The Top 5 Amenities to Ask About When Shopping for Assisted Living

 Written by: Seniorly

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Edited by 

Chris Clark

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Updated on: December 1, 2025

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Choosing assisted living often feels like a significant transition, but it’s truly a step toward renewed independence, not a loss of it.

At its best, it’s a supportive community that provides the right balance of privacy and care. But beyond the basics of medication management and personal assistance, modern assisted living offers a suite of thoughtful amenities designed to enrich daily life.

Let’s explore the top five amenities that don’t just meet needs but enhance well-being, foster connection, and turn a residence into a vibrant home.

If an older adult is considering a move to assisted living, it’s essential to find a place that suits their personality and lifestyle. Seniorly shares tips about what today’s assisted living communities can offer. Find out about bringing a pet, access to technology, independent living, and more.

The Top Amenities to Ask About When Shopping for Assisted Living Communities

Today’s assisted living communities are more dynamic, accommodating, and high-tech than you realize. Read on to discover the top 5 things you never knew about assisted living.

1. Is the Assisted Living Community Pet Friendly?

Today’s assisted living experience is all about the resident. The psychological and emotional benefits of interacting with pets are widely recognized, and many communities are now incorporating pet therapy into their care programs and encouraging residents to bring their furry friends along.

Assisted living communities welcome pets of all types, including cats, dogs, birds, and fish! To learn more about a community’s pet policies, visit their website or call the front desk.

Hint: Make sure to ask about weight limits and breed restrictions for dogs.

2. Are there Options for More Independent Older Adults?

Despite being called assisted living, these communities are also geared toward active, independent residents who manage well on their own.

Often, residents move into assisted living when they’re younger, so they have access to the support and amenities they will need as they grow older. This is perfect for individuals who want to tailor their assisted living experience to their personal lifestyle and care needs.

Fitness programs, social gatherings, and local excursions are just a few of the options curated for more independent residents. Community staff ensure a constant stream of activities is available to residents each week.

3. What Types of Technology are Used to Connect Residents to the Outside World?

Assisted living communities are making great strides to include the residents’ families in daily life.

This includes virtual “trips” via webcams and other technology, during which residents can connect with loved ones for a face-to-face visit. This technology also enables residents to visit places they’ve never been before, such as national landmarks, museums, and faraway cities.

In today’s assisted living communities, technology is considered an exciting part of daily life that keeps residents engaged and happy.

4. Are the Assisted Living Community “Entrance Fees” Negotiable?

Also known as deposits, community entrance fees are not always set in stone. Once you have visited the community and decided it is the right fit for you, the on-site community director will likely reach out to discuss pricing.

Keep in mind that community entrance fees are negotiable. For example, some communities may be willing to lower or waive their fee if the move-in happens sooner rather than later.

Hint: Be sure to ask about negotiating this fee before you pay full price.

5. Does the Assisted Living Community Support Hospice Care?

The majority of assisted living communities are equipped to support residents with hospice or end-of-life care.

The type of hospice accommodations will depend on the resident’s specific medical needs and budget, and will generally be determined with the community before move-in.

Be prepared to talk to the community director about your loved one’s hospice needs, including whether they will be entering the community on hospice care or adding it later as their medical needs increase.

Final Thoughts About Assisted Living

When considering assisted living, remember that the right amenities do more than fill up a brochure; they directly support a happier, healthier, and more engaged lifestyle.

They are the building blocks of a community where your loved one can thrive, not just reside. It’s about finding a place that provides safety with dignity, care with compassion, and opportunities for joy every single day.

By focusing on these key offerings, you can find a community that truly feels like home, giving you both the peace of mind you deserve.

Recommended for you:

• 5 Things You Need to Know About Assisted Living
• Handy Checklist and Tips on How to Find a Good Assisted Living Facility
• What Seniors and Caregivers Must Know Before Signing Assisted Living Contracts

Guest contributor: Jacqueline Hatch is the Content Manager at Seniorly, a company that provides free resources for families in need of senior care services. Her goal is to produce educational articles for Seniorly’s Resource Center to help families navigate the complicated world of aging options. Discover more about the assisted living experience when you visit the online senior living marketplace at Seniorly.com.