When preparing to tour an enhanced living community for yourself or your senior loved one, it’s important to know what to look for and what questions to ask. You’ll want to learn as much as you can about the community while you’re there and get all your concerns and questions addressed.
Use our top 10 list of things to look for as your guide, then review the questions to ask so you’re fully prepared for your enhanced living community tour.
10 things to look for when touring an enhanced senior living community
#1: Staff and resident interactions
How do the staff and residents interact with each other? Are they warm and friendly? Do they address residents by name?
#2: Campus grounds
Look at the grounds as you arrive, and drive through the campus sometime before you leave. Are there safe places to walk? Is the landscaping well-maintained? Do you see outdoor spaces for activities or visiting with friends?
Explore Golden Bell’s senior living communities >>
#3: Dining options
Ask to try the food during your tour and for a copy of the menu. Does the community offer more than one dining venue? Can they accommodate special requests or diets? What are the dining hours? Are snacks and beverages always available?
#4: Activities
What activity spaces does the community provide? Ask for a copy of the activity calendar to get an idea of the schedule of events, classes, and options for residents. Can residents request activities and entertainment?
#5: Care services
Find out what care services are available for residents in enhanced living. Is a staff member available to respond to a medical emergency at any time of the day or night? Does the community provide housekeeping, linen, and maintenance services? How does the community promote an independent yet supportive lifestyle?
Learn more about what to look for on your tour >>
#6: Amenities
What amenities does the community offer? For example, do they have a fitness room or exercise equipment? Is there a library, chapel, or art room? Consider what matters most to you and try to picture yourself living in the community – can it meet your needs and interests?
#7: Culture
During your tour, try to get a sense of the community’s culture. Does the community seem close-knit, like a large family? Are residents out and about socializing, using the common spaces, and engaging with their peers and the team members?
#8: Security
How secure is the community? Do they lock doors at night or at other times of day? What security measures are in place?
Learn how senior living provides safety and security >>
#9: Transportation services
Does the community offer transportation services to local salons, medical offices, banks, and stores? If so, is there an additional fee for the transportation? Does the community plan resident outings to nearby attractions, restaurants, and shopping excursions?
#10: Cleanliness
Does the community look and smell clean? Are common areas tidy and free of tripping hazards? How often does the community clean the floors, common areas, and resident apartments?
Questions to ask during your enhanced living community tour
During your tour, knowing what to look for is helpful, but it’s also essential to ask specific questions. Review the following list of questions to better prepare for your tour:
- What is the resident-to-staff ratio?
- What training and qualifications do team members have?
- Are pets allowed?
- What types of housing options are available?
- Does the community maintain a waiting list?
- Can residents bring their own furniture?
- What is the price?
- What is included in the price, and what services are add-ons?
- What are the payment options?
- What is the average age of the residents?
- What happens when you require more care than the community provides?
Being prepared with questions and knowing what to look for will give you more confidence in the enhanced living tour. You’ll likely feel better equipped when deciding and comparing multiple communities.
Remember that returning for another tour or meeting is okay to ensure you get all your questions answered. Moving to an enhanced living community is a significant life decision, and you should take your time when weighing your options.
Discover enhanced living in beautiful South Florida
Enhanced living residents of Independence Hall in Wilton Manors, Florida, relish the comforts of home plus the additional support and assistance they need to enjoy an active, independent lifestyle.
Enhanced living at Independence Hall includes a comprehensive activities program, hotel-style dining (with optional room service), and expansive apartment suites. View floor plans, photos, a location map, and more on our webpage.
Life at Golden Bell Senior Living
Senior living communities provide the comforts of home with the added benefits of supportive care, engaging activities, and a maintenance-free lifestyle. With your daily needs met, your loved one will live more independently and have opportunities to meet friends, discover new interests, and live each day to the fullest.
Golden Bell Senior Living offers a continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living, and respite care. Residents have personalized care plans, are treated like family, and are greeted by name in a warm, welcoming environment.
Amenities and activities include:
- Beautiful accommodations
- Landscaped grounds and gardens
- Community outings
- Recreation and social activities
- Chef-prepared meals
- Scheduled transportation
- Beauty and barber shop
- Housekeeping and maintenance services
Please contact us to learn more about our communities or set up a tour. We’d love to hear from you and are happy to help answer any questions you have about senior living. For more information about choosing senior living, download our complimentary Family Decision Toolkit.
