Blog
/
How To Find the Senior Living Community That’s Right for You
As we or our loved ones age, it becomes time to start thinking about living arrangements and what’s best for each individual. In a previous blog post, we talked about how to know when it’s the right time to move into a senior living community. But what do you look for once you decide it’s time? There are many factors that make this a very personal decision for each person, but here is a list of some of the most important things you should consider.
Assistance with daily living is possibly the main factor that will affect your decision. What are your specific needs right now, and what necessities can you anticipate for the future? Do you need an assisted living community with someone to help out with tasks like cooking, transportation or other day-to-day things, or do you need someone who can provide special care for residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s-related diseases? It’s important that the community you choose has the caregivers on staff who are right for you.
Some questions to ask are …
- Do you have experience with Alzheimer’s? Parkinson’s? Diabetes? (or the specific diagnosis of your loved one)
- Do you have a nurse on staff 24/7? An in-house physician?
- How many associates are working during the night shift?
Your senior living community will become your new home, so you need to make sure that the community offers activities that match your interests and pace. Are you looking for a gym or fitness center? Is there a regular schedule of events and activities you would like? It’s also important to consider necessities like availability of barber shops or salons, or whether the community is pet-friendly. Make sure your community’s recreation programs are perfect for you!
Some questions to ask are …
- Do you have transportation to doctor’s appointments?
- Do you have any outdoor space and an activities calendar?
- May I meet another family with a loved one at the community?
A trickier part of the search for the right senior living community is the budget aspect. It’s important to sit down with a trusted individual and take a look at the finances. Compare the monthly bills you may be paying now to any monthly fees the community may have. There are many financial factors to consider when making this move, so don’t be afraid to ask questions, and don’t feel pressured to say yes if you’re not ready.
Some questions to ask are …
- What is the monthly cost per apartment type?
- What are your billing and payment policies?
- Are all services included in the monthly fee? If not, what and how much are additional services?
Most importantly, whether you’re looking for yourself or for a loved one, don’t do it alone! Be sure to ask any friends or family members for their feedback, especially if there are some who have already gone through this process. Making the move to a senior living community is a big decision, and it’s important for everyone involved to be able to voice their opinions and concerns.
If you’re ready to start your journey of moving into a senior living community, or if you’re just getting started and want to get an idea of what to expect, schedule a tour at any of our communities across the country. Our highly trained care associates will be able to show you every aspect of our communities, including the available living options, our exciting Vibrant Life activities and our healthy Elevate dining program. Visit our Facebook page or website to get a glimpse into a day in the life of our wonderful residents!