What Happens During a Senior Living Tour? A Guide for Families

Choosing senior living for yourself or a loved one is a big decision. Before making a commitment, one of the best ways to understand whether a community feels like the right fit is to visit.

If you're researching assisted living in Ann Arbor, a senior living tour gives you the opportunity to see more than an apartment. You can experience the community atmosphere, meet the people who may become part of your loved one's daily life, learn about care options and ask questions that aren't always answered on a website.

Tours are designed to give families an opportunity to explore the community, meet the team and get a better sense of what everyday life can look like. We’re a family-owned community on Ann Arbor's west side, offering Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care.  

In this article, we explain what families can expect during a senior living tour, from exploring floor plans and assessing personalized care levels to evaluating daily activities, dining options, and overall community atmosphere. Discover key questions to ask staff and learn how touring a welcoming community like Hillside Terrace in Ann Arbor helps you make an informed, confident decision for your loved one.

What Can You Expect During a Senior Living Tour?

Every community has its own approach to tours, but a typical visit gives you the opportunity to explore several important areas.

1. You'll Tour the Community

A tour typically starts with a walk through the community and common areas. Families can explore the grounds, gathering spaces and amenities while getting a feel for the environment.

Our community is situated on 10 acres of gardens, walking paths and an enclosed courtyard. Other spaces include a dining room, rec room, chapel, hair salon, fitness and rehabilitation center and areas for activities and social gatherings.  

As you walk around, pay attention to how the environment feels. Is it comfortable and welcoming? Are residents spending time in common areas? Does the community feel like somewhere your loved one could feel at home?

2. You'll See Available Apartment Options

Your tour is also an opportunity to see the different apartment styles available and determine which type of space may work best for your loved one's needs.

Our assisted living community includes 49 apartment homes with several floor plan options, ranging from smaller studios to larger apartments, including options with kitchenettes.  

Ask questions about:

• Apartment size and layout
• Bathroom accessibility
• Furnishings
• Kitchen or kitchenette options
• Storage
• Emergency response systems
• Housekeeping and laundry
• What personal items residents can bring

It's helpful to imagine your loved one's favorite furniture, photographs and belongings in the space. Those familiar items can help make a new apartment feel more like home.

3. You'll Learn About Personalized Care

One of the most important parts of an assisted living tour is discussing care.

Care levels are determined based on an individual's activities of daily living needs, with assessment by a registered nurse. Support can include assistance with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing and medication reminders.

During your tour, don't be afraid to explain what your loved one currently needs help with. The more information you provide, the better our team can explain whether the community's services are appropriate.

You may want to ask:

• How is a resident's care assessed?
• How often are care needs reassessed?
• What happens if needs change?
• What services are included?
• What services have an additional cost?
• How does the community communicate with family members about changes in care?

These questions can help you understand not only what care is available today, but how our community can respond as your loved one's needs evolve.

4. You'll Get a Taste of Daily Life

A good senior living tour should be about more than rooms and amenities. You also want to understand what life is like for residents.

Residents can participate in activities ranging from games, arts and crafts and fitness to community outings and entertainment. Meals are also an important part of daily life, with chef-prepared meals served to residents.  

Ask to see the activity calendar and dining area. If possible, find out what a typical day looks like.

Think about your loved one's personality:

• Do they enjoy social activities?
• Would they prefer quiet spaces?
• Do they enjoy going on outings?
• Are they interested in fitness or hobbies?
• Would they enjoy eating meals with other residents?

The right community isn't necessarily the one with the longest list of amenities. It's the one that offers opportunities that actually match your loved one's interests and lifestyle.

5. You'll Meet the Team

One of the most valuable parts of a tour is meeting the people who work there.

Our family-owned approach is an important part of the community's identity. The Litz family operates the community and emphasizes a family-oriented atmosphere and personalized care.  

Take the opportunity to introduce yourself and ask questions. Pay attention to how staff members interact with residents and with your family.

You may also want to ask who you should contact when you have questions or concerns after your loved one moves in.

6. You'll Have an Opportunity to Ask Questions

Don't worry about asking too many questions. Choosing senior living is a major decision, and families should feel comfortable gathering the information they need.

Consider bringing a written list of questions to your tour.

Some good questions include:

About care

• What level of assistance can you provide?
• How are care needs assessed?
• What happens if my loved one's needs change?

About daily life

• What activities are offered?
• How are meals handled?
• Can residents participate in outings?

About family involvement

• How often can family members visit?
• Can families participate in activities?
• How are families notified about changes in their loved one's condition?

About costs

• What is included in the monthly fee?
• Are there additional care charges?
• Are there additional fees for services or amenities?

7. You Can Talk About the Next Steps

At the end of your tour, our team will explain next steps if you’re interested in moving forward.

This might include discussing availability, apartment options, care assessments, pricing, paperwork and potential move-in dates.

You don't have to make a decision immediately. In many cases, visiting more than one community can help you compare what you've seen and determine what matters most to your family.

Find Assisted Living in Ann Arbor That Feels Like Home

A senior living tour should give you more than a look at an apartment. It should help you understand the people, care, lifestyle and community your loved one would experience every day. Our goal is to create a warm, family-oriented environment where residents can receive personalized support while continuing to enjoy an active and meaningful lifestyle.

If you're considering assisted living in Ann Arbor, schedule a personal tour of Hillside Terrace. Come walk the grounds, explore the apartments, meet the team and ask questions about what life could look like for you or your loved one.