Questions Every Family Should Ask on a Senior Living Tour

Choosing a senior living community is one of the most meaningful decisions a family can make. A tour gives you the chance to look beyond brochures and websites and truly understand whether a community feels like home. At The Abbey at Westminster Plaza, we encourage families to ask as many questions as they need—because clarity builds confidence, and confidence brings peace of mind.
If you’re preparing for your first visit, here are the most important questions every family should ask on a senior living tour, along with why they matter.

1. What levels of care are available now and in the future?
Seniors’ needs can evolve over time, so it’s important to learn whether the community offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care on one campus. This ensures seamless transitions, familiar faces, and uninterrupted support without the stress of relocating later.

2. How does the community personalize care for each resident?
Great senior living isn’t one-size-fits-all. Ask how wellness plans are created, how often they’re updated, and whether residents—and families—can give input. Personalized care plans should reflect preferences, routines, strengths, and meaningful goals.

3. What does daily life look like for residents?
Families should understand what everyday life feels like. Ask about daily activities, fitness programs, transportation, dining schedules, and opportunities for social engagement. The answers will help you picture whether your loved one will feel connected, energized, and supported.

4. How does the dining program support nutrition and enjoyment?
Food is a major part of health and happiness. Ask about the culinary team, nutritional planning, daily menus, special-diet accommodations, and how meals are served. A strong dining program blends nutrition with hospitality, creating experiences that bring residents together.

5. What safety measures and wellness protocols are in place?
Safety is one of the main reasons families choose senior living. Inquire about emergency response systems, staff training, fall-prevention programs, medication management, and onsite clinical support. A community should be proactive—not reactive—about resident well-being.

6. How does the staff engage with residents day to day?
The people who make up a community define the resident experience. Ask about staffing ratios, team longevity, caregiver training, and overall culture. Look for warmth, consistency, and genuine connection. The best communities feel like extended family.

7. What is included in the monthly fee?
Transparency matters. Ask for a breakdown of what’s included—meals, transportation, housekeeping, wellness programs, utilities—and what may incur additional costs. This helps families compare communities fairly and prevents surprises later.

8. How does the community support memory care needs?
If your loved one may eventually need memory support, ask about specialized programming, staff certification, sensory-friendly spaces, and how families are involved. Compassionate memory care should balance structure, dignity, and personalized engagement.

9. Can we speak with current residents or families?
Hearing from others can offer meaningful insight into community life. Ask if you can meet a resident ambassador, attend an event, or speak with a family who has a loved one living there. Their experiences often reveal what brochures can’t.

10. What makes your community special?
Every senior living community has amenities and activities, but only a few offer true heart and hospitality. Ask what sets the community apart. Pay attention not just to the words, but to how the answer makes you feel.

Your Tour Should Feel Like the Beginning of Something Wonderful
A senior living tour is more than a walk-through—it’s an opportunity to imagine a new chapter filled with comfort, connection, and peace of mind. At The Abbey at Westminster Plaza, we’re honored to guide families through this process with clarity and compassion. Ask every question, explore every corner, and trust your instincts. When a community feels right, you’ll know.