Dining, Amenities, Fitness

Dining Options, Meal Plans, Special Diet, and Menu

• What is the meal plan and how many meals are included in the monthly fee?
• Is there a fixed amount to be spent on food in any way a resident likes per month?
• Does it carry over if it is not spent or if someone is gone several months?
• Is the dining room attractive and inviting?
• Is it buffet style? Or cafeteria style only?
• Are there multiple restaurants? Do they all serve the same menu? What are the hours of operation?
• How often is the menu changed?
• Is takeout available? Room service? Cost for room service?
• Is there a bar? More than one?
• Does it have a full liquor license?
• Is alcohol served in all dining rooms? (Note: There are a few religious communities that do not serve alcohol in any dining rooms, although residents can have alcohol in their homes.)
• Do you include vegetarian options at every meal?
• Can you accommodate special diets (diabetic, vegetarian, gluten-free, low salt?)
• Is there a dress code for the dining rooms? Any dress requirements such as coat and tie for men?
• May guests come at any time? How are they charged? Can a resident use their dining account to pay for guest meals?
• How do you handle Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners? Is there a limit to how many family members can come?
• Is there a private dining room available for private parties? Any larger rooms for family celebrations? Is there a rental fee?
• Can outside catering be used for a private party? Do you offer catering services?

Amenities

• Is there a library? Does it include movies or audiobooks? Do you deliver to the living unit?
• Is there a wide variety of classes? Lectures and seminars? Ask to see an activity schedule and/or fitness class schedule.
• Are there many interest groups like book clubs, investment clubs, movie clubs, genealogy, bridge, chess (ask to see a list)?
• Is there a musical group of any kind?
• Is there a choir?
• Is there an auditorium or performance hall? Movie theater? How many people will it accommodate? What is the total population for
the community?
• Do local or university groups ever come and perform here?
• Is there a woodworking shop? May we tour it? Are tools shared? Can my dad bring his own wood or tools?
• Is there an artist studio? How large is it? Are there any drawing/painting classes?
• Is there a pottery studio? Does it have a kiln? Are there classes?
• Is there a hair salon or barbershop? Cost?
• Is there a public gardening area?
• Postal center?
• Gift or sundries shop? Ice cream shop?
• Other? (Some obscure hobby your mom is into, like tatting!)?

Fitness Center

• Is the fitness center sparkling clean and up to date?
• Is it staffed at all times and what are the hours of operation?
• What are the qualifications of the fitness staff? Do they have degrees in any of the exercise sciences? (Note: Can they safely oversee someone with balance, heart, or mobility issues?)
• Is there good-quality fitness equipment?
• Does staff assist members with a workout plan?
• Do they have a system in place to track performance?
• Is there a heated indoor or outdoor pool? (Note: Is the pool easy to get into and out of? Is there a ramp?)
• When is the pool open and is it large enough for laps? (Note: If your dad likes to swim at 6 am or 6 pm every day, they may not be open.)
• Any therapy pools (arthritis cold pools or hot pools)?
• Sauna or steam room?
• Lifeguard on duty?
• Do they offer Pilates, aerobics, water aerobics, yoga, chair yoga, Tai Chi, balance classes, etc.? How often? (Ask for class schedule.)
• Can residents use the gym anytime they want to?
• Are massages available? Cost?
• Can a resident hire a personal trainer?