One of the best ways to explore a senior living community and get a deeper understanding of what life would look like as a resident is to visit an Open House event. At an Open House event, you can not only tour the campus and see what it’s like on the inside, but you’ll also have a chance to talk to staff and residents about life in the community and get a real insider’s perspective. What can you expect at a senior living Open House, and how should you prepare to attend? Let’s explore!
What to Expect at a Senior Living Open House
When a senior living community hosts an Open House event, everyone eagerly jumps in to welcome potential new residents and their families! Caring staff will be available to answer any questions you may have and guide you through different areas of the event. Residents are also always eager to tell their own stories and invite you to join them for a board game or a walk through the gardens.
An Open House is your chance to explore a normally private, often close-gated community! Try a taste of the delicious chef-prepared dining, take a look at the fitness center, participate in resident-favorite activities and crafts, and experience religious services alongside fellow faith-based seniors. Empty apartments may be available for touring, and sometimes current residents will even open their doors to visitors!
This is more than just a walkthrough of a senior living facility. An Open House is your chance to experience real life in a loving community of seniors and decide if it’s right for you or your loved one.
Deciding If Senior Living is Right for You
There are many options for senior housing after you retire. An Open House is your chance to understand whether a senior living community is the right fit for you. Many seniors opt to move to a senior living community because of the practical and personal benefits. These benefits include:
- Access to care and support when needed
- All-inclusive rent
- Downsized, spacious apartments
- A built-in community of fellow active seniors
- 360-degree home maintenance
- On-site amenities such as dining, a salon, and a fitness center
- Access to concierge and chauffeur services
Think senior living is for those needing medical care? Think again! Senior living isn’t just for those who require additional care. While assisted living and memory care are available if the need arises, many older adults love continuing their active lifestyles in independent living. An Open House is the perfect place to learn about all these senior living options and determine which one is right for you or your loved one.
What to Look For in a Senior Living Community
When you attend an Open House event, it’s best to come prepared. Research and know precisely what you want in a senior living community. And family conversations can help too. What is most important to you? What amenities are essential and which ones are just preferred? When considering a senior living community, an important aspect to look for is how they care for their residents holistically. Regardless of the level of care a resident requires, the amenities and experience should have a holistic approach to physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, social, and mental needs.
Questions to Ask at a Senior Living Open House
If you’re looking for an opportunity to learn about senior living from real experts (the residents who live there and the staff who care for and love them!), an Open House is the perfect chance to ask all of your questions!
Not sure what to ask? Here are some suggestions to get you started.
Questions to Ask as a Potential Resident:
- What additional services (housekeeping, laundry, etc.) are available to me?
- How much should I expect to downsize when I move to a senior living apartment?
- What should I expect when transitioning to senior living?
- How can I start preparing my finances for senior living?
- If I have light care needs, can I stay in independent living for a while?
- If it’s a faith-based senior living community: What if I practice a different faith or am not religious?
- I’m allergic to _____. How will that be addressed if I live here?
- What do I need to do to prepare for senior living?
- What does the community look like here?
- If I need additional or more intensive assistance as I age, how can I pivot to different tiers of care?
- What kinds of dining options are available here?
Questions to Ask as a Family Member or Loved One:
- How often can I visit my loved one?
- Can I attend meals and resident activities alongside my loved one?
- Who will be caring for my loved one primarily? How can I reach them with questions or concerns?
- What makes senior living different from a nursing home?
- For memory care: What security and safety measures do you have in place?
- How will my loved one be engaged and stay connected in a community?
If You’re Not Planning to Move to Senior Living Right Away
Open House events are free and open to the public, so there is no commitment risk involved in attending. For this reason, we recommend everyone take the opportunity to experience life in a senior living community!
Even if you’re years (or decades) away from your own retirement, attending an event like this at a senior living community can give you a fresh perspective on what retired living could be like for you, and give you more appreciation and love for the generations that are enjoying senior living now.
At St. Anthony’s, we believe senior living can give every older adult a better quality of life. The built-in community and support are just the beginning of how St. Anthony’s can make life in Kansas City much more enjoyable and relaxing! If you’re interested in experiencing senior living for a day, contact us to learn about upcoming Open House events or to schedule a tour. We can’t wait to meet you!
