Blog

Senior Living Tour

By Christine Hall

Tacoma and Gig Harbor

Compare the possibilities at eight senior communities in March

Are you thinking about moving into a retirement community but just don’t know where to start looking or even what questions to ask?  Or, are you envisioning your Grandma’s retirement community when thinking about needing more care?  If so, then the Senior Living Community Tour might be just the thing for you.  Even if you are several years away from moving, communities are so full these days, it’s time to get on the wait list.

For the past decade this tour has been hosted twice a year to rave reviews.  It’s purely educational, and most people on the tour have never stepped foot in a senior living community.  Each tour is very informative, and all attendees walk away having learned a lot about living in a retirement community including price, services, seeing apartments and tasting wonderful food at each community.

The tours are split into two days.  You can take one or both of the tours.  You MUST RSVP by March 11 to attend.

Tour Dates

Wednesday, March 13

Life Plan CCRC’s/Not For Profits

Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing

• Franke Tobey Jones
• Eliseo
• Heron’s Key

 Call Carole Velez to RSVP at 253-320-4216

Or email cvelez@franketobeyjones.com

Wednesday, March 20

For Profit Communities

Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care

• Cogir at the Narrows
• GenCare Point Ruston
• Merrill Gardens Tacoma
• Merrill Gardens Wright Park
• Weatherly Inn

Call Linda Lee to RSVP at 253-460-5851

Or email lindal@merrillgardens.com

The Program for the Day:

9:45am

• Start at your designated community (You MUST RSVP to attend)
• Hear a short presentation about Senior Living Communities and about the day’s activities.
• Tour that community.

11:00am to 3:00pm

• Get aboard the community van or drive in your own car and go to the next community.
• Each van will have a representative from that community on the van to answer questions.
• Each van will stop at all locations on the tour, or drive yourself and visit the communities you choose.
• Tour ends. We’ll get you back to your starting community!

The vans fill up very fast, so please RSVP to reserve a seat on one of the community vans.  Or, if you’d like to drive yourself, please still RSVP so the organizers will have a good head count for food, brochures, and so on. Compare the possibilities at each community. To be on one of the vans you must RSVP by March 11.

 The Tours will answer these questions and more:

• What is the monthly rent and what does it cover?
• Is your community pet friendly?  Does it cost more to have a pet?
• Is there a waiting list?
• What is a “buy-in” and is there one?
• What is the difference between assisted living and memory care?  Or memory care and skilled nursing?
• What is the highest level of care that you offer?
• Do you offer therapy?  If so, what kinds?
• What happens if my spouse needs memory care and I don’t?  Can we still live in your community?
• What happens to my apartment if I need to go to skilled nursing or rehab for a period of time?

There is lots of walking on the tour, so make sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

Hope to see you there!