We understand that choosing an Independent Living community is a big decision. You want to know that the place you select will feel comfortable, welcoming, and truly like home. That’s why we offer the Be Our Guest program, which is a complimentary trial stay at one of our independent living facilities with a qualifying tour.
As our guest, you’ll spend a few days living just as our residents do: enjoying chef-prepared meals, joining in on activities and outings, and meeting the friendly neighbors and staff who make Delmar Gardens Independent Living Communities so special. It’s a chance to experience daily life with us firsthand, without pressure or obligation — so you can feel confident about your next step.
What the Be Our Guest Program Includes
The Be Our Guest program is all about giving you a real taste of Independent Living at Delmar Gardens. When you join us, you’ll enjoy a complimentary trial. You’ll stay in a beautifully furnished one- or two-bedroom apartment that’s yours to make home for a few days. While our program is exclusively for Independent Living — meaning no medical care is provided on-site — you’ll still have everything you need to feel comfortable and supported.
Delmar Gardens independent living facilities that offer the Be Our Guest program:
- Chesterfield Villas (Missouri)
- Garden Villas (Missouri)
- Garden Villas South (Missouri)
- Garden Villas North (Missouri)
- Garden Villas of O’Fallon (Missouri)
- Garden Villas of Lenexa (Kansas)
- Delmar Gardens of Gwinnett (Georgia)
- Delmar Gardens of Smyrna (Georgia)
As our guest, you’ll experience the full range of services and amenities that our residents enjoy every day:
- Chef-prepared meals and snacks
- Daily activities and group outings to local restaurants, events, and attractions
- Access to community amenities like common spaces, entertainment, and fitness opportunities
Not Sure About Staying Alone? Bring a Friend!
We also know that sometimes a familiar face makes all the difference. That’s why the program allows you to bring along a spouse, friend, or even an adult child for your stay. This helps ease the transition and makes your time here even more comfortable.
It’s a no-pressure, all-inclusive way to see what Independent Living could look like — surrounded by caring staff, friendly neighbors, and the comforts of community living.
What to Expect During Your Stay
From the moment you arrive, our team and residents are here to make you feel at home. You’ll receive a welcome packet with our activity calendar, daily menus, and community information so you can plan your days just like one of our residents. Our staff and friendly resident ambassadors will be ready to greet you, show you around, and introduce you to neighbors who are always happy to share their experiences.
During your stay, you’re encouraged to join in on group activities, meals, and even off-site excursions like restaurant outings, casino trips, or any local attraction. We encourage you to do as much or as little as you like.
The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and supportive. This isn’t about sales pitches — it’s about giving you a genuine glimpse of what daily life can be for you in Independent Living, surrounded by good food, engaging activities, and caring people.
Peace of Mind for Families
If you’re helping a parent or loved one explore Independent Living, you know how important it is to feel confident in the choice you make together. The Be Our Guest is unique and helps address any uncertainty by letting your loved one experience daily life firsthand instead of relying on brochures or short tours.
During a stay, you’ll see for yourself how they embrace the community — dining with new friends, joining activities, and settling into a comfortable apartment. For families, it’s incredibly reassuring to watch their parent(s) begin to relax and engage in a new environment.
Making the Move Easier for Everyone
This short stay can also be especially helpful for those who have lived at home for decades and are nervous about the transition. Having the chance to “try it out” helps to ease into the idea of moving. And most times, it’s not the staff who make the biggest impression — it’s our current residents. Their honest and candid stories, warm welcomes, and everyday conversations become very relatable to your loved one. For families, Be Our Guest is more than a program — it’s a glimpse into finding real peace of mind, knowing your loved one feels both comfortable, safe, and cared for.
Real Stories from “Be Our Guest” Residents
Nothing tells the story of Be Our Guest better than the experiences of seniors who’ve tried it for themselves. Each stay is unique, but the outcome is often the same: new friendships, peace of mind, and a true sense of belonging. Here are three stories from guests who discovered the Delmar Gardens difference.
Finding Friendship and Security
Our resident tried the program before moving back from Florida. He found that Be Our Guest gave him the perfect chance to “try retirement living before moving in.” Today, he not only feels safe and secure but has built lasting friendships and even joined the community’s food committee. His family benefits too — his grandchildren love visiting his new home.
A Social Life Reignited
One guest shared that before her stay, she often felt isolated living alone. But during her Be Our Guest stay, her “social life exploded.” She met friendly, welcoming residents and connected with staff who made her feel right at home. For this senior, the complimentary stay removed all the uncertainty and replaced it with comfort, community, and joy.
Peace of Mind After Recovery
For another resident, an injury raised concerns about living safely at home. That’s when she discovered Be Our Guest. Her stay gave her the opportunity to meet new friends and enjoy support from staff who always made sure she was cared for. One detail she loved most: staff members personally delivered her groceries after shopping. She moved in after her Be Our Guest stay – feeling happy, supported, and grateful for having tried it.
Ready to Be Our Guest? Here’s How to Get Started
Getting started with the Be Our Guest program is simple. If you or your loved one are interested, just call the community directly and ask to speak with our Sales and Marketing team or the Administrator/Director. They’ll walk you through the details, answer any questions, and help schedule your stay.
We don’t offer online scheduling for this program, and there’s a good reason why. A quick conversation helps us make sure the program is the right fit for your needs and that an apartment is available for the dates you’d like. It also gives us the chance to learn a little about you so we can make your visit as comfortable and welcoming as possible.
Best of all, the program is completely complimentary, with no cost and no obligation. The timing is flexible, and we’ll work with you to find the best dates for your visit.
