What to Look for in a Retirement Community Tour: Questions Most People Forget to Ask

There comes a time in the lives of many older adults when moving to a retirement community becomes more attractive because of the services, support, and amenities they offer.

Retirement communities throughout the U.S. can offer many of these features along with the opportunity to live among others. To discover what’s out there and whether there’s a retirement community for you, tours are a must.

It’s important to do research and go in with plenty of questions prepared, which, unfortunately, many prospective visitors forget to ask.

Getting answers to questions about services, costs, healthcare, and more can give you a clearer view of what a retirement community has to offer and whether it’s a good fit.

Services and Monthly Fees

You’ll want to ask for details about the various services a community offers and its monthly fees. Find out which services are included in the monthly fees and which cost extra.

“Typically, retirement communities advertise all of the amazing amenities and services they offer, but some may cost extra fees. I recommend making a list of the services that are the most important to you and asking if they are included in monthly fees when you go on a tour,” says Taylor Shuman, senior tech expert and editor at SeniorLiving.org, a site that provides resources and information for seniors.

Resident Experience

When visiting a retirement community, reach out to residents to inquire about their experiences. Ask them about the benefits and drawbacks of living in that community.

“When you tour a retirement community, make sure to talk to current residents. The staff will always paint the most positive picture of the community, as they are trying to sell you on it. On the other hand, residents are more likely to be honest about any drawbacks or things to note before moving in. They’ll give you the real inside scoop,” Shuman said.

And by reaching out before you potentially move in, you could make new friends. Jimmy Zollo, co-founder of Joe & Bella, an adaptive apparel brand for older adults, named his company for the friends he and his grandparents made on a retirement community tour.

“On that tour, we were able to find a wonderful group of residents, some of whom actually joined and eventually led our tour. They took my grandmother under their wing, eating meals with her from that first day,” said Zollo. “We were lucky enough to meet them, and hear directly from them on the tour what their day-to-day life is like. It brought us a ton of ease and comfort.”

Dining Options

Is dining with others important to you? Is good food and service a priority? Are you a picky eater, a vegetarian, someone with food restrictions?

When you make an in-person visit, check out the options for residential dining and request to eat a meal with current residents.

“Not only will you get a feel for the quality of the food and how accommodating they are to dietary restrictions, but you’ll also get a sense of the community,” Shuman says.

“Meal times are when residents gather and socialize, so it offers a great inside look at what daily life is like in the community.”

Activities and Recreation

If you want to live in a community that regularly holds events—like crafting meet-ups, swim classes, and concerts—consider asking the tour guide about what activities are available to residents.

“Before touring a facility, make a list of the activities and social events that are the most important to you. Then, when you tour, ask to see the community’s social calendar,” said Shuman. “Most importantly, ask about attendance and residence involvement. If the community offers many events but no one shows up, the facility may not have as much resident engagement and socialization, which is incredibly important.”

Health and Medical Services

Many retirement community residents have or will have health concerns, so it’s essential that you make note of what type of healthcare and medical services are available.

These services can make a huge difference—it could either mean needing to seek help outside of the community or getting the care that you need easily and conveniently where you live.

Some retirement communities may offer a wellness center where residents can get care and see doctors. Others offer continuing care, from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing.

“Don’t forget to explore health services, including the type of care available on-site and how emergencies are managed,” says Michael Smith, managing director of corporate communications for Acts Retirement-Life Communities, a nonprofit provider of continuing care retirement communities. “Lastly, think long-term and the process for transitioning to higher levels of care if your needs evolve.”

Figuring Out If a Community Is Right for You

Another important question is for you to answer: Is a retirement community the right one for you? Here are a few things to think about.

“Determining whether a retirement community is the right fit requires evaluating both your current lifestyle and your future needs. Begin by considering if the community aligns with your personal preferences. Do you enjoy the atmosphere, and does it cater to your hobbies and interests?” said Smith.

“Pay close attention to the culture and overall vibe during your visit. Are the residents and staff warm, welcoming, and inclusive? Assess the community’s ability to meet your needs over time.”

Remember to ask about a retirement community’s financial policies and make sure you understand them. Additionally, read online reviews to learn what current residents or their relatives think about it.

“Are its financial policies and long-term plans transparent and easy to understand? Finally, take the time to research the community’s reputation. Check online reviews and explore its standing with professional organizations,” Smith advises.

“By weighing these factors, you can determine whether the community offers an environment where you can truly thrive.”

And don’t forget to check in with your feelings about a place after your tour.

“Every community has a different feel. You find the one that fits for you,” says Meagan Buckley chief executive officer and president of Wake Robin, a life plan retirement community. “It’s a gut feeling. This could be my home.”

The Bottom Line

There are a lot of things to think about when touring a retirement community. Importantly, there are a lot of questions you’ll need answers to. Make a list before you go and, if necessary, add to it while you’re on tour.

Answers to questions about dining options, social activities, fitness, healthcare and medical services can help you figure out if it’s the right community for you.