6 Tips for Touring Senior Communities Virtually and In-person

Did you know that there is a proper way to tour assisted living facilities? Particularly in a world where you may have to tour virtually, make sure you know what to look for and how to ask questions. Consider our six tips for touring senior communities, both virtually and in-person.

Tips to Apply When Touring Senior Communities

With the presence of COVID-19 in the world, many facilities have switched from in-person tours to virtual tours of senior living communities. Whichever way you end up touring a senior community, make sure you take the following steps.

1. Evaluate the facility’s layout for safety and practicality.

Safety is so important in a senior community. You know better than anyone else what is safe and practical for you or your loved one, so take the tour with those standards in mind. How close are residents to a nurse? Are there many opportunities for falls? Is the facility secure from intruders?

2. Observe the staff’s relationship with the facility’s occupants.

If possible, watch interactions between the team of caregivers and the community residents. This tells you a lot about the facility as a whole. A senior community is only as good as its people.

3. Ask lots of questions about activities, residents, daily schedules, and routines.

Throughout the tour, ask every question you can think of to ensure nothing “gets by.” It is helpful to create a list of questions ahead of time. More on that in a moment.

4. Look for on-site medical care.

Particularly if it is an assisted living facility vs. an independent living facility, make sure there is nearby medical care. The facility should be prepared for any emergency, be it a medical crisis or a natural disaster. Preparation matters!

5. Identify whether or not the environment is cheerful and uplifting.

No one grows in a negative atmosphere. In addition to quality care and safe facilities, the overall environment should be positive and encouraging. Placing yourself or your loved one in an uplifting community prevents loneliness and makes the transition easier.

6. Use your instincts.

During an in-person or virtual tour of senior living communities, trust your gut. Does it seem like a high-quality, safe place to live? If not, go with your instincts and keep looking.

Additional Questions to Ask

In addition to applying the above tips, make sure you get specific. Try writing down questions ahead of time to help you remember. The following are a few questions you should ask each facility that you tour.

• How often will my loved one be checked on?
• How are medical emergencies handled?
• What is the process for ensuring basic hygiene?
• What measures are in place to protect against COVID-19?
• What is the basic daily itinerary of residents?
• Can I communicate with my loved one’s caregivers?
• How are payments handled?
• What does long-term care look like?
• What does short-term rehabilitation look like?
• Are there any extra activities for my loved one to participate in?

Take a Tour of Colavria Hospitality!

Colavria Hospitality is a local, family-owned company specializing in assisted living, rehabilitation, and long-term care in the greater Denver area. If you are looking for a wonderful senior community or are interested in joining our team, call us today.