Questions to ask on a senior living community tour

Prepare before you visit

Before touring communities in North Phoenix, Scottsdale, or nearby areas, write down the person's priorities. Consider routines, preferred activities, transportation, visitors, pets, and the support you want to ask about. Bring the same questions to each visit so your notes are easier to compare.

Ask the community which staff member can explain services and which can answer questions about contracts and pricing. If a question needs a specialist, request a follow-up rather than relying on a guess.

Ask about everyday life

A tour is an opportunity to understand what an ordinary day might feel like. Ask to see spaces relevant to the person's routine, and find out whether a meal or activity visit can be arranged.

• How are meals, activities, and transportation organized?
• What are the policies for visitors and pets?
• How do residents raise concerns or request changes?
• What choices can residents make about their daily schedule?

Get the cost details in writing

Ask for a written explanation of charges and what they include. Comparing a headline monthly price without understanding additional charges can make two options look more similar than they are.

• What is included in the monthly charge?
• Which services have additional fees?
• Are there deposits, move-in charges, or other initial costs?
• How are price changes communicated?
• What are the notice, cancellation, and refund terms?

Understand support and the next steps

Ask the community to explain its admission process, how it determines whether it can meet a person's needs, and what happens if those needs change. Direct medical or clinical questions to the appropriate qualified professional.

After each tour, make notes while the details are fresh. Ask the older adult what felt comfortable and what they would want to revisit. Next Act can help coordinate tours and organize the comparison; the choice remains with the family and the person moving.