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Five Key Things to Notice When Touring a Senior Living Community

When touring a senior living facility, first impressions can provide significant insights into the overall quality and suitability of the environment for you or your loved one. Not all Senior Living communities are created equally; preparing before a tour is important. Here are five key things to notice when touring a Senior Living community:

Cleanliness and Maintenance

Overall Cleanliness: Observe the general cleanliness of common areas, resident rooms, and bathrooms. A clean environment is crucial for residents’ health and well-being.

Maintenance: Check the age and condition of the building, including the state of the walls, floors, and furniture. Well-maintained facilities reflect good management and a commitment to resident comfort.

Atmosphere and Ambiance

Environment: Note whether the environment feels warm and inviting or sterile and institutional. Look for personal touches like decorations, plants, and artwork. When touring living spaces, note if they are well-lit, include sufficient storage options, have wider door openings, or any other pertinent details you wish to consider.

Noise Levels: Observe the noise levels in various areas. Excessive noise can disturb those seeking a quiet, peaceful atmosphere, while others appreciate a more lively environment. Ask questions to determine if the daily noise level is conducive to the living experience you or your loved one prefers or if both types of areas are onsite.

Outdoor Spaces: Evaluate the availability and quality of outdoor areas such as gardens, patios, courtyards, or walking paths. These spaces are important for residents’ relaxation and physical activity.

Staff Interactions and Friendliness

Staff Behavior: Watch how staff members interact with residents. Are they friendly, respectful, and attentive? Positive interactions can greatly enhance residents’ quality of life.

Engagement: Observe if residents appear happy, engaged, and comfortable. Interactions between residents and staff can provide clues about the social environment and community spirit.

Value and Mission: Learn about the facility’s values and mission to help you determine if it fits you. What is its purpose and focus in caring for seniors? Typically, you can find this information on its website to help you prepare for your visit. Once there, ask important questions to the person giving you the tour so you can experience a personal narrative.

Safety

Safety Features: Notice the types of safety features, such as grab bars in the shower, elevators as well as handrails throughout the building. Do the buildings have smoke detectors and sprinklers? Be certain to ask about the facility’s emergency call plan.

Overall Well-Being

Social Activities: Find out what activities residents can do to build connections with others. Are there opportunities for outings that involve free group transportation? Ask to see a sample schedule during your visit. Are there activities that interest you or your loved one? If you are a hobbyist, is there space to work?

Physical Activities: Does the community offer wellness classes or active aging activities? Ask for a sample schedule and tour the areas where these classes occur.

Preparing for Your Tours

Senior Living and Assisted Living communities offer a variety of amenities, services, and prices. Therefore, it is important to take a tour to determine which community makes you feel most at home. Before taking the tour, visit each community’s website to make a checklist of any important items to consider. On the tour, take time to make notes or take photos so you will have this information to refer back to once you are home and making a decision. Should you narrow your choice and need more information, contact each facility with your questions or request a second tour.

A Place to Call Home

At South Knoxville Senior Living, our commitment is to offer a safe, comfortable, and enriching community where residents can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle. We want this to be where you feel comfortable and confident, a place you proudly call home.

Above all, we strive to provide a warm and inviting environment. Our vision is to offer an adaptive community for aging adults looking to experience the relaxing joy of Senior Living. We do this by offering both Independent and Assisted Living, best-in-class customer service, and exceptional amenities. Located in Knoxville, TN, we welcome you to book a tour of our community or contact us with questions. We can’t wait to meet you!

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