Contact your local agency on aging for a list of senior residences in your area. You may know friends or relatives who live in senior housing. If so, ask them about the place they live and visit them there. You can also use your local phone book to compile a list of nearby senior residences.
Once you have a list of residences you are interested in, look at them online or ask them to mail you information. Then make appointments to go visit them. It is a good idea to bring a family member or friend with you to help you evaluate the place. Be sure to get a brochure from each place to help you remember and compare them. Get the costs in writing. It may be a good idea to take notes while speaking with the staff since, there will be many details explained and it will be impossible to remember them all.
When talking with the staff or sales representative, be sure to ask the following questions.
- What are the costs of living?
- What do the costs include?
- Are there application fees?
- Are other services available at additional cost?
- Do residents have to meet mobility or physical ability minimums?
- How long do you have to relocate once you no longer meet the minimums?
- Is staff available 24 hours a day?
- Are call buttons or cords part of the units and if so, who do they call?
- What kinds of activities are planned and how often?
- What kinds of outings are planned and how often?
- Are there extra costs for group activities?
- Where are the common areas?
- Are outer doors and gates locked at night?
- How many residents do you have?
- How many openings do you have?
- Is there a waiting list and if so, how long is it?
- Is rent adjusted according to income?
- What kind of proof of income is required?
- Are overnight guests (including children) permitted?
- Are pets permitted?
- Are furnishings included and if so, what?
- What kinds of decorative changes can residents make to their units?
- What kind of security is in place?
- Is transportation offered and is there a fee?
- Do staff members regularly check in on residents?
When touring the facility, there are things to look for that will help you get a feel for a particular place. Some of the things you should look for include the following.
- Are the common areas clean and comfortable?
- Do residents interact with each other in senior housing?
- Are activities posted and if so, do they look interesting and frequent enough?
- Are you shown a resident unit?
- Are common areas clean and pleasant?
- Are the units bright and comfortable?
- Are home safety measures evident?
- Are the hallways brightly lit?
- Do residents seem happy and friendly?
- Are call buttons or cords evident?
- Are staff members friendly and helpful?
- Are the room sizes adequate?
- Does the place smell pleasant?
- Are exits clearly marked?
- Is everything handicap accessible in senior housing?
- Can you see yourself living here and being happy?
