3 important questions to ask while on a tour of a retirement residence

Whether you are searching for the right retirement residence for a loved one, or are looking for a new home for yourself, taking a tour of a seniors' community is paramount to helping you make an informed decision. Besides touring the suites available, you should also consider looking at some of the residence's amenity and outdoor space, where entertainment and activities take place, as well as common areas like the dining room.

There can be a lot to see and learn, so here are a few quality questions to ask on your tour to help you assess whether the home meets your needs.

What living and care options are offered here?

From independent living apartments to memory care floors, retirement residences can provide a variety of living options for seniors to choose from, so it's good to know what options are available at the home you're visiting and whether they're a good fit for your needs. For example, active seniors who want to lead an independent retirement lifestyle with minimal services may prefer to live in a retirement residence with independent living apartments, while a senior who requires regular assistance with activities of daily living may require a more supportive environment that a retirement residence with assisted living can provide. Here are some examples of living options offered at Chartwell homes:

  • Independent Living
  • Independent Supportive Living
  • Assisted Living
  • Memory Care
  • Long Term Care
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What amenities do you offer?

Amenity and common spaces are very important in a retirement residence, as they provide residents with a place to relax or enjoy the activities they favour outside the confines of their suite. Many seniors' communities now boast modern amenities such as hair salons, exercise rooms, libraries, computer labs, theatres, outdoor space and even chapels for prayer services, and are often the site of activities and social gatherings where new friendships can grow.

Make sure you ask your tour guide to show you around common spaces so you can determine if you picture yourself or a loved one enjoying time outside of your suite.

How does the move-in process work?

If you have found a retirement residence that fits your unique needs, and you can picture yourself living there, ask your sales consultant about the move-in process and what else is entailed. Policies and procedures may vary by location and care option, so it's important to do your homework to help ease the move-in process. Ask about the difference between moving into a retirement residence and applying for a long term care home and whether a care assessment is required before admittance. Different provinces are subject to particular rules and regulations as well, so make sure you acquire specific information regarding the area you're interested in.

Chartwell Retirement Residences strives to make the decision process as simple as possible for seniors interested in joining their retirement communities. If you have any questions about the care options or amenities offered at any of their locations across Canada, call1-855-461-0685today to speak to one of their customer service agents.