How to Tell if a Senior Living Community Is Actually Good (Hint: Ask the People Who Live There)

Summary

Holiday residents enjoy life so much that they’re encouraging friends to move in too – the strongest sign a senior living community is thriving. Keep reading to see what makes this place so special.

Nancy and Phil are so happy with their new home at Holiday Peninsula in Gig Harbor, Washington that they’ve become cheerleaders for life at Holiday. They’re telling everyone – neighbors, church friends, you name it – how great life is at their senior living community.

The best part? The people around them are listening – and moving in.

When residents are excited enough to bring their friends along, it’s a clear sign a community is doing something right.

So what is independent living, anyway?

Independent living is designed for older adults who want to keep living life on their own terms – without all the chores and stress that come with owning a house.

It’s kind of like moving into a maintenance-free apartment that comes with friends and optional care if you ever need it. Most people choose independent living because they want:

• Their own private space
• No yard work or home repairs
• Fun social activities to do when they feel like it
• Help or support available later if life changes

Basically: freedom, but with backup.

The “friend effect” is real

At Holiday Peninsula, General Manager Nancy Rosas and Community Sales Manager Lora Morford have watched something amazing happen: Resident referrals jumped 50% in just one month – and more keep rolling in. Why? Because people are happy, and happy people talk.

Here’s what happens:

• Someone moves in and loves it
• They tell a friend or two
• Those friends move in…and tell their friends

Before you know it, you’ve got a whole network of neighbors who are already connected. It’s like a happiness chain reaction.

How to spot a senior living community residents really like

If you’re touring or Googling your options, these are the things to look for.

1. Residents tell their friends

Ask the staff:

• Do you have a resident referral program? And if they do…
• Have you had any referrals lately?

At Holiday, when a resident refers someone who moves in, both the resident and their friend receive $1,000.* And there’s no limit – residents can earn that $1,000 bonus for every friend they successfully refer. But according to Rosas, most people say the money isn’t what motivates them – they just want the people they care about to enjoy life at the community. “It all really comes down to how much the residents enjoy it here,” she explains.

2. There’s an actual sense of community

It’s not about just having a packed things-to-do calendar. Look for activities and events that people actually show up for, such as:

• Live music, game nights and card groups
• Outings to local events like baseball games or karaoke
• “Friendship Fridays” or other casual social hangouts

If it feels fun and easy to join in, you’re probably in the right place.

3. The staff treats you like a person

Ask residents about the team that runs the community. At Holiday Peninsula, people constantly compliment how kind and helpful the staff are. Nancy Rosas came from the hospitality world, and Lora Morford makes sure every family feels heard. As Lora puts it, “Residents know that if they refer someone, we’re going to do the same thing for them.”

Questions to ask before you choose

When you’re looking around, try asking:

• What do current residents like most about living here?
• How often do people refer their friends?
• Are there any resident stories you can share?
• How do you help people stay social and connected?
• What kind of support is available if someone’s needs change?

If the answers sound scripted or vague, that might be a red flag. But if they light up and start telling you stories? That’s a good sign.

What makes a senior living community really worth it?

These are the things that actually matter every day:

• Clear, fair pricing
• Food that feels like home
• Events and activities that bring people together
• A team that actually knows your name
• A location that makes life easier (near family, doctors and shopping)
• Support that’s there if or when you need it

Those are the things that make people want to stay – and invite their friends to come too.

Real talk from real residents

People like Gary and Marge didn’t move to Holiday Peninsula because of an ad. They moved in after hearing good things from people they trust. Now? They’re the ones spreading the word.

That kind of recommendation isn’t just helpful – that’s the best endorsement you can get.

Bottom line

If you’re starting to explore independent living options, pay attention to what residents are saying and whether people are happy enough to bring their friends.

Because when residents still have good things to say about their community long after move-in day? That tells you everything you need to know.

Find independent living communities where residents refer their friends

Let’s chat about Holiday by Atria locations near you – and why people love living there enough to spread the word.

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