What are the smart questions to ask during a senior living community visit?

As you tour and research a senior living community, you’ll have plenty of questions — about types of residences, levels of care, and services and amenities, for example. But you might not think of these nine questions, and the answers could be vital to your decision-making.

1. When is a refundable entrance fee refunded?

Considering a contract with a refundable entrance fee? Make sure you understand what triggers the refund to you or your estate. If the residence must be reoccupied before the refundable portion of the entrance fee is released, find out how long that process typically takes in this community.

2. How’s moving to care handled?

Ask how the community handles moves from independent living to a level of care — and between levels of care. Are independent living residents prioritized over the public for entering care? Who decides when care is needed and how are the moves organized and completed? And what happens with the monthly service fee to adjust from the independent living rate to the care level rates — for single residents and couples?

3. Which activities are most active?

Know where the action is? Ask about the list of daily, weekly and monthly activities. But go a step further: Which are the most popular?

4. What’s the health center rating?

Medicare offers a simple, reputable search tool to find ratings for “nursing homes including rehab services.” And you want to know how the health services stack up before you need them.

5. How is dementia managed?

How well equipped is the community for taking care of residents who develop Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia? Memory support is a very different kind of care from assisted living or residential living and skilled nursing. Ask about the staff’s unique training and the special programs that help residents who have dementia live well.

6. Do residents lead?

Find out how residents are involved with dining menus, activities, programs and capital improvements: Is there a resident council? Does the board have a member who’s a resident? How often will the executive director meet with residents to share updates or answer questions?

7. How is grief handled?

Although it’s unpleasant to think about now, the poignant question will arise later: When a resident passes, how is the news shared within the community? How does the community support the surviving spouse and the in-community friends?

8. Will my life remain private?

Can my neighbors hear me — or can I hear them? May I invite friends and family to stay with me in my residence? As an independent living resident, should I expect to be watched over for the sake of my well-being? If the community monitors me, how?

9. Who owns and manages the community?

Is this a non-profit organization or a for-profit business? Is it financially stable? Is there a board of directors or trustees? Where would I find their names?

Smart questions can better prepare you for decision-making.

By visiting senior living communities, observing closely, and asking these 9 questions, you’ll gather details to inform your choice. Go in prepared and you’re more likely to emerge with clarity.