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7 Questions to Ask When Touring Assisted Living Communities

Posted on 
November 10, 2025

Touring an Assisted Living community is an important first step toward finding a safe, welcoming home for yourself or a loved one. Beyond evaluating physical amenities, you must assess the quality of care, comfort levels and community atmosphere. When you tour the elegant residences at Falcons Landing in Potomac Falls, Virginia, you have ample opportunities to ask these seven key questions to ensure our environment, team members and services align with everything on your Assisted Living checklist.

1. What Levels of Care Are Available If Needs Change?

One distinct advantage of choosing an Assisted Living community with a continuum of care is that it allows you or your loved one to age in place. As care needs evolve, the transition is smooth and doesn’t require leaving a familiar community. When touring, ask whether the campus accommodates a continuum of care, with seamless movement between levels of service, or if residents must move elsewhere when their care needs increase.

At Falcons Landing's award-winning campus, residents benefit from a comprehensive range of care options. Assisted Living options include the West Falls Center and The Johnson Center, while Hillside House provides specialized Memory Care. For those requiring more intensive support, Skilled Nursing services are also available on campus. Our continuum of care ensures you get the support you need as your needs change, so you won't need to leave the community you've come to call home.

2. What's Included in the Monthly Fee, and What Costs Extra?

It’s crucial to understand an Assisted Living community’s financial structure for long-term planning. During your tour, ask for a detailed breakdown of services included in the base monthly fee and which amenities or services carry additional charges. Inquire specifically about specialty services, such as rehabilitation therapy, salon services and massage therapy, as well as private experiences, including special events or outings.

A nationally and locally recognized Life Plan Community, Falcons Landing offers comprehensive baseline services in the monthly fee, which includes daily meals, housekeeping, utilities, social and wellness programming, security and health services. Our transparent pricing structure helps families budget effectively and avoid unexpected costs.

3. How Is Medication Managed, and What Healthcare Support Is Provided?

Healthcare support is a fundamental aspect of Assisted Living, so it's essential to understand how a community handles medication administration, manages medical emergencies and monitors residents' health in daily life. Ask about team members' qualifications, response protocols and the availability of healthcare professionals.

Falcons Landing provides peace of mind with licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants available 24/7 at the on-campus health center. These healthcare professionals offer medication management, skilled nursing services and short-term rehabilitation, ensuring residents receive appropriate care when needed.

4. What Social, Wellness and Enrichment Activities Are Offered?

An active, engaging lifestyle significantly contributes to overall well-being in Assisted Living. During your visit, request to see activity calendars, and ask how often events are held. Inquire whether residents can suggest new programs or help lead activities that align with their interests and expertise.

Falcons Landing offers an extensive array of programs designed to keep residents active and engaged. The community features guest speakers, musical events, organized trips and chapel services. It also has a fitness center, massage therapy, salon services and access to a comprehensive library with books and other media. These diverse offerings ensure there's something to match every resident's interests and background.

5. How Flexible Are Living Spaces and Personalization Options?

Your living space should feel like home, so ask about the flexibility to personalize your residence. Inquire about private versus shared spaces and policies regarding personal furniture and décor. To ensure safety, ask about emergency response systems and accessibility features. Understanding these options helps ensure your new home reflects your personality and meets your practical needs.

West Falls Center for Assisted Living at Falcons Landing offers spacious, unfurnished apartments that residents can personalize  with their furnishings to their heart's content. These thoughtfully designed spaces feature roomy layouts and beautiful views, providing the perfect environment for you to create a home that truly reflects your style and preferences.

6. What Are the Dining Services Like, and Are Meal Preferences Accommodated?

Dining is often a highlight of living in a senior community, so explore the meal services thoroughly. Ask how many meals are served daily, whether guests can join residents for meals and whether the culinary team can accommodate dietary restrictions or special preferences. Request to see the dining areas and, if possible, sample a meal during your visit.

At Falcons Landing, residents enjoy three chef-prepared meals served daily in elegant dining rooms and beautiful outdoor garden settings. Our dining program emphasizes comfort and flexibility and accommodates individual resident preferences to ensure every meal is nutritious and enjoyable. 

7. What Safety, Security and Transition Support Are in Place?

Security and safety should be top priorities in any Assisted Living community. Ask about emergency preparedness procedures, employee turnover rates, how new residents are welcomed into the community and how families are kept informed and involved in their loved ones’ care and daily life.

Falcons Landing prioritizes resident safety within our gated community with 24-hour security services. Our combination of gracious indoor and outdoor living spaces with attentive, caring team members creates an environment where residents and families enjoy complete peace of mind.

Making Your Assisted Living Decision With Confidence

The best Assisted Living choice balances practical needs with personal values, emphasizing comfort, quality care, a vibrant community and peace of mind. Falcons Landing offers an environment where all these elements converge, creating a community you or your loved one will enjoy calling home. 

By asking these seven insightful questions during your tour, you and your family can visit communities with clear intention and confidence. Bring your Assisted Living checklist on your next visit to ensure the community you choose truly meets your expectations and provides the lifestyle you deserve. 

At Falcons Landing, everyone is welcome to apply for Assisted Living services, making it an inclusive option for seniors seeking exceptional care in a respectful, military-friendly environment. Contact us at 703-404-5100 to schedule your tour and learn why our community continually ranks among the top continuing care retirement communities in the nation.

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