Questions to Ask When Touring a Senior Living Community in Northern New Jersey

Finding a senior living community that feels right for you or a loved one can be overwhelming. You may be brand new to the search process and unsure of what to ask, or you could be curious about several aspects of a community and don’t know where to start. When touring a community, being prepared with questions about cost, lifestyle, and safety is one of the best ways to alleviate this stress while also having a better sense of what qualities make youfeel at home.

Below, we’ve compiled a checklist of some essential questions to cover when visiting a senior living community in northern New Jersey.
 

1. What services are included?

One of the most important considerations while planning a move is ensuring you can live comfortably there for years to come. Understanding what amenities are included in pricing and what may be an additional cost will allow you to decide if a community is in your price range.

Inquire about any costs associated with dining, utilities, housekeeping, transportation, self-care, and events. You can also request that pricing information is provided to you on paper. Keeping track of this information will be especially helpful when comparing the costs of multiple senior living options.

2. What can I expect my daily schedule to look like in this community?

Gaining a clear understanding of day-to-day life at a senior living community is the best way to decide if the community aligns with the level of activity and independence you are looking for. What types of activities does the team plan for residents? How often do these events take place?

During this conversation, you should keep in mind the types of physical, mental, and spiritual programming that are most important to you and confirm that these opportunities will be regularly available.

3. How do you ensure residents are safe and cared for at all times?

Feeling secure is a vital part of adjusting smoothly to a new living environment. Being specific is the best way to learn how much safety is prioritized. Ask about the number of caregivers on staff during both the daytime and nighttime hours to guarantee 24/7 availability. In addition, observe and discuss available features, such as emergency call buttons and fall prevention efforts.

General campus security is also key. You may want to know what the front desk check-in process looks like or if alarms and security staff are present and well-distributed. The answers to these questions on a tour will help both you and your family decide if you would feel at ease in the community.

4. What happens if my care needs change over time?

During your visit to a senior living community, determine what types of care options you will have access to. While you may be in search of an independent living community right now, you also want to rest assured knowing you’ll continue to be supported if you were to need additional care.

On your tour, ask if the community is a continuing care retirement community, which means you will not have to move from the campus to receive other levels of support, such as assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing.

5. What options do I have for my living space?

Even if you are looking to join an active, socially engaged community, you will likely want to retreat to a residence that feels both personal and comfortable. On your tour, don’t be afraid to request to see the type of floor plan (studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom) that you or your loved one prefers. It is also important to know if your space will be furnished and if it is customizable at all.

6. How is dining organized?

In senior living communities, meals are both a time to eat and a great opportunity to build community. Because of this, you’ll want to get a strong sense of what’s on the menu, when residents typically eat, and whether meals can be adjusted to meet your individual dietary needs.

Be sure to ask if there are set mealtimes or if residents can create their own meal schedule. In addition, it might be helpful to know if there are several dining venues and if residents’ families are welcome to dine with them. If you have the option, don’t pass up the chance to sample a dish or view a menu!

7. Does your community offer transportation services?

This service may vary in importance, depending on your or your loved one’s comfortability with driving. It is crucial, however, to be mindful of potential future transportation needs as well.

Consider asking about bus services for medical appointments, grocery store trips, and social events. You may also want to learn more about ride scheduling and how early in advance trips should be requested.

After Your Tour

Once you’ve finished your tour of a senior living community, be sure you have answers to any lingering concerns. Making a list of pros and cons directly after visiting a community can help organize your thoughts and spark additional questions to ask before deciding where to live.

Senior Living at Christian Health

Taking the time to fully understand your senior living options will help you choose a place that you are excited about.

If you are considering moving to a senior living community in New Jersey, Christian Health may be the right fit for you. To learn more about our wide range of senior living options, or to schedule a tour, please call 201-848-7549 or visit Senior Living.