There could be many reasons why you can’t tour a senior living community in-person. Whether social distancing due to coronavirus or exploring out-of-town communities, virtual tours can be a safe, practical solution.

Although you might feel hesitant to make such an important decision virtually, there are questions you can ask to help you feel confident in your choice.

First, let’s take a look at some common reasons why you might want to take a virtual tour.

Benefits of a Virtual Senior Living Tour

Believe it or not, senior living providers offered virtual tours before the coronavirus pandemic.

For example, Highgate previously gave virtual tours to older adults with mobility issues or family members who lived out of state and wanted to see the local community their parents were considering. 

Here are three common reasons to consider taking a virtual tour of the assisted living or memory care communities you’re interested in.

1. It’s convenient.

If your parent is considering moving to be closer to you or other family members, virtual tours allow them to scope out communities and start narrowing down their options without needing to travel.

2. More people can be involved.

Moving to assisted living or memory care is usually a big decision with a lot of people involved. While it might be difficult to have Mom, Dad, and the kids come in for a traditional on-site visit, virtual tours allow multiple decision-makers, including long-distance caregivers, to easily weigh in and provide support.

3. It’s safe.

Many senior living communities have closed their doors to outside visitors and are following strict quarantine protocols. However, the need for senior living hasn’t diminished. Virtual tours allow you to visit campus without coming within 6 feet of other people.

Also, if you or a loved one have trouble walking, a virtual tour allows you to comfortably explore the community.

Things to Consider Before You Schedule a Virtual Tour

Just like in-person tours vary from community to community, each senior living community is going to offer its own kind of virtual tour.

For example, some communities offer live virtual tours via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, or other video apps. Live virtual tours can be incredibly interactive, allowing you to see the community in real time and have live conversations with community team members.

Other communities might offer pre-recorded tours. These tours often feature interviews with staff and residents as well as video of the community, apartments, grounds, meals, and activities. The tour is typically shared via email or on the community’s website.

Some communities, like Highgate, offer both. No matter which type of virtual tour you’ll be going on, here are three things to consider:

1. Video requirements

When you sign up for a virtual tour, make sure you understand what type of virtual tour you’ll be going on. You might need to download a video app onto your phone or tablet to participate.

2. Scheduling constraints

When it comes to in-person tours, it’s commonly recommended that you pop in unannounced. Surprise visits are helpful because they allow you to see the community and the team members during their regular mode of operation. This isn’t an option for virtual visits, so schedule your virtual tour in advance and be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get your questions answered.

3. Questions and answers

You probably have a hundred important questions about each community you visit virtually, which is why it’s helpful to write down questions ahead of time. Senior living advisors and sales teams know this can be overwhelming and are prepared with answers, so make sure you have a place to take notes.

Questions to Ask on Your Virtual Senior Living Tour

Many of the questions you would ask an assisted living or memory care community on an in-person tour should be asked on a virtual tour. For example:

• What types of living options do you provide?
• Are residents allowed to customize their apartment?
• What sort of care options are available on-site if needed?
• What dining options are available, and are the hours flexible?
• What are some of the most popular resident activities?
• What’s available in terms of parking and transportation?
• Are pets welcome on campus?
• What does it cost to live here, and what’s included in the cost of rent?

With your physical experience of the community being limited, there are three additional questions you may want to ask during the virtual touring process.

1. Can you show me … ?

Pre-recorded tours are an excellent option and a good first step when it comes to researching senior living communities. However, a live virtual tour with a team member will give you an even better look at what the community is like on a day-to-day basis.

On a live virtual tour, you’ll be able to request to see specific things that are important to you. For example, if you like to garden, ask to see the outdoor space. If you’re curious about memory care, tell the tour guide and ask them to walk you through that side of the community.

Don’t hesitate to request specific views on your virtual tour.

2. Can I get a to-go meal?

Good food is an important part of a good life. For many seniors, a good meal isn’t just about the ingredients — it’s about the love that’s cooked into it. However, that can be hard to discern over the internet.

Some communities, like Highgate, offer prospective residents and their families ways to taste the food. Depending on the community, you might be able to get a meal to go and safely pick it up curbside. Other communities might deliver a meal prepared by their dining team.

Either way, how the food tastes at a senior living community is an important part of the decision-making process. Don’t hesitate to ask if it’s possible to give it a try.

3. Can I meet the Activities Director?

One of the biggest benefits of living in a senior living community is the opportunity to make new friends with similar interests.

Although current social distancing guidelines have changed the way some activities are conducted, the best senior living communities have found ways to make it easy for residents to stay connected, develop new hobbies or interests, and stay active.

If your parent is yearning for social connections and a sense of purpose, make sure you ask to meet the Activities Director (at Highgate, we call them Life Enhancement Specialists). Ask about how they are engaging residents while following social distancing protocol and what new creative programs they’ve started to keep up with the residents’ desires.

After the Tour

After your initial virtual tour, you and your family will have lots to think about. Maybe you’ll want to arrange a follow-up tour to see other parts of the community. Perhaps another family member would like more information about services and amenities. Your loved one might want to talk with a current resident to get their perspective.

This is an important decision, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Download our Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Facility checklist for more questions to help you compare communities and decide on the community that’s right for your loved one.