The Senior Living Search: Coterie’s Guide to Reading Online Reviews (Part 1 of 2)

It is an undertaking that demands time, organization, and no small amount of patience as one navigates each stage of their search. From doing online research and making phone calls to securing appointments for in-person tours, the experience is a veritable journey of discovery — often marked by uncertainty and careful consideration.

One method of evaluating a senior living community’s strengths or weaknesses is to read online reviews, which can provide valuable perspectives from those who have already navigated this path. These testimonials can help you gain an understanding of a community's reputation, as well as the overall satisfaction of its residents and their families.

Naturally, Coterie has garnered high praise from residents, family members, and other visitors. But even if you’re not in the market for a luxury senior living community, this piece can still serve as a guide on your search… starting with the tour.

The Tour

The first impression is always an important one, and that initial community visit enables a visitor to not just explore the physical spaces, but also get a firsthand feel for the atmosphere. From observing resident interactions and evaluating amenities to sampling a meal in the community restaurant, experiencing a community firsthand is the best way to make an informed decision.

Many reviewers will naturally recount their tours, and reputable senior living communities will score big marks on this crucial first encounter. Be sure to take note of communities that clearly go the extra mile to make new visitors feel welcome.

Jade D. from California visited Coterie and recounted, “Check-in was a breeze. Within minutes the General Manager stopped by to say hello and took the time to get to know my family. This was important, especially for Mom who is looking for her next home. 5 stars right there.”

Another visitor, Marcy P., was also impressed with the strong connection she felt with members of the community. “It was my interaction with the people that made the most impact. From the genuine care and connection I felt with the salesperson who took time to really understand and address my concerns, to the friendly interactions I had with residents and staff members, Coterie is the only community that I can really see myself moving to when I am ready.”

The Move-In Process

It’s a fact that moving to a new home is a complex and emotionally challenging process.

Sorting and packing belongings, hiring movers, filing paperwork, and setting up a new household takes a great deal of coordination, and how a move is executed can leave a lasting impression on how a resident feels about their new home. Key to a successful transition is a community staff that is welcoming, supportive, and extremely well-organized.

Look for positive remarks about the quality of a community’s move-in support. For example, Mona L.’s review of Coterie Cathedral Hill recognized how the Sales Director and team skillfully navigated the complex process. “A move involves a daunting amount of paperwork, logistics, and assessment. (The Sales Director) does it with compassion, care, and efficiency. Kudos to the entire team at Coterie as they assist clients in making a smooth and seamless transition to their beautiful community.”

Resident Jim M. made it a point to highlight how Coterie’s moving day support and traditions made him feel. “My favorite day at Coterie was move-in day. Some things had to be done earlier, like moving in furniture and setting up internet service. Coordinating all of that was made very easy. When the doors parted, there was a giant gold ribbon, a giant pair of scissors, a Dixieland jazz band, and the entire staff, all holding glasses of champagne. I was overwhelmed.”

The Amenities

Whether you’re looking for a quiet, well-lit reading room, a lively piano lounge, or a bustling art studio, a quality senior living community will offer a diverse mix of inviting, well-designed amenities to enjoy.

Amenities play a central role in a community’s culture. Common spaces such as game rooms and restaurants enable residents to come together and socialize, while fitness centers, classrooms, and pools help them pursue wellness. Because a community’s amenities are so vital, reviewers rarely pass up the chance to mention them.

Donna G. from California wrote, “When you walk in you feel like you are entering a luxury hotel. The lobby and living rooms nearby are all completed with designer finishes. An activity room (overlooks) Van Ness with massive windows to see the hustle and bustle of the city. There are three restaurants on the main floor – a bistro concept, a lounge, and a formal restaurant. I’ve been living in a luxury condo building and I’ll say the amenities at Coterie are much superior.”

Jon J. from San Francisco also provided a glowing review of Coterie’s amenities. “On my tour, I saw the beautiful rooftop garden and pool, onsite salon, two restaurants, and a lounge bar. Plus, they have room service!”

The Residences

Perhaps the most intently discussed topic of online reviews is a community’s private residences. Today’s senior apartments have undoubtedly evolved to meet the high expectations of older adults.

Many feature modern finishes and beautiful views, and offer a range of features specially designed to meet the needs of residents – from wider doorways and non-slip flooring to life-enhancing technologies like smart home assistants and emergency response systems.

Residents and family members have weighed in on Coterie’s residences with overwhelmingly positive feedback. “By the looks of it, my aunt is truly at home. Her apartment is beautiful! Such amazing views from her living area to her bedroom. I love the open floor plan and all the natural light… everything is automated, a total smart home dream. Thank you, Coterie team, for making this dream a reality!” wrote Mico S. from California in her review of Coterie Cathedral Hill.

Jade D. had similar sentiments about the residences she toured with her mother. “My Mom who is very particular instantly fell in love with Coterie. We looked at this amazing two-bedroom. Open floor plan, huge showers, and bedrooms. She still loves to entertain so we are already imagining her friends visiting her in the apartment! They have great views in the other apartments we looked at.”

Better Informed Decisions Through Reviews

Indeed, leveraging the power of online reviews can help you gain a broader, more resident-focused understanding of a community’s ambiance and offerings. These reviews offer real-world insights, with the kinds of details that brochures, social media posts, or even in-person tours may not reveal.

In Part Two of this series, we’ll explore more popular topics of online reviews, including dining, care, and the social scenes typical of today’s senior living communities, and share additional perspectives from Coterie residents and family members.