Growing older is not always easy. Loneliness can become a daily companion as friends are fewer and opportunities to interact are more elusive.
Remaining at home may be difficult if assistance with bathing, meal preparation and managing medications is needed.
While a senior living community might be the right solution, finding one that will enrich – and not limit – quality of life can be challenging.
Researching online and speaking with communities of interest provide a foundation of knowledge. But it’s essential to tour assisted living communities first-hand to gain an authentic glimpse of daily life.
Preparing to tour an assisted living community
Discussing your loved one’s preferences and needs is essential to finding a community that will complement.
You’ll want to ask which features are most important and then prioritize them. It’s much easier to find what you’re looking for once it’s been defined. Here are a few items that might be on the list:
- Maintaining independence
- Being able to create a home that feels comfortable and welcoming
- A location that is near friends and family
- Compassionate help provided with respect and dignity
- Opportunities to make new friends
- Availability of special activities of interest
- Support for remaining physically and cognitively fit
- Being respected and not seen as a diminished person who needs help
- Having choices available in daily life
While each community can be different, becoming familiar with the basic features is a good idea.
However, like many things in life, it’s well worth searching deeper – for communities that go a little further, offer a more unique experience and set themselves apart. You’ll soon be able to recognize the differentiators as you begin touring assisted living communities.
Top 10 questions to ask when touring an assisted living community
Preparing a list of questions to bring with you can be very helpful. Pay close attention to the answers as they often paint a broader picture of daily life.
When touring an assisted living community, consider asking our Top Ten questions for guidance. We’ve also provided a brief summary of our answers, revealing the different perspective you’ll discover at Prairie City Landing.
1. What types of residences are available?
Small-sized options in communities may make it seem more challenging to create a home.
At Prairie City Landing, we offer spacious apartments large enough to accommodate a full-sized dining table and sectional. Residents don’t sacrifice space or comfort.
2. Is the community licensed to provide assistance with activities of daily living?
When touring assisted living communities, you might discover that some outsource their services to an agency.
The well-trained staff at Prairie City Landing provide assistance to our residents – who are reassured at seeing a familiar face, not a stranger’s.
3. What is the model of the community?
Some communities rely on a care-based approach. This model may limit options that promote a resident’s desired lifestyle.
Supporting our residents to live independently, remain actively engaged and healthy is the lifestyle model prioritized by Prairie City Landing.
4. Does the activity program include elements of interest for your loved one?
Many communities offer only limited standard or passive activities.
At Prairie City Landing, we have a dedicated Events and Adventures team that works with the residents to provide unique experiences.
5. Does the physical environment support the residents?
When touring assisted living communities, you may notice limited common or gathering areas.
Our residents love the inviting indoor and outdoor spaces, which include areas for dining, entertaining families and friends, gardening and catching up at the pet park.
Download our complimentary guide Staying Home vs. Senior Living.
6. What is the dining experience?
Many communities have improved their meal quality but may still be limited to one dining room and a standard menu.
At Prairie City Landing, we designed three separate venues and varied menu selections so residents can choose what sounds good – just like they did at home.
7. Does the community have a robust fitness program that supports mobility?
Remaining fit contributes to health and mobility, but communities may offer only limited fitness activities.
Residents at Prairie City Landing take advantage of our fitness center, the expertise of our full-time fitness director and have 25 fitness classes to choose from.
8. What happens if a resident’s personal care needs increase?
Residents at a senior living community may need to move if their needs change.
Prairie City Landing values relationships, familiarity and continuity. If a resident requires short or long-term help, we provide the services in the privacy of their own apartment.
9. Does the community offer opportunities for spontaneity?
When touring an assisted living community, you may notice a lack of choices.
Having everything planned and only being told when to show up is not a fulfilling life. At Prairie City Landing, residents make their own decisions and actively define their own community.
10. Is it possible to talk with residents for their opinions and feedback?
What better way to truly gain insight into a community than talking to those who make their home there?
At Prairie City Landing, we love introducing new families to our residents and encourage you to join them in an activity, at happy hour or for a meal.
Discover Life at Tenfold’s Prairie City Landing
We created Prairie City Landing to support our residents to live their best lives possible. Our community’s design, residences, activities and amenities are all focused on helping to connect, engage and create an enriched life.
If you’re searching for senior living that is different from the rest, we hope you will consider Tenfold’s Prairie City Landing. We invite you to download our complimentary guide Staying Home vs. Senior Living. Contact us to speak to an advisor, or schedule your tour of Prairie City Landing today to experience senior living and our community for yourself.
