Using Your Five Senses When Touring a Retirement Community: Part 1

Part 1 of 5: Look Around

Using your five senses when touring a community can be a great way to determine whether or not each community fits your idea of “home”.  First, I would ask you how the community looks.  While this is important, please keep in mind that the appearance of a community does not always reflect the quality of care, so stay tuned for using your other senses.

• Do you like the décor?
• Is the community a place that looks like you could call it “home”?
• Do residents appear to be happy and/or content?
• Do residents look like they are receiving quality care?
• Is it apparent that housekeeping takes care of dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning rooms as well as main areas?
• Is the staff interacting with residents or do you see the staff sitting around while time passes by?
• What types of amenities are available for your use (pool, fitness room, therapy room, etc.)?
• Does it look like there are a variety of activities going on?
• Does the community look inviting or more institutional?
• Does the community have outdoor premises or walking trails?