Moving to a retirement community is a wise decision that allows you or your loved ones to receive the care and lifestyle they deserve. But how do you select the best facility that aligns with your lifestyle or medical goals? There are several senior living communities in Estero, FL, but their offerings may vary. Observing how these communities operate firsthand is an excellent way to evaluate their culture, values and offerings. Here is a list of reasons why touring a senior living community is necessary.
Assessing the Community’s Atmosphere and Culture
A tour of a retirement community’s facilities provides you insight into its day-to-day activities and culture in a way that internet research and brochures cannot. Spending a few hours in the community can help you determine whether the overall atmosphere is suitable for you or your loved one. Observe interactions between residents and team members. Ask yourself questions like “Does the community have a positive atmosphere?”, “Do the team members appear warm and friendly?” or “Do the residents appear happy and engaged?” Trust your instincts here and make note of any red flags or glaring issues.
Checking if the Community Layout Aligns With Your Needs
Touring a retirement community in person allows you to imagine how you or a loved one would feel living there. Many communities have specially designed layouts to make navigation easier for seniors. Check if the layout corresponds to your or your loved one’s interests and needs. You can also evaluate specific aspects of the suite, such as how tall the countertops are, whether the bathrooms have anti-slip tiles and whether you need to request any specialized in-house amenities. By addressing any potential living issues in advance, you can ensure a smooth transition into the community for yourself or your loved one.
Reviewing Maintenance, Cleanliness and Other Features
Concerns about safety and security features in a retirement community are understandable. You may also have concerns about regular cleaning schedules and overall upkeep. The best way to answer these is to keep your eyes and ears peeled. During your tour, you can assess how clean and well-kept the community’s surroundings are, whether there are signs of neglect or disrepair and whether the community has adequate safety features. These aspects may appear minor, but they reveal critical issues at the core, such as the quality of management, and must therefore be carefully reviewed before making a decision.
Learning About the Community’s Dining Setup
Touring a community during meal times provides a clear picture of the dining arrangements. You’re bound to have a slew of questions about its setup, from meal times and in-suite dining options to dietary preferences and meal plans. You can address these in person in addition to sampling the food served at the dining hall. Also, observe the overall atmosphere in the dining establishment and whether the residents appear to be satisfied with the dining arrangement.
Moving to a place you’ve only read about in a brochure or seen on a website can cause anxiety and uncertainty. A personal tour of a community enables you to address these concerns and provides much reassurance to move to a neighborhood where you can happily spend your golden years.
