Visit Request and Expectations for Touring
First, thank you for considering letting me tour. It’s paramount that I get a sense of who you serve, and what work you do. When possible, I don’t refer to programs I haven’t toured. Secondly, please take a second to read the information below. I’d like to think I’m a pretty laid-back visitor, yet expectations can be premeditated resentments. If this list hasn’t scared you, do let me know if you’re open to having me.
Please note that this email to request to visit is no solicitation to programs to pay for travel or travel associated costs. Should you want to offer to cover transportation, lodging, car rental, coffee, or meals, I appreciate it but never expect it. Just let me know if you can help out.
If the proposed time is too long/too short, just let me know so I can make those adjustments. If you only do tours on certain days, I need to know that as well.
In visiting for a tour what's most important is that I get to see the physical space used (no, I don’t need to see every bathroom or bedroom), see and/or speak with current residents (when appropriate) so I can get a sense of who your client profile is, and meet and/or see the staff who make up the program. Ideally this would be clinicians, residential staff, and anyone else you would note is a key professional who would be working with my client.
I will respect any/all public health-related protocols you have in place. Just let me know ahead of time what you need from me, and what you want me to know. If the flu is going around in your program, the earlier you can let me know, the sooner I can reschedule for another date.
If you would like me to connect you with the other programs who I'm reaching out to for this tour, just let me know and I can do that. Please request this ahead of time, as I may not be able to rattle off all the programs I’m touring in your area if you ask me on the spot.
Please send me the exact address where I need to arrive. Let me know if there are any issues with using Google Maps as a navigation to get to you. Additionally, let us know if there are specific parking instructions.
Please also share the point of contact's name, title, and phone number in case we need to reach out the day-of to alert of any delays.
If you want to create a pre-visit agenda or even take the lead in putting together this tour for me, I LOVE when programs do this. It’s not required, but certainly helps me prep for the tour. Below are examples of detailed tour agendas created for me by programs.
Please don’t assume that I want to eat all meals with you. I get that programs often when to have meals covered for themselves - I get it! Just ask ahead of time so I can let you know what seems the most appropriate based on the tour time and the rest of my tour schedule.