Beyond the standard tour questions, solo agers benefit from asking a few additional, pointed questions.
Questions worth asking directly
- Who becomes my point of contact for medical or billing issues, given I don't have family doing this for me?
- What happens if my care needs increase beyond this level — is there a clear transition process?
- What's the actual social culture like, not just the amenities list?
Ask to speak with a current resident directly, without staff present, for a more candid perspective.
Questions That Matter for LGBTQ+ Residents
For LGBTQ+ solo agers, a community's genuine culture matters as much as its amenities. These questions go beyond what's printed in a brochure.
- Does the community have a written nondiscrimination policy, and does it explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identity — ask to see the actual document rather than accepting a verbal assurance.
- What does ongoing staff training on LGBTQ+ cultural competency look like, and who receives it — just administrators, or direct care staff too?
- How are roommate assignments handled for same-sex couples or unmarried long-term partners, and is there a clear, respectful process if a couple wants to share a room?
- Is there any known reputation, positive or negative, among LGBTQ+ residents or their families — worth checking through recent reviews or a local LGBTQ+ elder advocacy organization.
SAGE (Services and Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Elders, sageusa.org) is a well-established national resource and, in many areas, maintains directories of LGBTQ+-welcoming senior housing that can help narrow your search before you tour.