10 Questions to Ask When Touring an Independent Living Community

Choosing the right senior independent living community for you is not a decision to take lightly. It’s important to be able to see the place in person first so you can take in as much information as possible while seeing how you feel when you walk around.

Being able to ask the right questions when you’re there will make the decision process much easier, so here are 10 questions to ask when touring an independent living community:

1. What Services Are Provided?

Even though it is an independent living community where you’re expected to perform most daily tasks by yourself, it’s still important to see what services they provide to make life a little bit easier and more convenient. This way, you can focus more on enjoying your time each day.

For example, services to look out for are:

• What kind of housekeeping and maintenance services do they provide? Does this also include the private living spaces?
• Do they have scheduled transportation for their residents to stay connected to the rest of town?
• What social and recreational activities do they offer to foster community engagement and an active lifestyle?

2. What Amenities Are Offered?

Amenities make life more enriching, enabling residents to thrive in their physical, mental and social health. Which amenities you prefer can depend on the individual, but some to look out for include:

• What are the dining options? Are there meals prepared daily, and are there options to prepare your own food too if you like?
• What are the shared spaces like? Can you imagine yourself using them to relax or engage in activities?
• Do they prioritize health and wellness? What amenities do they have for this?
• What classes do they provide for learning and creativity?
• What kind of social activities do they have?
• Do they have regular events and outings? Perhaps including family members too?

3. How Does The Community Prioritize Safety?

Security and safety are a priority for senior residents, and knowing how they prioritize it in the community can give you peace of mind. For example:

• Do they have staff on-site 24/7 to handle any incidents or emergencies that might occur?
• What safety features do they incorporate into the apartments and around the community?
• How do they handle medical emergencies?
• Do they have regular safety checks?

4. How Flexible is The Community in Terms of Personalization?

This can be personalization in two different ways. Firstly, can residents customize their independent living apartments to promote a better sense of comfort and ownership of their living space? Living in a home that feels like you is important, and this is no different for senior living too. Are they able to adapt as your needs change over time? What would the process be like to make these adjustments?

5. What Activities, Events & Programs Are There?

In order to live an enriching retirement life, you want to be able to partake in lots of fun activities that stimulate the brain and body. Not only is this good for the wellness of residents, but it’s also essential for slowing cognitive and physical decline.

For example:

• Is there a posted schedule of events and activities that loved ones can also see?
• Do they have a range of activities that stimulate both the brain and body?
• Are there opportunities to interact with the surrounding community?
• How are residents actively encouraged to participate?
• How do they foster a sense of community amongst residents?

6. How Are Visitors Managed?

Good communities will take an inclusive approach to families and visitors, so it’s useful to know what their visitation policy is like. For example, are there specific visiting hours, are overnight guests allowed, and are there any extra fees involved for this? It’s also nice for loved ones to get involved in the activities too, so you can also ask what family-friendly activities they offer.

7. What is the Staff-to-Resident Ratio?

As well as knowing if there is staff on-site 24/7, it’s also important to understand how many staff are actually available.

You can also inquire about the qualifications and credentials of staff too, to ensure they have the appropriate knowledge and training to handle all kinds of situations. When a community cares about its staff, the staff are more likely to truly care for the residents!

8. What is the Application & Move-In Process Like?

The last thing you want to happen is to find the perfect community, only for there to be a very long waiting list. Be sure to ask about this during your tour, including if it differs between the different types of homes.

Additionally, it’s good to find out how communities support new residents transitioning into independent living. Is there any support with downsizing and moving? Are there specific programs to help new residents transition smoothly into the community?

9. What Kind of Support Does the Community Provide to Families of Residents?

Families of residents will want to have peace of mind that their loved one is thriving and enjoying life in senior living. As well as being able to visit and get involved with activities, is there regular communication between the community and their family to discuss how the resident is getting on? What does this communication look like?

10. What Makes This Community Stand Out From Other Independent Living Options?

Lastly, it’s useful to know what unique features the community has compared to other options, whether that’s in terms of services, amenities, or resident satisfaction. For example, are there any specialized programs or services that enhance residents’ quality of life? Knowing this can help you decide on a community that best aligns with your lifestyle needs, preferences, and expectations.

Maintain Your Independence at Asher Point of Tyler & See Our Community Today!

At Asher Point Independent Living of Tyler, we provide everything our residents need to thrive in their retirement years. With exceptional services and amenities, daily chef-prepared meals, and a full social calendar, our residents are truly proud to call this place home. 

To learn more about our community, you can schedule a tour today!