The impact of testimonials on the way people make decisions is a subject that is widely studied by marketing and business researchers. Most consumers are significantly less inclined to make a financial investment if no reviews are available. It’s estimated that three-quarters of the general population actively pursue reliable reviews before making any decision that involves spending money—even small ones. When it comes to senior living communities, the importance of reviews is much the same. The impact of senior living testimonials can have a huge impact on where someone decides to spend their senior adult years.
To learn more about Buckner Retirement Services, call us today at 214.227.7182. We can help you find senior living testimonials from our residents and direct you to our active social media platforms, where you can see what life is like at any of our six locations with posts in real time.
The Impact of Testimonials on Senior Living Decisions
If you are like most people, talking one-on-one with others who have first-hand experience with something that interests you is the best and most comforting kind of testimonial. The second best is seeing a video testimonial or reading original reviews. People like to see a name and maybe a photo attached to a written testimonial so they can get a sense of the real person behind it.
Reasons people give for needing testimonials to help them make a decision include:
- They want to know others are invested before they feel they can buy in.
- The credibility of a service provider increases when others openly support them.
- People want to know they can trust a company before committing resources.
- They feel emotionally connected to the people who provide the testimonial, which increases their willingness to join.
- Testimonials often offer more nuanced and detailed information than a website.
Testimonials have a major impact on senior living decisions. Families feel more at ease with a big change like this when they can see and hear first-hand from people who reassure them that the choice will be a happy one for their loved one.
What to Look For in Testimonials on Senior Living
When reading or watching testimonials on a senior living community, look for detailed commentary about aspects of daily life that will affect your overall contentment and comfort. Quality of life is what matters. While individual testimonials cannot comment on everything, each person will mention things that matter to them. With careful review, you’ll notice if there are any patterns in what people say about a specific senior living community. Look for comments that touch on the following:
- Amenities – Notice if people say the library is well-stocked, not just that there is one. Is the spa open daily or only three days a month?
- Transportation – Is it readily available, convenient, and either free or affordable?
- Location – Are there plenty of interesting and fun things to do in the surrounding area?
- Activities – Can you find what you are interested in? Are there field trips? Opportunities for dining out? Classes or lectures to attend? Golf? Performances?
- Levels of care – If you need temporary rehab after surgery, is it available on site? If you need to step from independent to assisted living, can you do that? Do they offer memory care?
- Pets – Are they welcome?
- Food – Is the food healthy and well-prepared? Are there various daily options?
- Security – Do people feel safe?
- Wellness and fitness – Do they offer fitness classes? Fitness coaching? Yoga? Meditation? Outdoor activities? Are there places you can walk outside without having to drive?
- Staff – What do people say about the staff? You want them to be courteous, kind, professional, knowledgeable, and reasonably available.
- Accommodations – Are the apartments, suites, or rooms pleasant, comfortable, and easily personalized?
- Entertainment options – Do you have access, both on-site and off, to movies, theater, concerts, and museums?
Once testimonials direct you to the kind of place you think you want, go visit and ask questions in person.
Reach Out to Buckner Retirement Services Today
We want you to feel confident in your decision to join the Buckner community. We live by our core principles and value feedback from our residents. Let us introduce you to the many special benefits of living at one of our Buckner locations. Call us at 214.227.7182 or fill out our online contact form and we’ll be in touch with you soon.