When touring senior communities, it might feel like you're getting somewhat of a sales pitch during your visit. The staff may be incredibly truthful, but they certainly have a little bias towards their community. Talking to residents can give you a good idea of the day-to-day life in a particular community, and can let you know if there are any major issues or complaints.
Questions to Start the Conversation
What's your favorite thing about the community?
What don't you like?
What does a normal day look like?
What do you think of the food?
What kinds of activities are there?
Do you feel like you have a lot of friends here?
Is the transportation convenient?
Are the grounds kept up nicely?
How are requests handled?
How do you feel about the staff?
Do you have peace of mind?
Do you like your residence?
Do you feel at home here?
You'll most likely find things that are good and bad no matter where you go, but getting the full picture early on can save you time and grief in the long run. Knowing that other residents are content can help you feel more confident about your choices.