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5 Tips for Touring Senior Living Communities

Choosing the Right Senior Home

After you’ve made the decision to downsize your home, it’s time to start researching your housing options. Perhaps you’re looking for a private home or apartment in an independent living community, or maybe you need some help with daily living activities and are seeking an assisted living community. No matter what your needs may be, you not only want to consider your health and safety, but you should also find a community where you’ll feel happy and comfortable in the years to come.

It might be tempting to choose the most affordable senior living community, or the one that is closest to your current home. However, it’s important not to settle too quickly. This transition is a major life decision, so it’s recommended to take some time and visit several communities before you settle. As you’re visiting the communities and touring the buildings and grounds, there are a few things you can do to ensure you’re making the best decision possible.

What to do While Touring Senior Living Communities

First, make a list of the senior living communities you would like to visit. Then, when you’re taking your tour, keep these tips in mind:

Ask Questions. Don’t be afraid to ask a variety of questions throughout your tour. Even if they don’t seem very significant, the tour guides should be willing to answer any and all questions that arise. Some of the questions you might ask include:

• What security measures are in place?
• Are emergency response systems available throughout all levels of care?
• Are staff members required to undergo background checks?
• Is transportation to off-campus events and appointments available?
• Can the community accommodate guests for overnight or weekend visits?
• What are visiting hours for friends and family?
• What social activities or wellness programs are available?

Take note of the state of the grounds and rooms. The grounds should be neatly landscaped and well cared for, and hallways and common areas should be clean and inviting. Take note of the décor — is it pleasant, modern and inviting?

Enjoy a meal with current members of the community. Sitting down for a meal with current members of the community allows for a preview of the food offerings. And, good quality food is vital to your overall health and happiness! Also, find out if the kitchen staff can accommodate specific dietary restrictions or food allergies.

Get feedback. You should talk to community members throughout your visit whenever possible. Find out what they say life is like in the community. Plus, after your physical tour, you can check online reviews to see what others are saying. Weigh the amount of negative reviews against the positive, keeping in mind these types of reviews are highly subjective.

Trust your instincts. In the end, it’s about which community felt the most “right” to you. Could you picture yourself living in one particular community over the others? Did you like the floorplan of one home better, or did the social activities offered interest you more? If you’re really struggling to make a final decision, you can even consider making a list of pros and cons so everything is laid out right in front of you.

We Invite You to Tour Advent Christian Village

Come find your new home at Advent Christian Village. We invite you to visit and see all that our beautiful senior living community in Dowling Park has to offer. Contact us today for more information.

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