You wouldn’t buy a car without first taking it for a test drive. And you shouldn’t move to a senior living community like St. James Place in Baton Rouge without first scheduling a tour. After all, strolling through the grounds is a great way to get a feel and flavor for where you want to begin the next chapter of your life. Plus, you’ll want to use this opportunity to meet the people of St. James Place—staff members and your potential new neighbors—so you can start making connections you’ll treasure for years to come.

Before you start exploring the campus, it’s a good idea to take along a list of questions to ask while you’re comparing home styles, amenities and dining options. Here are five important questions to ask during your visit and how the answers can make all the difference when it comes to a vibrant, healthy retirement.

1. Senior Living Apartments All Seem to Look the Same. What Choices Can You Offer Us?

You’ve likely spent years—even decades—making every space in your house a reflection of you. And now, you deserve a home that’s just as warm, personal and inviting. It’s a definite deal-breaker when a retirement community is lined with boring “cookie-cutter” homes that all look the same.

At St. James Place, our bright, spacious homes range from 619-square-foot one-bedroom apartments to 1,670-square-foot garden and patio homes complete with garages. All homes offer you the opportunity to create a living space that’s just your style. You can decorate your apartment or home to suit your personal tastes—including customized options like paint color, flooring, tile and even light remodeling. We can even connect you with the team at Cardinal Solutions, Louisiana’s top move managers, for some interior decorating pointers. Want to see how some of these enhancements can play out? Check out our resident home galleries and prepare to be dazzled.

But what if your health and care needs change? No worries. St. James Place is a Life Plan Community, so you’ll never have to worry about a disruptive off-campus move.

2. We Don’t Want to Sit and Watch the Grass Grow. What’s a Typical Day Like?

While you’re touring senior living communities, take note of how residents are spending their time. If more folks are watching television than engaging with their neighbors or pursuing their interests, then it’s best to run, not walk away.

At St. James Place, we like to say there’s no such thing as a “typical” day. With our on-campus activities, wellness programs and full calendar of events, you’ll never be at a loss for something to do. And since you won’t have to worry about housework and other chores, you’ll have plenty of time to do it!

For starters, the newly renovated St. James Place Square (affectionately known as The Square) is the heart of our community’s social scene. Its theater, game room and convocation room set the stage for all sorts of happenings like art shows, concerts and lectures. Insider tip: Our Expert Speaker Series is open to visitors and always draws a crowd with topics like ancient Egypt and forensic anthropology.

An abundance of on-campus activities is also part of the package, including art lessons, woodworking and even adult education classes through LSU. And you’ll always find a crowd hitting the gym, swimming laps or practicing tai chi in our state-of-the-art 5,000-square-foot fitness center.

But don’t take our word for it. Listen to St. James Place residents tell you in their own words what makes life here so incomparable.

3. So, How’s the Food?

Few things in life are better than savoring delicious, nutritious fare with a side order of great conversation. And when you’re exploring senior living communities, it’s a definite red flag if the food looks (and tastes) like something you’d find in the frozen section of a grocery store.

Folks who call St. James Place home love to spend mealtimes socializing and savoring mouth-watering dishes in a variety of settings, from casual to elegant. When the craving hits for some home-style cooking, they dine at Belle Fontaine. This casual, buffet-style restaurant overlooks a glorious fountain and features authentic Louisiana favorites like seafood gumbo, fried catfish with hushpuppies and a carrot soufflé that’s simply to die for. And the café in The Square is packed every day with people hungry for delicious pastries, healthy salads and hearty sandwiches.

For festive celebrations or a night out, residents indulge in chef-prepared delights our Duplantier restaurant, which offers a five-star dining experience with the service and company to match. And, of course, nobody wants to miss our wildly popular happy hour every day starting at 4 p.m. Engaging people of all backgrounds relish great food and drink while laughing, living it up and enjoying each other’s company during this lively time. And if you happen to be touring our campus during that time, stop by and take a seat. There’s always room for one more!

4. What If Our Healthcare Needs Change?

Questions about future healthcare needs almost always arise when folks tour our retirement community (or any community, for that matter). What if my family lives too far away to help us? Will we be a burden on our kids? What if healthcare costs go up?

An increasing number of seniors are finding the answers they seek at a Life Plan Community (also known as a continuing care retirement community or CCRC). Simply put, a Life Plan Community lets you access a complete continuum of care in one place.

As a Life Plan Community, St. James Place ensures long-term peace of mind for you and your family. Once you move here, you can seamlessly transition among independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care if situations change. You’ll receive the exact quality of care you need, with the advantage of predictable monthly costs.

5. I’ve Heard That Retirement Communities Are Expensive. What Are Your Fees Like?

Many people think that senior living communities are out of their reach. But when they review their current monthly expenditures and factor in costs like landscaping, utilities and home repairs, many discover that it’s actually less expensive to live in a Life Plan Community.

At St. James Place, portions of your entrance fee may be refundable, depending on the plan you choose. Monthly fees typically depend on your choice of residence and cover maintenance, grounds and facilities, as well as housekeeping, trash removal and access to our resort-style healthcare and fitness amenities. Bonus: no more worrying about real estate taxes and homeowners insurance!

What’s more, your Life Plan at St. James Place entitles you to all our levels of care. Our knowledgeable staff can help you select a contract option that takes into account where you are now and what care you might need down the road. Many find that it’s the greatest gift they can give to themselves and their families.

Still Have Questions or Want to Plan a Visit?

Touring a retirement community reveals a lot more than just the campus and lifestyle options you’ll enjoy. You’ll also get a feel for what life is actually like, including the people you’ll be sharing it with. So, be sure to think about what’s important to you and arrive prepared with the questions you need answered.

We can help! To learn more about St. James Place or to schedule a tour of Baton Rouge’s premier senior living community, call (225) 215-4510.

5 Key Questions You Should Ask When Touring a Senior Living Community