How to choose a senior living community

For safe, quality care that fits your loved one’s unique needs

So, what are the residential living options for seniors?

Click on the buttons below for fast facts about the main types of housing and care choices. 

What’s important to my loved one?

Good topics to cover and keep in mind when evaluating all residential living options.

Think like a match-maker!

Together with your loved one, create a summary of their unique needs, wants, and don’t wants— everything from health care to favorite social activities and finances.

Click on a topic below for a checklist of questions to help explore your loved one’s wants and “don’t wants” related to senior residential living.

Critical screening questions to cover in a phone “interview” with any potential senior residence

Phone first!

Save yourself a lot of time: use our checklist of questions to identify the best prospects for an in-person tour later.

Click on a topic below for questions to help you more successfully screen senior living facilities — before you spend time on a tour.

Tour each prospective community with your loved one.

TOUR WITH YOUR FIVE  SENSES: Sights, sounds, smells — they all matter — providing important clues to the quality of care.

While you tour with your loved ones:

Make small talk with residents, their visitors, and any staff you may come across. Introduce yourself and your loved one, and ask questions (tailor them to your loved ones’ needs and interests):

  • How do you like living/working here?
  • How long have you lived/worked here?
  • How have things changed (for better or worse) during that time?
  • Are you happy with your decision to move in/take the job?
  • What do you like most?
  • What would you like to see improved?
  • How responsive is management to your concerns?

    Critical details to observe during your tours of senior living communities:

    More Questions to ask residents:

    1. Do you feel staffing is adequate?
    2. Were you satisfied with management’s handling of COVID?
    3. Are you satisfied with the:
      • Food
      • Activities
      • Support
      • Maintenance
      • Atmosphere