Diverse group of smiling senior people dancing while enjoying activities in retirement home

Questions to Ask When Touring a Retirement Community

During these, the best years of your life, it’s vital to have engaging social, physical and mental support. Many individuals gain this support by living in a retirement community. You may have researched retirement living options before, but found yourself overwhelmed with the amount of information available.

However, with a little planning and foresight, exploring your retirement living options can be a joy. You’ve looked forward to this time in your life for decades. Now is the time to savor it.

Here are some suggestions on how to get started evaluating your retirement living options, including questions to ask when touring your top choices.

Which Retirement Living Option is Right for You?

Some individuals may only be familiar with the assisted living community option. This prevents many from seeking out a community until they need extra help performing day-to-day activities. However, healthy and independent individuals may want to consider a move much sooner to an independent living community that offers a resort-like feel packed with activities, entertainment options, and opportunities to connect with like-minded peers.

Some retirement communities, like Abbey Delray, offer both assisted and independent living options to their residents. This ensures that should your care needs change, you can continue residing in the community you have grown to love.

Here’s a look at these two popular senior living options.

Independent Living

If you don’t require assistance with day-to-day living but want to shed the responsibilities of housekeeping and maintenance, consider living in an independent living community that enriches your social life. Enjoy a spacious, private apartment or garden home and access to all of the shared amenities the community has to offer. Seek out opportunities to forge new connections and relationships. Enjoy chef-prepared meals, on-site fitness classes and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that even if your care needs change, you will remain a member of the community.

Assisted Living

If you require a little more assistance with daily activities, such as medication management, bathing, grooming or dressing, an assisted living community may be the right retirement option for you. Assisted living communities can provide personalized care for residents, enabling them to continue living independently longer.

Why Tour a Retirement Community?

While you may spend many hours online browsing communities that offer the level of care and amenities you desire, nothing can replace experiencing that community for yourself. Touring a community can give you a greater sense of whether or not it’s the right fit, and also provides the opportunity to get your questions answered.

If you’re unsure which questions to ask during your tour, use the questions below as a starting point.

What to Ask When Touring a Retirement Community

These five essential questions will help you get a better understanding of the community to decide if it’s a good fit for you or your loved one.

1. Does the Community Offer the Lifestyle You Crave?

This pivotal question can’t always be answered by looking at the website. When touring a community, ensure that its standards meet your expectations. Make note of the community’s cleanliness, resident engagement, fitness options and other factors. Are the grounds and common area well-maintained? Do you have the opportunity to interact with residents?

2. Can You Speak With Residents?

Current residents are often enthusiastic about sharing their experiences. Often, a community liaison can connect you with a resident who is happy to answer your questions. Ask residents what made them choose the community, what they enjoy most and also what they enjoy least. Also take the time to observe residents at community activities and how team members interact with them.

3. What Type Of Health Care Services Are Available?

While you might have a general idea of the health and wellness services available, ask for details from your tour guide, too. They’ll have clear, updated information. Additional questions to ask on this topic include:

Can I stay in the same residence if my care needs change?
Can my spouse or partner and I stay in the same residence if we have different care needs?

4. What Dining Options Are Available?

If you or your loved one are foodies, having easy access to delicious, chef-prepared meals is likely an essential component to your ideal lifestyle. Ask what types of cuisine are offered and whether or not the venues can accommodate any dietary requirements. You may also want to enjoy a meal or two in one of the dining venues.

5. What Happens If Your Financial Situation Changes?

It’s crucial to understand both the type of contract you’re signing with a community and how that community addresses issues related to changing financial circumstances. While this may feel like a difficult or uncomfortable question to ask, it’s important to clarify this up front.

Experience Sophisticated Living at Abbey Delray

If you are looking for a sophisticated, upscale retirement option, visit us at Abbey Delray. Our independent living residents also enjoy comfortable private apartment options, chef-prepared meals and premium services and amenities, as well as priority access to our suite of on-site health services, including assisted living and rehabilitation offerings.