Important Questions to Ask When You Begin Your Senior Living Search.
Finding the ideal senior living community for you or a loved one can be overwhelming. Before you start, take some time to reflect on what matters most to you and your loved one: are there specific services and amenities, the overall atmosphere or the convenience of the location? This preparation will make comparing communities easier, so you can find the one that best fits your goals for this next chapter.
Preparing For the Next Step in Your Journey
Location:
- Is the community located in a safe, welcoming neighborhood?
- Is the community close to family and friends?
- Are there important amenities like places of worship, doctors’ offices and cultural opportunities located nearby?
- Are there shopping centers, restaurants and other businesses conveniently located?
- Is there parking available, including handicapped spaces?
- Are the grounds attractive and well-maintained with gardens, trees and landscaping?
- Is there a secure, enclosed area where residents can walk and socialize?
Interior of the Community:
- How many residents live in the community?
- Is the layout easy to follow and navigate?
- Are the community’s common areas warm and welcoming for socializing and relaxing?
- Do the common areas have sufficient space for residents to spend time with their families and friends?
Activities:
- Is there a calendar of activities, and if so, are there any activities you or your loved one would like to participate in?
- Are there social events, groups or clubs for residents?
- Is transportation available for appointments and outings?
- What types of fitness classes and wellness activities are offered?
- Will there be scheduled outings or extended trips for residents?
- Does the community offer additional services such as a beauty salon, wellness center or game room?
- Are there worship services?
Apartments:
- Is it possible to see the floor plans for the different types of available apartments?
- What comes with each apartment? Can residents bring their own furniture and decorate?
- Is there ample closet and storage space?
- Do the apartments have appealing views?
- Is there a washer and dryer in each apartment?
- Do they have a telephone? Cable TV? Internet access?
- Is the community pet-friendly?
- Is the community smoke-free?
Safety:
- What security features are in place? What do residents do in case of an emergency?
- Are there ongoing safety protocols for visitors and residents?
- Are there safety locks on the doors and windows?
- Does the community have sprinklers and smoke detectors?
Contracts & Finances:
- Has the community provided you with a contract that details all fees and services? Is it easy to read and understand?
- If there’s an entrance or community fee, how much is it and is a portion refundable?
- How much is the monthly rent/service fee and what is included/not included?
- Is the community a Life Plan Community?
- Are ALL utilities included in the monthly rate (electric, water, internet, cable, landline telephone and trash removal)?
- Are weekly housekeeping and transportation included in the monthly rate?
Find The Best Fit for Your Future
We hope these questions will help you feel confident and informed as you tour different senior living communities, guiding your decisions as you search for a future home for you or your loved one. If you’re interested in learning more about FiftyTwoNorth, please contact our Information Center to discover the exciting future of senior living near the heart of downtown Miami.