This outline of questions will prove to be beneficial in recognizing the pros and cons of each community you visit. It will also help you to distinguish the differences between your top picks, so that you can narrow your search and choose the best community for you. Most communities will have handouts and brochures which they may give you to help answer the questions listed below (a site map, fee schedule, floorplans, dining room menus etc.) so that you don’t have to write down all the answers. Once you are home you can compile the answers on your own spreadsheet. It need not be as fancy as an Excel spreadsheet – simply anything that helps you organize your research.

 

·      Tell me about your community – size, age of community, number of homes and apartments, number of residents and number of employees.

·      Do you have a waiting list or are there apartments or homes available now?

·      Explain the different resident entry plans you offer.

·      If the plan carries a refund – how is that paid out?

·      What should I expect as I move to a higher level of care from a financial prospective?

·      Will you accept my long-term-care insurance policy (if applicable)?

·      What services are included with each plan?

·      Tell me about your dining options.

·      Do I have to make a reservation or can I have my meals whenever I prefer?

·      Do you have a dress code?

·      Tell me about your transportation services.

·      How often will I receive housekeeping and what specific cleaning tasks are included? Which task might I be responsible for handling over time in my independent living apartment or home?

·      Tell me about your fitness center and exercise classes.

·      What types of clubs and organizations do you have at your community? (This would be a     good time to tell the retirement counselor about your specific interests and hobbies.)

·      Do you have church services on campus or transportation to those nearby?

·      Do you have an on-site health clinic?

·      What amenities do you have at your community? Do you have a library, pool, bank, gift shop, hair salon, work shop, art studio, or dog park? Whatever is important to you from that standpoint – ask specific questions.

·      May I have over-night visitors and how long can they stay in my apartment or home? If they are my caregiver – can they stay longer?

·      Which utilities are included?

·      Are there emergency pull cords in each unit? Will I receive an emergency pendant?

·      Do you offer personalized living services or home health?

·      Explain your evacuation plan and procedure for acts of God – such as a hurricane – and other emergency action plans as might be pertinent in certain geographical locations.

·      Where will I park my car?

·      Tell me about your pet policy.

·      Do you have any noise complaints?

·      What is the construction of the building – are there fire walls?

·      If your apartment does not have a washer/dryer, ask how close the laundry room is to your apartment.

·      What would be my first step to make a move to your community?

·      Can you provide me with a timeline or checklist of required procedures to follow in making application for residency at your community?

·      May I have a copy of your contracts via email?

 

As you know, generally one question leads to another. This list will get you started on a thorough research path.