What Questions Should You Ask Retirement Communities in Tigard?

Plan Ahead to Get All The Information You Need

When it comes to choosing a retirement community, one of the most important steps is the community tour, which gives you the opportunity to interview each community you visit. Not only are you able to take a look around, meet your potential neighbors, and sample the cuisine, but it’s also common to interview key staff to learn more about the community before making a decision.

So which questions should you ask to make the most of your visit and make the most informed decision about your retirement? Here, we’ve compiled some of the most common questions prospective residents ask to help you get organized and prepared for your visit.

Questions about food

Most residents who visit bring great curiosity about dining options. Perhaps they love to cook but are looking forward to less pressure and less mess when they want to put their feet up. Or perhaps they’ve never enjoyed cooking and would love to hear that they never have to do it again. Here are some of the questions they’ve asked:

• Is dining available in this community?
• How many meals are offered per day? Are snacks offered?
• Can I cook in my apartment if or when I choose to?
• Is dining included in my rent or will I be charged extra? How much will it cost?
• Can you accommodate the diet my doctor ordered?
• Are there gluten-free and vegan options available?
• Can I eat at the times I choose, even if they fall outside of traditional meal times?

Questions about lifestyle

One of the leading reasons prospective residents explore retirement living is to experience the retirement lifestyle: luxury, relaxation, friendships, and adventure. Here are some questions you might ask about a lifestyle:

• What kind of events and activities can I do in my spare time?
• Will I be pressured to attend events and activities if I prefer to spend my time alone or at home?
• What amenities are available?
• Can I have overnight visitors? Are there common spaces where I can host a dinner?
• Which services are available on-site (pharmacy, salon, etc.)?
• Are there any travel benefits available?
• How does the community promote health and wellness?

Questions about cost

Of course, ensuring the community you choose is within your budget is a critical step in the selection process. These questions can help you make an informed decision and avoid surprises when it comes to budget.

• What can I expect to pay for rent?
• Is a deposit required?
• Which services and amenities are not included in my rent, and how much will I pay for them?
• What might cause my rent to increase?
• What’s included in the cost of rent? Are utilities included?

Questions about care

Finally, prospective residents often share curiosity about changing needs in retirement. Here are some of their most common questions:

• What if I don’t need help now but I do need help later, either short-term or long-term?
• Can I bring my caregiver with me?
• What if I don’t need help but my spouse does, or vice versa?
• How much notice will I be given if I have to move out of the facility following a change in health status?

To close the interview, the most important question you can ask is, “Why should I choose this community?” This gives the staff an opportunity to tell you what sets them apart from the others you’re considering.

To learn more about Summerfield Estates Retirement Community or to get guidance while you evaluate retirement communities in Tigard, stop by or give us a call today. Our friendly staff are available to support you while you explore your options (and to welcome you if you choose us!).