10 Questions to Ask When Touring Senior Living Communities

Quick Summary: A senior living tour is your opportunity to look beyond brochures and floor plans to understand what everyday life there is really like. This guide from Epworth Villa shares 10 essential questions to ask when touring senior living communities, covering contracts, care, dining, lifestyle, amenities, family involvement, and what to look for in a retirement community. You’ll also find a printable senior living tour checklist to help you make an informed decision. 

You’ve explored the website, read the brochures, compared floor plans, and browsed the photos. But a senior living tour is where everything comes together. It’s your chance to see what daily life is really like, ask the questions that matter most, and decide whether the community feels like the right fit.

At Epworth Villa, we understand that choosing a senior living community is an important decision. That’s why we’ve created this list of questions to ask when touring senior living communities  to help you make the most of every tour. To make your visit even easier, we’ve also included a printable senior living tour checklist at the end of this blog to bring with you.

Senior Living Questions: Costs, Contracts, and Future Planning

One of the first things to understand during a senior living tour is how pricing, contracts, and future care work together. Taking time to ask these questions now will make it much easier to make a decision later. 

1. What Contract Options Are Available?

Not every senior living community works the same way. Some communities offer rental agreements, while others, such as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also called a Life Plan Community, provide different contract options that help residents plan for future healthcare needs. 

Epworth Villa offers two contract options:  LifeCare and Fee for Service, providing residents with flexibility and options for how to pay for future care costs. Our team is happy to review each option with you to help you understand how each contract type may impact future care costs, refunds, and access to care. 

What to look for

• Easy-to-understand explanations
• Flexible contract choices
• Transparent information about future planning

2. What Services Are Included in My Monthly Fee?

The monthly fee often covers much more than your residence, so it’s worth understanding exactly what’s included. 

Ask the community to review the full menu of services offered. Some common amenities may include: 

• Housekeeping
• Maintenance 
• Utilities, including internet access and cable
• Dining
• Transportation
• Wellness programs
• On-Site Security 

Knowing what’s covered helps you understand the overall value of living in the community, not just the monthly cost.

In addition to the monthly fee, some communities may charge separately for certain services or amenities. Ask about guest meals, salon services, parking, storage, transportation beyond scheduled routes, pet fees, or premium wellness programs. Understanding these costs upfront gives you a more complete picture of what everyday living may look like.

What to look for

• A clear breakdown of included services
• Transparent pricing with an up-front explanation of any additional fees
• Services that support your lifestyle and daily routine
• Clear pricing information
• Written fee schedules

Senior Living Questions: Care and Support

Many people begin their search while they’re healthy and living independently. Even so, understanding how a community supports residents over time can help you plan with greater confidence and ensure the right care is available if your needs ever change.

3. What if My Care Needs Change in the Future?

Even if you choose independent living, it’s worth understanding how a community supports residents if their needs change over time. Ask what levels of care are available and whether you can continue living within the same community.

As a CCRC, Epworth Villa, offers independent living, assisted living for extra help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, or medication reminders, memory care for those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia and cognitive decline, skilled nursing & rehabilitation for short-term recovery after a hospital stay or surgery, and long-term care for ongoing medical support — all available at our Oklahoma campus. 

This means residents can continue receiving the support they need while remaining in a familiar community, surrounded by the people, routines, and lifestyle they’ve come to know. In the event of a transition to another level of living, it’s also reassuring to know you’ll be cared for by the same team you’ve come to know and trust. 

Be sure to ask about how care transitions will be coordinated as well. Ask who coordinates care, how they assess health changes, how they keep families informed, and how care plans are tailored to each resident. A thoughtful, well-communicated process can make future transitions much easier to navigate, and give you confidence that you’ll be well cared for, no matter what the future holds. 

What to look for

• A  full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing
• Clear transition process
• Ability to remain in the community even if needs change over time
• Dedicated care coordinators
• Engaged, frequent communication with family 
• Personalized care plans

Senior Living Questions: Lifestyle

When deciding what to look for in a retirement community, don’t stop at the floor plans and amenities. Spend time on campus, observe the residents and staff interacting, and take time to explore what daily life looks like, from dining and activities to friendships and community culture.

4. What Does Everyday Life Look Like in the Community?

A senior living tour is the perfect opportunity to understand what life is really like for residents. Instead of asking only about special events, find out what an ordinary day looks like. 

Ask how residents spend their mornings, afternoons, and evenings, whether activities are resident-led, and what opportunities are available for lifelong learning, wellness, volunteering, hobbies, outings, and social connection. The best communities offer a balance between organized programs and the freedom to enjoy each day your own way.

What to look for

• Resident-led clubs and interest groups
• Lifelong learning opportunities
• Fitness and wellness programs
• Volunteer opportunities
• Creative, cultural, and social activities
• Flexibility to pursue your own interests

5. Can You Show Us Different Residences and Floor Plans?

Every residence feels different in person. If more than one floor plan is available, ask to tour a few options so you can compare the layout, storage, natural light, accessibility, and proximity to community amenities. It’s also helpful to ask how residents personalize their homes and whether different residence styles become available over time.

At Epworth Villa, residents can choose from a variety of thoughtfully designed apartments and cottages to suit different lifestyles and preferences.

What to look for

• A variety of floor plans and residence sizes
• Functional layouts that fit your lifestyle
• Good natural light and storage
• Convenient access to amenities and community spaces

6.What Dining Options Are Available? Can We Try Them?

Food and nutrition are essential for living well, so it’s worth experiencing it for yourself during a senior living tour. Try a meal, browse sample menus, and ask how many dining venues are onsite. In your everyday life today, sometimes you feel like cooking, other days you feel like going out to enjoy fine dining. Other days, you may grab a quick bite. Make sure the community offers a variety of options as well. Eating a meal on their campus also gives you the chance to observe the atmosphere, meet residents, and see how the dining experience fits into daily life.

At Epworth Villa, residents enjoy multiple dining venues, including the elegant Redbud Room, the casual Bistro, and the Café, offering flexibility and variety throughout the day.

What to look for

• Fresh, chef-prepared meals with menu variety
• Multiple dining venues or flexible dining options
• Accommodations for dietary preferences and needs
• Residents enjoying meals and conversation together
• Friendly, attentive interactions between staff and residents

7. Which Amenities Will I Actually Use Every Day?

Luxurious, resort-quality amenities are impressive, but the most important ones are the ones you’ll genuinely use. Ask how residents make use of spaces such as the fitness center, library, walking trails, gardens, salon and spa, gathering spaces, and other shared amenities. This can help you understand how the community supports your hobbies, wellness, and daily routine.

At Epworth Villa, amenities are designed to be part of everyday life. Residents enjoy features such as an indoor pool and fitness center, library, woodworking shop, salon and spa, walking paths around the lake, a community garden, and inviting spaces to gather with neighbors.

What to look for

• Amenities that match your interests and lifestyle
• Spaces that are actively used by residents
• Well-maintained indoor and outdoor gathering areas
• Opportunities for recreation, wellness, and relaxation

8. What Opportunities Do You Provide for Spiritual Wellness, Physical and Mental Wellness, and Personal Interests?

Retirement creates more time to invest in the things that bring us meaning, whether that’s growing spiritually, staying active, learning something new, or enjoying a favorite hobby. Ask how the community supports your personal interests through religious services, wellness programs, lifelong learning, resident-led clubs, volunteer opportunities, creative classes, and social groups.

At Epworth Villa, we’re proud of our faith-based heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. Our community was founded by and continues to be affiliated with the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church, but our Religious Life program is designed to support everyone. Residents can participate in worship services, Bible studies, prayer groups, mission and service projects, seasonal celebrations, and compassionate pastoral care. Our dedicated chaplain is also available to offer spiritual guidance, encouragement, and support to residents and their families.

To help residents maintain their physical wellness, our fitness center is open 24 hours a day. Our onsite Wellness Coordinator works with residents to develop a personalized plan for improving strength, increasing range of motion, and enhancing stability. We also offer multiple fun ways to stay active, from tai chi to line dancing, chair yoga, and water aerobics. 

What to look for

• Programs that reflect your interests, faith, and values
• Wellness and fitness opportunities
• Lifelong learning and resident-led activities

9. How Does Transportation Work?

Transportation makes it easier to maintain an active, independent lifestyle. Ask how residents get to medical appointments, shopping, restaurants, community outings, and local events. Understanding what’s included—and how transportation is scheduled—can help you picture everyday life more clearly.

At Epworth Villa, scheduled transportation is available for shopping, appointments, and other planned outings, making it easier for residents to stay connected to the Oklahoma City community.

What to look for

• Transportation for medical appointments and shopping
• Regularly scheduled community outings
• Simple scheduling process
• Services that support an active lifestyle

10. Is the Community Pet-Friendly?

If you have a pet—or hope to have one in the future—ask about the community’s pet policy. Find out which pets are allowed, whether there are size or breed guidelines, where pets can be exercised, and what resources are available if you need occasional assistance with pet care.

Epworth Villa is proud to be a pet-friendly senior living community. We support residents and their furry friends by offering walking paths and green spaces, homes with private fenced yards, and friendly faces all over our campus who would love to meet you four-legged companion. 

What to look for

• A clear pet policy
• Pet-friendly residences and walking areas
• Outdoor spaces for daily walks
• Reasonable breed, size, or number restrictions
• Support options if your needs change

What to Observe During Your Senior Living Tour

The best insights don’t always come from asking another question. As you tour the community, take a moment to observe the people, the atmosphere, and how daily life unfolds. These details often reveal what it’s truly like to live there.

As you walk through the community, ask yourself:

• Do residents look relaxed, engaged, and at home?
• Are staff members friendly and familiar with residents?
• Are shared spaces clean, comfortable, and inviting?
• Does the dining experience feel enjoyable and welcoming?
• Can you imagine yourself or your loved one building a life here?
• Does the community reflect the lifestyle and values that matter to you?

These everyday observations can often be just as valuable as the information shared during the tour.

Bonus: Your Senior Living Tour Checklist

This senior living questions checklist can help you make sure all of the questions above are answered during your visit. Take this with you to every community you visit and use it to make notes, record observations, and jot down any unanswered questions. 

Your Senior Living Tour Checklist Community Information Community Name: __________________________ Tour Date: __________________________ Tour Guide: __________________________ Residence(s) Viewed: ________________________ Costs & Contracts ☐ What contract options are available? Notes: ☐ What services are included in my monthly fee? Notes: Care & Support ☐ What if my care needs change in the future?  Notes: ☐ How are care transitions handled? Notes: ☐ Who would be my main point of contact? Notes: ☐ How are medications managed if I ever need assistance? Notes: ☐ How are families kept informed? Notes: Everyday Life ☐ What does a typical day look like? Notes: ☐ What dining options are available?  Notes: ☐ What Opportunities Do You Provide for  Spiritual Wellness, Notes: Physical and Mental Wellness Notes:  Personal Interests? Notes: :☐ What residence options and floor plans are available?  Notes: Notes: ☐ Is the community pet-friendly? Notes: Community & Family ☐ How often are outings, events, and activities for family members offered? Notes: ☐ How does transportation work?Notes: ☐ Which amenities will I actually use every day? Notes: What to Observe Instead of only listening to the answers, take a few moments to observe the community around you. □ Residents appear happy and engaged □ Staff greet residents warmly □ Residents know one another □ Community feels clean and inviting  □ Dining room feels welcoming □ Outdoor spaces are available  □ Apartments feel comfortable My Overall Impressions 1. What stood out the most? 2. What questions do I still have? 3. Can I picture myself living here? □ Definitely □ Maybe □ Not yet

Take Your Time Choosing the Right Retirement Community

Choosing a senior living community is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and it’s okay to take your time. As you visit the campus, use these senior living questions to guide your conversations and understand what to look for in a retirement community beyond the residences and amenities. Don’t hesitate to schedule a second visit if you need one.

At Epworth Villa, we encourage prospective residents and their families to explore the community at their own pace. If you’re ready to experience daily life firsthand, schedule a senior living tour. We’d love to show you around, serve you a meal, and answer any questions you have. We’re here to help you make an informed decision with confidence.