If you are researching assisted living for yourself, a parent or senior loved one, the single most important step of that research is to visit a senior living community.
No amount of viewing floor plans, photos or reviews can substitute for an in-person visit to an assisted living community.
Reasons to Tour Assisted Living Communities During the Holidays
Even if you’re not sure if a senior living community is in your near future, it’s prudent to see the communities in your area in case an unexpected need arises.
The winter holiday season is one of the best times to visit a local assisted living community.
Here are five reasons why:
1. The atmosphere.
Senior living communities always strive to foster a welcoming atmosphere, but during the holidays, adorned with holiday decorations and lights, the ambiance of senior communities is particularly inviting. From residents and staff with extra cheer to the smell of fresh pine from the Christmas tree, senior living communities shine bright during the holidays.
2. The family is together.
For many families, the holidays are one of the only times of the year that adult children are together with their aging parents for an extended period of time. This makes the holidays an optimal period for many families to visit assisted living communities. It allows seniors and their loved ones to visit the community together so that the whole family can assess the compatibility of the community rather than just one family member.
3. The perfect time for seniors to visit.
Visiting a senior community for a holiday activity or event can be a good introduction to senior living, especially for seniors who may be somewhat leery of the idea of moving to a senior community. Since holiday events are centered around children, family, fellowship and food, our loved ones are less likely to feel pressured or singled out when they visit during this time.
4. There are holiday specials.
If you are beyond the research phase and nearing the point when you need to choose an assisted living community, you may be pleased to hear many senior communities offer special incentives to new residents who move-in during December. These incentives can include concessions such discounted rent, a free month of rent or rent freezes.
5. There are plenty of activities.
Senior living communities provide an abundance of holiday-related activities such as classical Christmas tree lightings, holiday music by visiting performers, holiday socials and holiday-themed crafting classes.
For example, Sunrise Senior Living at River Road in Tucson, Arizona starts decorating the day after Thanksgiving and plans activities through the new year.
“We do a tree lighting during the first week where we invite all of the family members, residents and team members, then the Executive Director lights the tree and places the angel on top,” shares Director of Sales, Shelley Harris. “We also light the Menorah on the first day of Hanukkah, and do a nightly prayer and lighting. Then, on New Year’s Eve we host a Masquerade open house and toasting the new year together. Families, friends, professionals and residents all a part of this fun evening featuring board games, champagne, hors d’oeuvres and sparkling cider.”
Ways to Set Up a Tour
If you are interested in setting up a tour at an assisted living community, give us a call at: (866) 567-2055. We’ll connect you with a Senior Living Advisor who can help you identify appropriate local communities and handle all the work that goes into arranging your visit.
What has your experience been like visiting assisted living communities during the holidays? Which holiday events did you attend? We’d like to hear your stories in the comments below.
