Touring a Community

This tour checklist will help you know what to look for and what to ask during your tour of a community. 

Cleanliness. Don’t overlook the tidiness of a community. Pride in their community signals that the community will be kept clean and sanitized for the health of your family member. A tidy home and thoughtful details make for a better living environment and a place that you want to visit.

• How tidy is the community from the minute that you drive in from the parking lot to the reception desk?
• Are the common areas, dining room, and hallways free of clutter and neat?
• How does the community smell?
• Are outdoor areas well-maintained?
• Are private rooms and bathrooms clean and sanitary?
• How often does housekeeping clean apartments?
• How is laundry handled?

Residents’ Hygiene and Grooming. Grooming isn’t about fashion; it’s about care. You want your parent or loved one active, up in the morning, ready for the day, and engaged in activities. Getting dressed and groomed is an important activity in their day. There are exceptions. Anyone can have a difficult day and might not want to get dressed. But if overall, you feel the residents are unkept, that’s a concern.

• How are the residents groomed?
• Are they dressed and wearing shoes when in the common areas?
• Is their hair combed?
• Are they dressed appropriately for the time of day and the season? (Do keep in mind that seniors typically feel colder and often will wear a sweater or jacket, even if that may be too warm for you.)

Life Enrichment. Socialization is essential to the wellbeing of seniors. Residents want to feel like they are part of the community and engaged in what is going on around them. It is important to their transition that they make new friends and look forward to joining activities and enjoying the amenities offered.

• Does the community schedule a daily list of activities that are engaging and unique?
• Are programs scheduled in the evening and on weekends?
• Can you see an activity during your tour?
• Does the community offer outings outside of the community?
• Do the activities accommodate the physical or cognitive limitations of your loved one?
• Are the residents engaged with the staff? With each other?

Security and Safety. Security and safety are often the reasons why many families choose to move their loved one to an assisted living or memory care community. They are fearful that their loved one living alone might fall, become depressed, or have difficulty preparing meals or getting to the store. And families with a parent or loved one with memory loss face other concerns like wandering and confusion.

• Are there handrails in the hallways?
• Are there sprinkler systems throughout the community?
• Does the community have a receptionist greeting visitors at the door?
• How are visitors managed within the community?
• Do visitors sign in and out?
• Are there grab bars in the bathrooms and seats in the showers?
• Is there an emergency call system?
• Are the memory care apartments and outdoor areas secured from wandering?

Food and Dining. To taste the cuisine for yourself, we suggest that you schedule a tour during a meal. Food is a source of both nutrition and comfort. Most assisted living communities offer three meals, drinks, and snacks throughout the day, which are vital to your loved one’s continued strength and balanced nutrition.

• Is the food appetizing to taste and visually appealing?
• Is there enough variety in the choices?
• Do they accommodate special dietary needs?
• Can you meet the chef?
• What if your parent or loved one needs help with feeding themselves? Do they offer alternatives like finger foods and smoothies?
• Is the dining room comfortable and inviting for meals?

Costs. On your tour, this is a great opportunity to make sure you understand the costs and ask enough questions to clarify their billing process and policies.

• Are there monthly fees?
• Are there additional charges?
• What happens when your loved one needs more care?
• Under what conditions would your loved one have to move?
• Get a detailed breakdown of what is included and what are extra fees.
• Will your loved one have an assessment before moving in? In determining and monitoring staffing levels, Aegis Living considers resident assessments and other factors.