The winter season and the end of the year are a time when families come together, which makes it a natural opportunity to have important conversations about long-term care. For adult children and older adults who are considering assisted living, the winter months can also be an ideal time to tour communities, offering a firsthand look at programming, festive meals, care team dynamics, and wintertime safety measures, all while planning for the year ahead.
Why tour during the winter season?
Exploring assisted living during the holidays gives families, especially those who live far away, the chance to evaluate different communities together. It also provides an opportunity to see communities at their most vibrant and interact with a wider range of residents and families. Plus, touring before the late January rush can also mean more apartment openings. Families have more time to reflect, compare options, and decide on their next steps without rushing.
Tips to make your tour successful:
- Schedule visits for earlier in the day when residents are most active.
- Include your parent on visits if they are willing to join, so they feel more involved in decision-making.
- Plan for winter weather, especially if your parent uses mobility aids.
- Attend an event, activity, or meal to experience community life firsthand.
- Take photos or notes to keep each visit clear in your mind.
To help you make the most of each visit, we’ve also created this Assisted Living Tour Checklist to guide you or your loved one on what to observe, which questions to ask, and how to plan your visit during the winter months.
What to look for when touring this winter
1. Warm interactions
A community’s culture often shows up in everyday moments like resident interactions. Pay attention to how team members speak with residents, not just what they say. Ask yourself:
- Do you notice genuine smiles and friendly greetings?
- Do team members know the residents by name?
- Do team members use eye contact and demonstrate warmth during interactions?
- Do team members pause long enough to listen to residents?
2. Programming and resident engagement
Communities tend to be bustling with activities, from seasonal events to festive dining. All this can tell you a lot about social connection year-round. Ask yourself:
- Do activities feel meaningful, not just a device to keep residents busy?
- Do residents appear to be enjoying themselves?
- Are there a variety of activities for different interests and abilities?
- Are family members welcome to participate in activities and attend events?
- How does the community support more introverted residents or residents with mobility limitations?
3. Senior living dining experience
A visit during the colder months can reveal a lot about a community’s hospitality during the holidays and beyond. Since senior living dining often sets the tone for a community, try to schedule a meal during your visit. As you do, ask yourself:
- Does the dining room feel warm and welcoming?
- Are there seasonal dishes or special menus available?
- Can residents choose when and where they eat?
- How does the community accommodate dietary restrictions?
- Do residents have input on menu creation?
4. Safety and accessibility
In winter, families have the opportunity to see how communities handle the challenges of inclement weather, from mobility support to transportation accommodations, to indoor comfort and measures for senior safety. Ask yourself the following:
- Are sidewalks, parking lots, and entryways well maintained?
- How is transportation in winter weather managed?
- Do apartments have handrails, slip-proof floors, and emergency call systems?
- Are there safe, lighted pathways between common spaces?
5. Staffing and support
When touring a community, it’s important to observe team member-to-resident balance. It’s important to get a clearer sense of team member responsiveness. Ask yourself:
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
- How quickly do caregivers respond when residents need help?
- Are team members trained in dementia care and fall prevention?
- How do teams personalize resident care?
Exploring assisted living at Provision
We hope you enjoyed this Assisted Living Tour Checklist! And when the timing is right, our Provision Living team will be here to help you navigate your own decision-making journey. For more guidance, check out our Assisted Living resource or download our comprehensive Assisted Living Guide. And when you’re ready to explore further, don’t hesitate to reach out to speak with one of our expert community advisors.
To visit one of our communities in-person, schedule your visit here!
