Questions to Ask in Your Search for Senior Living: Resource Guide for Active Seniors
Resource Guide for Active Seniors

Looking for the right senior living community can be a daunting process. And with so many options available, it can be difficult to tell which option best fits your unique wants and needs.

Doing thorough research and in-person tours are valuable tools that give you a better feel for a community and help you envision life as a resident, but knowing which questions to ask can be just as important.

Asking the right questions will help you prioritize your needs when researching senior living options and make your next move with confidence. Here are questions you may want to ask on your next senior living tour.

What amenities, services, and support does the community offer?

Does the community offer rides to and from doctor appointments? And what will parking be like for you as a resident and your guests? Is there a hair salon nearby?

When touring a senior living community, it’s important to design your questions around how you live life. Having a full range of amenities at your fingertips will make life easier, giving you the freedom to focus on enjoying life.

The Gatesworth offers a wide variety of amenities. Continental breakfast, weekly housekeeping, scheduled transportation, in-house cable TV, concierge delivery services, valet parking, and specialized fitness facilities at no extra charge, reserved heated/cooled parking, and award-winning cuisine are also popular among current residents. Residents are able to create the life they want to live, down to the smallest detail; the choice is always theirs.

What floor plans are available?

What kind of personal touches can I add to my apartment, and can I customize my unit before moving in? Is there space for me to have friends over for lunch or host overnight guests? Having the space to do what you want is essential.

The Gatesworth community features beautifully appointed one- and two-bedroom apartments, giving you the space and flexibility needed to live a full, vibrant life. Residents are encouraged to put their personal touch on their new homes.

What relocation services are available to me when I’m ready to move?

Premier communities will offer specialized support to reduce the stress that comes with moving and to help your new apartment feel like home.

Our move-in coordinator assists with scheduling your move, along with choosing and arranging furniture and anything else that’s needed to help you feel truly settled from the moment you walk in your front door.

Is this a rental or investment community?

What information can you give me about living costs and any additional expenses?

Not all pricing structures are created equally, so it’s important to understand the full financial picture when deciding whether a community will work for you.

At The Gatesworth, financial freedom is an important aspect of the active senior lifestyle. Our community is a rental community, which means you are free to keep, spend, and invest your money as you see fit. You are not at risk for the future financial success of our community.

Do you currently have a waitlist for future residents?

If so, how long is it and when might you have available space?

Senior living communities that offer more amenities and service options tend to be more popular, and with that can come waitlists. Knowing how a community’s waitlist typically works will help you in timing your move.

The Gatesworth is always delighted to welcome new residents and continue growing our community. However, it’s best to inquire with our staff to see when a particular apartment-style, or other specific opportunities, may be available to you.

How long has this community been around?

A long history of excellence and stability is one of the greatest testaments to a community’s commitment to their residents and a sign that they’ll continue following through on their promises.

For decades, we have provided an unmatched depth and quality of service that make Forbes Magazine, Ladue News, and other renowned publications name The Gatesworth as one of the Best Retirement Communities in America. But it’s our residents, and their enjoyment of life, that’s our greatest show of success.

Can you introduce me to some of your current residents?

Chatting with those who currently live in the community will give you unfiltered testimonials and immeasurable insight. Speaking with residents about their favorite parts of community life will help you determine if it’s as good as it looks from the outside.

At The Gatesworth, we’re delighted for you to meet our residents who may one day be your neighbors!

Is this a CCRC community?

While independent living may be the right choice for you now, your need for support will inevitably change with age. You may eventually need more advanced care services such as assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing. It’s important to know how a community is prepared to help you through these life transitions.

The Gatesworth is a trusted Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in St. Louis. Support for residents extends far beyond our independent living community for active seniors. Through our family of communities, we offer current and future residents the full continuum of care, including assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.

Who will I interact with on a daily basis?

How long have staff members been with the community? What kind of experience and training do they have? Who will I talk to if I have a question or need help with something in my apartment?

The people who work within a senior living community can have just as much impact on your experience as the amenities it offers. Ask about staff experience, the hiring process, staff training, management roles, and how available team members are throughout the day. It can also be helpful to learn whether services such as maintenance are handled by an in-house maintenance team or outside providers.

At The Gatesworth, personalized service has always been at the heart of community life. From our concierge and dining teams to housekeeping, maintenance, fitness, and other staff members, residents have people nearby who get to know their preferences and are ready to make everyday life a little easier.

What happens if I need more support in the future?

Does the community offer personalized care if my needs change? Are caregivers available? How are care plans developed, and can my family be involved in conversations about future support?

Even if you are completely independent today, it is worth asking these questions before choosing a community. Understanding what happens when needs change can give both you and your family greater confidence in your decision.

The Gatesworth is part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), providing access to additional support through our family of communities. Residents have access to assisted living, dementia care, and skilled nursing if greater support becomes necessary. Our Personal Care team can also provide additional assistance to residents of The Gatesworth while helping them maintain the independence they value.

What is the dining experience like?

How many dining venues are available? Is there both formal and casual/bistro dining? Can meals be delivered to my apartment? How does the culinary team accommodate specific dietary needs?

Dining is part of everyday life, so don’t base your decision on a single meal during your tour. Ask to see menus, visit the dining room, explore the community’s multiple dining options, and learn how much flexibility residents have when deciding where and when to eat.

Dining at The Gatesworth is centered on choice, quality cuisine, and hospitality. Our on-site dining services give residents a variety of dining venues and menu options, whether they’re meeting friends for dinner, stopping in for something casual, or enjoying a meal in the comfort of their apartment. Our culinary team can also work with residents who have specific dietary needs so that nutrition and enjoyment can remain part of every dining experience.

How does the community help residents stay socially connected?

How easy is it to meet people? What activities and special programs are offered? Are residents encouraged to pursue their existing interests as well as try something new?

Socialization can have an enormous influence on how much you enjoy your new home. Moving to a senior living community can actually open the door to more social interactions, from meeting someone for dinner to attending a lecture, fitness class, performance, or community event. When touring, pay attention to whether residents are spending time together and whether there are natural opportunities for building friendships.

The Gatesworth offers a full calendar of cultural, educational, fitness, wellness, and social programs, but participation is always a choice. Residents can be as active as they would like while enjoying plenty of opportunities to meet neighbors and build meaningful connections.

How easy is it for family and friends to visit?

Are there restrictions on visitation from family and friends? Can I invite guests for dinner or have family stay with me? Are there comfortable places where we can spend time together?

Maintaining existing relationships is just as important as making new ones. Ask about community policies for welcoming guests and consider whether the location will make it convenient for the people who matter most to you to visit regularly.

At The Gatesworth, family and friends remain an important part of residents’ lives. Spacious apartment homes, inviting gathering areas, dining options, and a convenient St. Louis location make it easy to continue sharing meals, celebrations, and everyday moments with the people you love.

What safety measures does the community have in place?

How does the community handle emergencies? What measures are in place to prevent an injury or respond to an illness? How does the environment accommodate residents with changing mobility?

These are important safety questions to ask even when you’re searching for an independent senior living community. Look beyond appearances and ask about security, emergency procedures, environmental safety, cleanliness, and how the community supports resident wellness.

At The Gatesworth, residents enjoy the independence and privacy of their own apartment along with the reassurance of 24-hour security, an emergency response system, and Daily Call Assurance. Our community is designed to provide a comfortable environment where residents can continue living independently with added peace of mind.

How does the community maintain its buildings and grounds?

Who is responsible for repairs? How quickly are maintenance concerns addressed? What safety standards and procedures are followed throughout the property?

One of the great advantages of moving to a retirement community is leaving many of the responsibilities of homeownership behind. During your tour, look at the cleanliness and condition of apartments, common areas, dining spaces, and outdoor areas. A well-maintained environment can tell you a great deal about how a community is managed.

At The Gatesworth, our maintenance team takes care of the everyday responsibilities that come with maintaining a home and community. That means residents can spend less time worrying about repairs and upkeep and more time enjoying everything their retirement has to offer.

Contact The Gatesworth

We are here to support you in any way possible as you search for a senior living community. Our staff is readily available to answer any questions you may have about our community, and we will help you explore the endless possibilities that life at The Gatesworth offers.

We are excited to announce that The Gatesworth community is growing, and we’re welcoming new residents! To learn more about life at The Gatesworth, call us at (314) 993-0111 to schedule a personal visit.