October 17, 2025
Transitioning to a Life Plan community is an exciting process but one that requires careful planning and consideration. Choosing the right senior living community is an important step. This decision goes well beyond selecting a place to live. It’s about securing long-term peace of mind.
Our team at Royal Oaks encourages families to carefully explore their options by asking thoughtful questions to fully understand the values, services and lifestyle a life plan community provides. The answers to these questions offer the insights you need to make an informed decision about your current and future senior living plans.
This guide highlights 10 key questions to ask when considering your options.
Not all senior living communities provide the same level of care. For instance, some communities only offer Assisted Living, while others specialize in Memory Care. Understanding your current needs can help you determine what level of care you require. However, you may have to search for a new community as your care needs advance over time.
You can avoid this issue by choosing a life plan community. These communities offer all levels of care, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Supported Living. This means you can stay within the same community even if your care needs increase significantly as you age.
A prime factor for many seniors is the financial cost of senior care. You likely want to know how much everything costs. Be sure to request specific information about costs and what services and amenities are included in these fees.
These costs can increase over time based on your level of care. Life plan communities lock in your care costs, which reduces the risk of your fees increasing significantly as your care needs rise.
Ask if the community offers personalized care plans to meet your unique needs. Discuss who develops these care plans, whether family members can have input and how often they are updated. This can give you peace of mind knowing that all your needs will be met today and as you age.
A common benefit of transitioning to a life plan community is easy access to health and fitness services and activities. However, not all communities offer the same level of amenities. During your tour, ask about the community’s on-site wellness services, preventative care options and fitness opportunities.
For instance, at Royal Oaks, we focus on the 7 Dimensions of Well-Being, including physical, emotional, environmental, vocational, intellectual, social and spiritual. Through a variety of on-site activities, educational resources and available amenities, residents have the tools available to promote overall wellness.
It’s crucial that you feel safe and secure in any life plan community you select. Be sure to tour any community you’re considering. Ask plenty of questions about its safety and security measures, such as:
Ask about the various floor plans available. If possible, take the time to tour the community, including some of the residences. Also, ask what type of belongings you can bring with you and if you can customize the space.
Finally, ask about the community’s accessibility features, such as handrails, grab bars, ramps and appropriate lighting. Even if these features are not a necessity now, they may be in the future.
Another great benefit of senior living is dining with other residents. Ask about the community’s dining options and if meals are included in the monthly fee or if you must purchase a dining plan.
If you’re touring the community, ask to see the various on-site dining venues, such as its casual cafe, fine dining room and special event dining spaces. View a sample menu from each venue, and make sure the chef can accommodate any dietary needs. Also, find out how the community serves meals. For instance, does it offer restaurant-style or family-style dining, or can you dine in your room?
As an older adult, you want to focus on your physical and mental well-being. In addition to asking about health and wellness, make sure the community offers plenty of enrichment opportunities and the ability to socialize with other residents.
During the consideration stage, ask plenty of questions about the types and frequency of activities available. For example, does it organize interest clubs, provide lifelong learning programs or offer opportunities for volunteering?
Knowing that your friends and family members can visit your Life Plan community can help to ease any uncertainties you’re feeling. Learn more about how the community prioritizes these relationships. For example, how does it communicate with your family members, and what are the community's visiting policies and hours?
Also, inquire about special events the community hosts. For instance, does it hold special family or community events throughout the year, plan family education seminars or organize support groups for family members and residents?
If you want to know what makes the community special, ask them. The answer to this question can help you learn more about the community’s values, mission and commitment to its residents. If possible, speak with some of the current residents and family members about their experiences.
Life plan planning isn’t only about meeting your current needs. It’s also about preparing for the future. The right community allows you to enjoy a vibrant lifestyle today while still providing peace of mind for the future. At Royal Oaks, retirement means security, connections and confidence for the future.
Learn more about our community and everything it has to offer. Call (623) 208-6621 to schedule a tour or meet with our Residency Counselor today to find out if Royal Oaks is the right fit for you.
