amenities or contracts — it’s about finding a place that feels like home. That’s what we strive for at Hebrew SeniorLife. “We get to know each prospective resident and learn what matters most to them. That’s the driving force behind everything we do,” Calnan explains.
Our team has created a helpful guide of 50 questions to ask on your senior living community tours. It’s a resource to empower you, wherever you choose to call home. Print a copy to take with you — David and Sandra’s questions are designed to give you the information you need to feel confident and informed as you explore your options.
