Easy Resolution to Keep in 2016? Take a Tour.

The holidays are over and it is officially 2016. The season brought opportunity to reflect on the previous year, to see family and friends you may not have seen for some time, and to look toward the new year. We often make promises to ourselves about what we will achieve or improve.

Reflecting on the housing and community you live in is important. If your housing no longer suits your needs or if your surrounding community has grown in a different direction than you have, you owe it to yourself to check out other options. Want an easy resolution to keep? Go on a few tours of retirement communities.

Taking a tour is the best way to get a feel for the people who live and work in a particular community. Retirement communities have more to offer to residents and family members than ever before! Despite this, the thought of taking a tour of a retirement community can feel like it’s too soon for some.

“I’m too young for a seniors home… I am still very healthy, I don’t need the services… I don’t know anyone who lives there…”

Even if the above thoughts are familiar to you, do not let them sway you from going for a tour. In fact, we encourage people of all ages to come to our communities! You can never be too pro-active when ensuring your health and well-being, a connected community, and a well maintained roof over your head.

Here are a few tips.

BEFORE THE TOUR:

Request what works for you. Call the community to arrange a time that works for your schedule. Communities are often flexible in their availability for touring so don’t be afraid to ask.
Be Confident. Review or request any documents available to review before the tour. Read information on their website. Community social media accounts can be an excellent way to take a peek inside day-to-day in communities.

DURING THE TOUR:
Ask informed questions. If you are confident with the information you have already reviewed, ask any questions you have that were missed in the information.
Ask any questions that come to mind. Touring a new community surrounded by people you don’t know well can be overwhelming. If any question comes to mind, even if it seems silly or obvious, ask it!
Ask about the surrounding community. Moving to a retirement community is about much more than floor plans, food in the restaurant, and planned activities. Are there restaurants, shopping, doctors, dentists, coffee shops, etc. in the area? Are there enjoyable areas to spend time outdoors? What kind of community events take place throughout the year? Is there a nearby community centre? How much thought has been put into the location of the retirement community?
Ask to meet staff and residents. If your tour guide has not been able to introduce you to anyone, ask! Are you particularly interested in classes available? Talk to the programs department. Are you a foodie? Ask if the chef is available.