What if there was a way to experience life in a senior living community before making a commitment? Good news—there is! Many independent living senior communities, including The Lafayette, a Redeemer Senior Living community, offer a guest stay that allows prospective residents a chance to “try the community on for size” and see if it fits their lifestyle and needs.

What Is a Senior Living Guest Stay?

A guest stay is a temporary visit to a senior living community where you can experience firsthand what life is like. This short-term arrangement gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the community’s amenities, meet residents and staff, and get a real sense of daily life there.

The experience is designed to be stress-free and comes with no long-term commitment. It’s a practical way to explore your options and make an informed, confident decision about your future home.

Making the Most of Your Senior Living Guest Stay

A guest stay is the perfect chance to explore everything a senior living community can offer. To gain a clear picture of what life could be like, make the most of all opportunities during your visit.

Explore Amenities and Activities

Senior living communities often offer a range of amenities and activities to encourage a vibrant, active lifestyle. During your guest stay, try to:

Enjoy meals in the dining areas to sample menu options.
Take a walk through the grounds, gardens, or trails.
Explore the fitness or wellness centers.
Attend community activities such as exercise classes, book clubs, or special events.

Connect with the Residents

The people who live in the community play a major role in shaping the daily atmosphere. Use your guest stay to meet current residents, join them for meals, and participate in group activities to get genuine insights into the social environment.

Observe the Quality of Care and Staff

Notice how staff interact with residents—are they friendly, attentive, and professional? Take this time to ask about the amenities and services the community offers to ensure your needs can be met now and in the future.

Picture Your Day-to-Day Life

As you explore, imagine yourself living in the community. Does it feel comfortable and welcoming? Do the programs and layouts fit your vision of an ideal retirement? Use this opportunity to envision your potential routine.

A Checklist for Your Guest Stay

To fully benefit from your guest stay, keep this checklist of key questions and observations in mind.

Questions to Ask Staff:

Are services like housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance included?
How are meals managed? Are there flexible dining options?
What activities and events take place regularly?
What medical services or emergency procedures are on-site?

Things to Pay Attention To:

Cleanliness: Are shared and private spaces tidy and well-maintained?
Atmosphere: Does the community feel inviting and lively?
Safety: Are there features like handrails and wide hallways for mobility?

Topics to Discuss with Residents:‍

How do you spend your day here?
What do you enjoy most about life in this community?
Were there any surprises after moving in—good or bad?

Reflection Questions for Yourself:

Did I feel comfortable and at ease during my guest stay?
Could I see myself enjoying life here over the long term?
Does this community meet my needs for now and the future?

Experience Life at The Lafayette with a Guest Stay

A guest stay at The Lafayette is more than a short-term visit—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in our vibrant community and make a well-informed decision about your next chapter. During your stay, you’ll have the chance to ask questions, join engaging activities, and reflect on everything our community has to offer.

Our guest stays require a minimum commitment of one week in a fully furnished, one-bedroom independent living apartment. The cost of your stay includes restaurant-style dining, community activities and entertainment, plus much more. To learn more, contact our sales team at 215-214-2877. We look forward to welcoming you!

About the Lafayette
Set in an incomparable location surrounded by the beauty of Pennypack Park, The Lafayette offers vibrant senior living in Philadelphia. Residents savor beautiful vistas every season and enjoy the very best in independent living, from stylish, maintenance-free apartments to a welcoming, active lifestyle. Here, you can embrace the freedom to live life your way, supported by friendly services and amenities that simplify each day and make life more enjoyable. And if you ever need a little extra help with day-to-day tasks, additional caring support is accessible, giving you and your family peace of mind. For more information visit redeemerseniorliving.org/independent-living