The Ultimate Try-On Test: How to Compare Retirement Communities to Find the Best Fit for You

Jason Turri, Expert Advisor

For more than 27 years, Jason Turri has supported Harrisburg seniors and their families find the best senior living solution to meet their needs. He holds a degree in Behavioral Science and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Since starting at Ecumenical Retirement Community as a post-graduate intern to now serving as an expert advisor, Jason guides prospective residents and their families through the decision-making process and supports their transition into Ecumenical.

Picture this … after you’ve taken on the seemingly daunting task of how to compare retirement communities, you made the decision. You moved into a retirement community where you feel happy and comfortable. You met the neighbor who lives in the apartment next to yours, and she seem friendly. There is a book club, movie-watching, billiards or (insert your favorite activity here) group that meets weekly that you have bonded with. Your family members are confident that you are safe and surrounded by people who will be there to care for you if needed.

These feelings were not achieved overnight, and not even in one visit to the campus. The journey to the right retirement community may take years to get to a place where everyone is ready to move in. Because the right one should feel less like a facility and more like a future.

So, how do you answer the question: how to compare retirement communities? Take steps to see yourself there. That goes beyond looking at the brochure or website. The best way to make a confident decision is to experience the community as much as possible. After all, you aren’t only choosing a place to live-you are choosing future routines, support systems friendship groups and maybe even caregivers.

The good news? There are ways to “try on” a retirement community outside of the scheduled tours-although that is a great place to start. Here are some other ways you can request to get to know the vibes, the structure and the people and answer how to compare retirement communities for yourself or your loved one.

Attend a community event

Many communities host educational events, concerts, holiday get-togethers or hobby and fitness classes that are open to the public. These events give a glimpse into the community’s culture, provide an opportunity to see how residents interact with each other and co-workers and get a pulse for how welcoming the environment is. These casual moments allow prospects to assess the emotional fit of a community.

Enjoy meals (that’s right, multiple!)

Dining is a major part of daily life in a retirement community, so sampling one lunch during a tour may not give you the full picture of the dining experience. Ask the advisor you are working with to see if you could visit specifically for a breakfast or a special dining night. This allows you to test the comfort, consistency and hospitality of a community-not just by tasting the food, but also seeing the social interactions and experiencing the menu for yourself. Food is a powerful deciding factor which I can appreciate! If I’m working with a senior who may not be able to come to campus for a meal, I have hand delivered some of our residents’ favorites to their house-they are never disappointed!

Spend time in common areas

Work with your advisor to get permission to spend time to simply exist in the community. Sit in the common areas, take in the outdoor gardens or courtyards or spend some time in the cafe or lobbies to observe the flow of the day. Bring a book, have a cup of coffee and during this time, see if the ambience, friendliness of the receptionist and activity levels pass your test for the environment you are hoping your home to have. The community should feel comfortable for you during activities but also during quiet moments.

Talk to residents

Hearing directly from current residents about why they selected the particular community, what they enjoy about living there, how their transition was when they moved in can give you a glimpse into their real experience. These honest conversations provide reassurance and perspective that go beyond a brochure. The advisor with whom you are working should be able to introduce you to residents and leave you to having this important conversation.

Visit at different times during the day

Communities may feel different depending on the time of day you visit. The mornings may be bustling with coffee time, wellness programs and activities. The afternoons/evenings may be quieter as everyone settles into their own routines. Observing different times of day allows you to get a feel for what the day’s activity levels and even staffing presence looks like.

Request to join a class or activity

We love when prospects visit Ecumenical and join in on a club, activity or class. Many resident communities have organized fitness classes, clubs that explore various hobbies and activities that prospects can try on to see if they can picture themselves in this routine and building friendships with the other participants.

Bring a friend or family member along

We know that the decision to move into a senior living community is not made alone. There are many options that will be considered by family and friends as everyone looks out for the future-resident’s best interests. Bring a trusted friend or family member for another visit as a second set of eyes. They may be able to spot details that you missed and think of questions worth asking. Most importantly, this second-opinion can help validate your gut and bring some additional confidence to the decision-making process.

So, how to compare retirement communities?

Do what is best for you! At the end of the day, you are choosing a community based on more factors than amenities. It’s about finding a place that feels meaningful, comfortable and enjoyable. You want to be part of a community that cares about you and sees you for all the wonderful attributes and personality you will bring the community.

My advice: Do your homework. Take all the time you need to try on each community you are considering. The advisor you are working with will appreciate your diligence and understand the importance of this life decision.

Trying on retirement communities in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania?

We’d appreciate being considered! Please reach out to start the conversation. We look forward to welcoming you to campus and showing you all the ways Ecumenical may be a good fit for you!