Touring an assisted living community can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to look for can make all the difference.
More than 800,000 Americans currently live in assisted living communities, which can vary widely in amenities, services, and quality. Visiting one for the first time can stir many emotions, especially with so many options to consider.
Being well-prepared for your tour can help you focus on what truly matters and make a confident choice.
Our team at The Kensington Bethesda is excited to announce our “Discover The Kensington Bethesda: Our Exclusive Open House”, this April 27th to showcase our newly designed model suites.
Come see what makes our community unique! Select the link below to register:
Whether attending an open house or scheduling a private tour, having a game plan before you go can save you a lot of headaches and provide great peace of mind. Let’s consider what items should be on your assisted living tour checklist.
Why preparing for an assisted living tour matters
A tour is your chance to get a real sense of the assisted living community’s atmosphere, and meet the team.
While brochures and websites may provide helpful information, nothing compares to experiencing the environment firsthand.
Being prepared allows you to focus on the most critical aspects of the community, such as the following:
- Comfort and safety of the living spaces
- Quality of care and available services
- Professionalism and warmth of the team members
- Variety of social and recreational activities
- Overall atmosphere and culture
Knowing what to look for and what to ask can help you get the most out of your visit and feel more confident about your decision, whether for yourself or a loved one.
What to focus on during your tour
Every family has different priorities regarding their loved one’s care, but some aspects are universally important when choosing an assisted living community.
Cleanliness and maintenance
The cleanliness of the community can reveal a lot about its standards of care.
- Pay attention to the condition of the common areas, dining spaces, and resident rooms
- Look at the carpets, furniture, and lighting—everything should be tidy and well-kept
- A clean and well-maintained environment reflects the team’s commitment to residents’ well-being
Safety and security measures
Safety is a top priority for families, so make sure to ask about:
- Emergency response systems
- Availability of team members
- What measures are in place to prevent falls
- How does the community prevent wandering
- Look for handrails, well-lit hallways, and secure entry points.
Understanding how the community manages safety is especially important if your loved one needs memory care.
Living spaces and amenities
Touring the model suites can help you understand the living accommodations.
Pay attention to the layout, size, and accessibility of the rooms. Do they feel inviting and comfortable? Are there options to personalize the space?
Also, look at the common areas—lounges, outdoor spaces, and activity rooms—as they play a significant role in residents’ daily lives.
How team members interact with residents
How team members interact with residents can tell a lot about the community’s culture.
Observe if they are friendly, patient, and attentive. Ask about their training, the team member-to-resident ratio, and how they manage day-to-day care.
A compassionate and well-trained team is essential for providing high-quality support.
Dining experience and meal options
Since nutrition is crucial to seniors’ well-being, ask about meal times and whether the dining schedule is flexible.
- Find out if residents can request room service if they’re not feeling well or prefer a quiet meal in their suite.
- Understanding how meal options are managed can help you assess if the community aligns with your loved one’s preferences and dietary needs.
- Visit the dining area and ask about meal options and dietary accommodations.
- Are meals freshly prepared? Do residents have choices? Can families dine with the residents when they visit?
Pro tip: Some communities may let you sample a meal, giving you a better idea of the dining experience.
Social and recreational activities
Staying engaged and active is key to a high quality of life in assisted living. Ask loved ones with memory care needs if activities are personalized to align with their interests and cognitive abilities.
Music therapy, art classes, or small group activities designed to support memory and engagement can significantly affect quality of life.
Find out what activities are available and how frequently they’re held. Are there options for fitness, creative projects, and social events?
A community with a diverse activity calendar can help your loved one stay involved and happy.
Key questions to ask during your assisted living tour
Bringing a list of questions you’ve prepared ahead of time can help ensure you don’t overlook something important to you and your family.
Consider the following questions:
- What levels of care are available, and how do they adjust if needs change?
- What’s included in the monthly fee, and what services cost extra?
- How often are care plans reviewed and adjusted?
- What is the team member turnover rate?
- How does the community handle medical emergencies?
- What are the qualifications and training of the team members?
- How is medication managed?
- What are the visitation policies for family and friends?
- What options are available for memory care?
These answers can help you evaluate and understand the quality of care and how the community supports its residents.
Why choose The Kensington Bethesda?
At The Kensington Bethesda, we’re known for our compassionate care and personalized approach to assisted living and memory care.
Our upcoming open house is your chance to explore this new community, view the model suites, and see what sets The Kensington Bethesda apart.
Schedule your tour with The Kensington Bethesda today
Selecting the best assisted living community for yourself or your loved one is a momentous decision.
Exploring a new senior living community during an open house or private tour can be invaluable in helping you choose where to place your loved one.
A firsthand visit allows you to see why The Kensington Bethesda stands apart in terms of care, amenities, and the best opportunities for a long and happy life.
Plan your visit to The Kensington Bethesda and see why so many families trust our team with their loved ones’ care.