40+ Essential Questions to Ask When Visiting a Retirement Community

Considering a move to a retirement community can be a big step and the start of a whole new chapter. Whether you’re looking for yourself or helping a loved one, tours can be a great way to explore your options and see for yourself what different options are like. In addition, asking questions can provide even more insight and help you better understand if a community is a good fit for you.

As you consider your questions and priorities, it can be helpful to think about key aspects of senior living and how they may impact you or your loved one. Certain qualities like safety and accessibility may take on added importance later in life. At the same time, you want to find a place where you can have new and positive experiences—and thrive in a vibrant environment.

At our eight Era Living communities in the greater Seattle area, we want to help you learn everything you can about us so you can feel confident about the decisions you make. Whether you’re interested in independent living, assisted living, or memory care, we invite you to schedule a tour—and ask us about our values, services, and programs. To help you get started, here are 40 questions to consider, arranged by category. We encourage you to bring your questions to a visit or ask us at any time throughout your search process.

40 Questions by Category to Consider

Lifestyle & Community

Staying active and involved later in life has been shown to be beneficial for people’s overall health and well-being. For example, it can help preserve cognitive ability, boost mood, lower stress, and even reduce the risk of chronic disease. Learning about available programs and activities—like the enriching events and activity calendars at our Era Living communities—can help you better envision what day-to-day life might be like.

Questions: 

• • • Can I see a current calendar of activities?
    • What is a typical day like here for residents?
    • Do you have partnerships with any outside organizations?
    • How do you help new residents get connected and feel at home?
    • How many employees are in the activities/life enrichment department?
    • What types of activities, clubs, social events, lectures or presentations are available?

Dining

Having access to balanced and nutritious meals can support better overall health—plus it can provide a comforting routine and relieve the stress of meal planning, cooking, etc. Additionally, eating in welcoming spaces like our community dining rooms can provide opportunities to stay connected—which can be essential to happiness and healthy aging.

Questions:

• • •  What are dining hours?
    • Can I see a sample menu?
    • How many meals are provided daily?
    • Do residents have input on the menu?
    • Are special dietary needs accommodated (gluten-free, diabetic, vegetarian, etc.)?

Apartments & Amenities

While some people may worry that moving to senior living will reduce their independence, it can actually do the opposite by freeing up time from household chores and making amenities more accessible. At our Era Living communities, we offer welcoming senior housing options designed with safety, security, and enjoyment in mind.

Questions:

• • • Can I see a few floor plan options and pricing?
    • What security measures are in place?
    • What amenities are on-site (fitness center, library, salon, transportation)?
    • Can I have a pet?
    • How are home repairs and maintenance handled?

Care & Support

As people’s needs change, it can be important to consider access to different levels of care. Also, wellness resources and other support services can play a vital role in day-to-day living and emergency situations. Having a trusted staff with a proven track record can provide greater comfort and peace of mind for residents and their loved ones.

Questions:

• • • What types of care are available (independent living, assisted living, memory care, and/or skilled nursing)?
    • Is staff available 24/7?
    • Can I see your recent Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) survey results?
    • Is there a social worker on site for the residents?
    • How are changes in a resident’s care needs handled?
    • What services do you offer if I can’t take my mom, or dad to a doctor’s appointment or there is an emergency and I’m out of town?

Cautionary question: What is your staff turnover rate? (High turnover can mean poor management or unhappy employees.)

Cost & Contracts

Understanding the costs and the services you receive is an important part of choosing a retirement living community. Rather than just looking at the bottom line, you want to understand what is included and any extra fees that may impact your overall expenses. This can help you plan for both the short and long term—and weigh the affordability of your different options.

Questions: 

• • • What is the length of my contract?
    • What is included in the monthly fee?
    • Are there entrance fees or buy-in costs?
    • What happens if a resident runs out of funds?
    • How often do rates increase, and by how much historically?
    • Are there extra fees for things like transportation, parking, pets, help with daily tasks, etc.?

Healthcare & Safety

A benefit of retirement living communities is knowing that staff and support are nearby in case of an emergency. Health and safety protocols, policies, and resources can vary among different communities. Understanding the measures in place and how effective they are can help you find a place where you feel comfortable and secure.

Questions:

• • • How do you handle emergencies?
    • What protocols are in place for resident safety and wellness checks?
    • Do you have on-site medical staff or partnerships with nearby medical professionals?

Cautionary question: How quickly do you respond to call buttons or emergencies? (Look for a concrete average response time, not just “quickly.”)

Reputation & Reviews

Reviews and ratings have become invaluable in making consumer choices today. Learning about a community’s history and online reviews on sites like A Place for Mom can provide insights into the quality of care and services. Also, professional awards and recognition can attest to what people are saying, like Era Living’s awards for “Best in the PNW” from The Seattle Times, customer satisfaction from Reputation.com, Heart of Service from Argentum, Best Senior Living from U.S. News & World Report, and Caring Star recognition from Caring.com.

Questions:

• • • Who owns and/or operates this community?
    • When was the company and/or community established?
    • What do current residents and families say about living here?
    • Do you collect resident satisfaction surveys, and can I read the results?
    • Can I speak with a current resident about their experience?

Your Personal Feel

Your comfort level and impressions matter a lot when you tour a retirement community. In addition to the questions you ask of others, it can be important to ask yourself whether the community is a place where you can see yourself or your loved one being happy.

Questions:

• • • Do staff seem engaged and happy?
    • Do residents seem active and friendly?
    • Does the community feel like a good fit for my personality and interests?
    • How open and transparent is the community in answering questions?

Proceed with Confidence

As you embark on your search to find a retirement living community, asking questions can be a great way to broaden your knowledge and evaluate your choices. The more you learn, the more confident you will feel. What’s most important is that you find a place that’s right for you.

If you’re considering a Seattle retirement community, we invite you to visit us and learn more about our premier options—from independent living for seniors to assisted living and memory care. Schedule your tour today, and download our checklist of Essential Questions to Ask to help guide you and your family.