Are you thinking about moving into a retirement community but don’t know where to start or what questions to ask? Or are you envisioning your grandma’s retirement community when thinking about needing more care? Then the Tacoma Senior Living Community Tour – covering five communities on Aug. 22 — might be just the thing for you.

“For the past four years we have been hosting the tour twice a year (February and August), and every time all our vans are filled to capacity,” said Christine Hall-Werner, senior director of marketing and public relations at Franke Tobey Jones. “Each tour has been very informative, and all attendees walk away having learned a lot about living in a retirement community. It’s a fun way to get a lot of information in one day.”

Tour participants can ride in vans or drive their own cars to visit Franke Tobey Jones, Merrill Gardens, Narrows Glen, Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community, and The Weatherly Inn to see what each has to offer. 

The tour will be hosted on Aug. 22 from 9:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The schedule includes:

• 9:45 a.m. Start at one of the five communities. Hear a short presentation about senior living communities and the day’s activities. Tour that community.
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ride the community van or drive your own car to the next community. Each van will have a representative from that community to answer questions. Each van will stop at all five locations, or drive yourself and visit the communities you choose.

Tour participants can get answers to questions such as: What is the monthly rent and what does it cover? Is a community pet-friendly, and 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 offered? Do you offer therapy, and 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?

At each community, participants will see the common areas, walk through a couple apartments, and try the food. Attendees will be able to compare apartments and pricing and ask as many questions as they want in a friendly, relaxed environment. 

“It’s very helpful for seniors to see, taste and smell each community firsthand,” said Andrea Natalizio, admissions coordinator at Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community. “They walk away at the end of the day with a totally different perspective than what they started with.”

To RSVP, reserve a seat on a van, or get more information, call 253-756-7562 by Aug. 20^.