What Should Families Look for During an Assisted Living Tour?

Choosing senior living is a major decision, and pictures and websites can only tell you so much. For families considering assisted living in Ann Arbor, visiting a community in person can provide valuable insight into what daily life may actually look like for a loved one.

During a senior living tour, don't just focus on the apartment. Take time to explore the community, observe the atmosphere, meet the team and imagine your loved one living there.

Explore the Community

A tour gives you the opportunity to walk through common areas, dining spaces, activity rooms and outdoor areas. At Hillside Terrace Senior Living, families can explore 10 acres of gardens and walking paths, along with an enclosed courtyard and spaces for dining, recreation, fitness, rehabilitation, activities and social gatherings.

As you walk around, consider whether the environment feels comfortable and welcoming. Are residents spending time together? Do people seem engaged? Can you picture your loved one enjoying the space?

Look at Apartment Options 

You'll also have an opportunity to see available apartment styles and determine which layout best fits your loved one's needs. 

Our assisted living community offers 49 apartment homes with several floor plan options, including studios and larger apartments with kitchenette options.

Consider practical details such as bathroom accessibility, storage, furnishings, emergency response systems and housekeeping services. You can also ask what personal belongings residents are encouraged to bring.

Meet the People Behind the Community

A senior living community is about more than its building. The people who provide care and interact with residents every day are an important part of the experience.

We’re family-owned and operated with an emphasis on creating a family-oriented environment and providing personalized care.

During your tour, take the opportunity to meet team members and observe how they interact with residents. These interactions can tell you a lot about the community's atmosphere.

Read more on our website!

Imagine Your Loved One's Daily Life

Try to picture what an ordinary day could look like. Ask about activities, meals, outings and opportunities for socialization.

The right senior living community isn't necessarily the one with the most amenities. It's one where the available activities, services and environment align with your loved one's personality, interests and needs.

If you're exploring assisted living in Ann Arbor, a personal tour at Hillside Terrace can help you experience the community for yourself. Walk the grounds, explore the apartments, meet the team and ask questions about what life could look like for your loved one.

Make the Most of Fall in Ann Arbor

Autumn in Ann Arbor is filled with simple ways to enjoy the season. For seniors, fall outings don't have to be complicated or physically demanding to be memorable.

A peaceful afternoon exploring Matthaei Botanical Gardens, shopping in Kerrytown, or visiting the Ann Arbor Farmers Market can provide a change of scenery and an opportunity to spend time with loved ones. For those who prefer a more relaxing outing, a scenic drive through the countryside or along the Huron River offers beautiful views of the changing leaves without requiring a long walk.

When the weather turns chilly, local museums, cultural attractions, movies, and performances offer enjoyable ways to stay active and connected indoors.

We believe retirement should include opportunities to explore, socialize, and enjoy life. Residents can participate in community activities while remaining close to the restaurants, shops, parks, and attractions that make Ann Arbor special.

Read more on our website!

If your family is exploring assisted living in Ann Arbor, we provide a welcoming environment designed to support independence, connection, and an engaging lifestyle.

Senior-Friendly Fall Activities to Enjoy Around Ann Arbor

Fall is a beautiful time to explore Ann Arbor, with colorful foliage, cooler temperatures, seasonal treats, and plenty of local activities. For older adults, autumn offers opportunities to stay active and connected without planning an exhausting day.

From enjoying the fall colors at Matthaei Botanical Gardens to browsing the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, there are plenty of ways to experience the season at your own pace. Seniors can also take a scenic drive along the Huron River, enjoy lunch and shopping in Kerrytown, or spend a relaxing afternoon taking in the views at Gallup Park.

No Michigan fall would be complete without apple cider and donuts! A visit to a local cider mill or orchard is a simple way to enjoy a favorite seasonal tradition with family and friends.

Our residents have opportunities to stay active, social, and engaged throughout the year. Our convenient location makes it easy for residents and their families to enjoy the many attractions and seasonal activities around Ann Arbor.

Read more on our website!

For families considering assisted living in Ann Arbor, we offer a supportive environment where residents can maintain their independence while enjoying meaningful activities, social connections, and opportunities to make the most of every season.

Assisted Living Doesn't Mean Losing Independence

One of the biggest misconceptions about assisted living is that it means giving up independence. In reality, many older adults discover they’ve more freedom after making the move.

Without the stress of cooking, cleaning, home maintenance, transportation, or managing medications alone, residents can spend more time enjoying life, making new friends, and participating in activities they love.

Our goal is to provide just the right amount of support while encouraging residents to remain active, engaged, and independent.

If you've noticed changes in your loved one's health, mobility, memory, or daily routine, now is the perfect time to start planning—not waiting for a crisis. Read more about the signs it’s time to consider assisted living here.

Download our free Assisted Living Guide for helpful planning tips, then take our "Is It Time?" Quiz to see whether assisted living may be the right fit for your family.

5 Early Signs It May Be Time for Assisted Living in Ann Arbor

Many families assume they'll know exactly when it's time for assisted living—but the signs often appear gradually. Recognizing them early can help your loved one make the transition on their own terms rather than during a health crisis.

Here are five common signs to watch for:

1. Daily tasks like bathing, dressing, or preparing meals are becoming difficult.
2. Medications are being missed or taken incorrectly.
3. Falls or balance issues are becoming more frequent.
4. Meals are skipped, or nutrition is suffering.
5. Feelings of loneliness or social isolation are increasing.

Read more signs it’s time to consider assisted living here.

If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to begin exploring assisted living in Ann Arbor. Touring a community before an emergency arises gives your family more options and peace of mind.

Our residents receive personalized assistance while maintaining their independence through chef-prepared meals, engaging activities, medication management, housekeeping, and compassionate daily support.

Want to learn more? Download our free Assisted Living Guide and take our "Is It Time?" Quiz to better understand your loved one's current needs and determine whether assisted living may be the right next step.

Is Living at Home a Safe Option for Aging Adults

There are many older adults that still live independently in their home. This is the place they have spent most of their lives making memories. However, as they age, mobility, balance and health needs change. This can be cause for concern and is why families ask themselves if staying home is still a safe option for their loved one.

Aging in place may offer familiarity and comfort. The issue with aging in place is that the senior is surrounded by tripping hazards like stairs, bathrooms and furniture. Living at home means you have to keep up with home maintenance like yard work, in-house upkeep, and general cleaning. If  you or your loved one live alone, the big concern is that there won’t be anyone to help during an emergency. This kind of worry may make life uneasy for family members wanting their loved one to get the best care they deserve.

 

Communities offering assisted living in Ann Arbor are designed to help address these concerns. We offer features such as accessible living spaces, emergency response systems, licensed nurses, and assistance with daily activities. This can help families by giving them peace of mind while also allowing our residents to have their independence.

 

Read more on our website! 

 

We’re committed to providing quality service for assisted living in Ann Arbor. We value our residents as they enrich our community. We would love for you to schedule a tour and see what Hillside Terrace is all about.

Is Aging in Place Always the Most Affordable Option?

If you or a loved one is making the decision to stay at home or move to an assisted care facility, you might think the cheapest option is to stay home. This may be true for some people as they may not have as many needs as other seniors. However, the true cost of keeping a loved one at home can be more than just a mortgage payment or rent.

As an older adult’s care needs increase, so do expenses. These can include at-home care, transportation, home maintenance, lawn care, cooking and/or meal preparation. For seniors that can’t complete these tasks on their own, they would need help from family or friends. Unfortunately, not all friends or family members have flexible schedules. You may need to hire someone to help out. These expenses may not seem like a lot now, however down the road they could add up.

 

Our community provides many of these services including housing, meals, maintenance, activities and personalized support into one monthly cost. This is a great way to see your expenses for the long term. This can provide peace of mind and clarity to families as owning a home comes with unpredictable expenses.

 

Read more on our website! 

 

We understand that every family's situation is unique. If you're weighing the benefits of aging in place or assisted living in Ann Arbor services, we'd be happy to help you explore your options. Please contact us if you have any questions.