All touring checklists

Touring Checklist

Independent Living

Independent living is a lifestyle choice, so tour it like you'd tour a neighborhood: eat there, sit in on an activity, and talk to residents. Ask about the future as much as the present.

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First impressions

The building and grounds are clean, well lit, and free of odors.
Staff greet residents by name and make eye contact.
Residents look well groomed, appropriately dressed, and engaged — not parked in front of a TV.
Common areas are actually in use.
You were shown the whole community, not just the model apartment.

Dining and amenities

Eat a meal and review a full week of menus.
Confirm how many meals are included and what extra meals cost.
Walk through every amenity and ask when each is open and how busy it gets.
Ask who runs the activity program and how residents shape it.

Apartments and costs

Confirm what the monthly fee includes — utilities, internet, parking, housekeeping.
Ask for the rent increase history for the last three years.
Check storage, laundry, kitchen size, and outdoor space.
Ask about the lease term and what happens if you need to leave early.

Planning for changing needs

Ask whether outside home care agencies can come in.
Ask whether assisted living or memory care is on campus, and whether residents get priority.
Ask what happens to a couple if one partner needs more care.

Before you sign

You have the full fee schedule in writing, including move-in fees and how increases work.
You have read the residency agreement and know what triggers a move-out.
You have seen the most recent state inspection report.
You know who to call with a concern, and how quickly they respond.
You have talked to at least one current resident or family member without staff present.

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