60 Questions to ask Senior Housing Communities
The choices in Minnesota Senior Housing are growing every year. Senior Housing options have become as diverse as the seniors they serve. With this many choices it can be difficult to understand the differences between the options and the fees involved with thos options. As you search for senior housing, have your interview list ready. Don't assume because one senior housing building offers a service, that the others will. Take careful notes, and ask lots of questions!
Here's a list of questions to help get you started.
- How are you different than the competition? Is there a particular niche or particular strength you have over other senior housing buildings?
- How old is the building? When was the last time major repairs such as the roof, mechanicals and siding were replaced?
- Are there future plans for any improvements to the building?
- Is this building a rental or buy-in?
- What is the history of rent increases?
- Is the lease yearly or monthly? Is there a difference in rents between the two?
- Does this community have a religious affiliation?
- What is the average age?
- What is the ratio of men to women?
- What is the average physical condition of your residents?
- Is there an application fee or a deposit required? If so, how much and under what conditions is it refundable?
- What utilities are included in the rents? What are the average utility bills that are not included?
- Are there extra storage units available? Is there an extra fee?
- Is a garage available? Is there an extra fee?
- What are the physical requirements to enter?
- Are there garden plots available?
- Are there guest rooms available?
- Is there a pool? Can I bring my grandchildren to the pool?
- If my health changes, at what point would I no longer be able to stay?
- If I run out of money, can I stay?
- Does the senior community subsidize rents? Would I qualify for state or county vouchers?
- Is there a waiting list? For how long, and for what units?
- Who is available for maintenance emergencies and during what hours?
- Can I see a schedule of your social activities?
- Are there planned outings and is there an extra charge for them?
- Are there elevators and how close to my apartment are they?
- How many elevators are there in the building, and how busy are they?
- Are the apartments accessible?
- Are there stairs in community spaces that must be navigated?
- Are community doorways wide enough, doorknobs easily turned by arthritic hands, and a lack of trip hazards?
- What are the safety precautions offered by the community? (Grab bars, security building, emergency call system, safety checks for residents)
- Are pets allowed? Is there a size or number limit? Is there an extra deposit required?
- How secure is the building?
- Is there public transportation nearby?
- Are meals offered? Is there an extra charge?
- How many meals are offered per week or per day?
- May I visit and have a meal with your residents?
- What is the seating arrangement?
- Are wheelchairs or walkers allowed in the dining area?
- Is it served meal or buffet style?
- Are snacks offered?
- Is it a menu or chef's choice? Are substitutions available?
- Is there smoking allowed in the building? If so, where?
- Where are the washer/dryers located in the building? Is there an extra fee for use?
- Are housekeeping services available? What are they, how often are they and is there an extra fee?
- Does the community offer caregiver services?
- Does my long term care insurance policy cover those services?
- Can I hire a third-party service for home health care, or must I use the on-site service?
- What amenities does the community offer? (Hair stylist on-site, party room, guest suite, indoor/outdoor pool, tennis courts, library, computer room, walking paths, gift store on site, pharmacy on-site, chapel, exercise room etc.)
- What amenities are close-by? (Grocery store, pharmacy, church, shopping).
- Are there on-call nursing assistants, or nurses? Is there a fee?
- Is there an individual thermostat in the apartment?
- Is the heat gas or electric?
- Can I talk with two of your residents? One new, and one who has been here a while?
- What is the view of the apartment, does it have a deck or other access to outside, adequate windows, cable access, handicap accessible as needed, age of appliances, independent thermostat, water pressure, nice floor plan, adequate storage, what kind of exposure to the sun, top floor or main floor?
- What is the difference in rents between a one and two bedroom, first floor and top floor?
- What incentives can you offer me to move in?
- What are your procedures on move day?
- What changes are you willing to make to my apartment for me?
- What changes can I make to my apartment?
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Copyright 2012