What's Important for You in a Senior Living Community

Whether or not to move to senior living is a huge decision. And once you or a loved one decide to go for it, you may think the hardest part is behind you. Yes and no. In the next step, choosing the right senior living community, it’s exciting to see all the features and amenities available. At the same time, all the choices can become overwhelming. Deciding what’s most important beforehand is key. But how do you do that? These tips can help. 

Consider your needs in retirement 

A person may choose to move to senior living for many reasons, from a health incident to a chronic condition that’s becoming harder to manage to a desire for more social interaction to difficulty managing home upkeep. Often, it’s a combination of reasons, and by assessing your current situation at home (or that of your loved one, you’ll be able to more easily determine the type of community that would be right for your needs. So, start by answering these questions. 

Don’t forget to consider your preferred location and budget for senior living as well! 

Download our Senior Funding Guide today!

Narrowing your senior living community options 

With your needs in mind, now you can determine which type of senior living community would work best. Many people don’t even realize that different types of senior living are available, but those differences are essential in narrowing your options. Here’s what each type offers. 

• Independent Living – For active seniors who can live independently but are looking for more social opportunities and amenities than they have at home, as well as freedom from the hassles of chores and home upkeep. 
• Assisted Living – Similar to independent living in terms of the amenities and social and enrichment options. But in addition, assisted living provides personalized care and support with daily tasks like bathing and dressing from professionally-trained staff as needed while empowering residents to live as independently as possible. 
• Memory Care – Specifically for those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, the staff is specially trained in memory care. Communities provide 24-hour supervision, therapy, structured activities, and social opportunities in a safe, calming environment. 

Consider what you want in a senior living community 

Once you’ve determined the type of senior living community, it’s time to consider what you want out of the experience. The options are endless, so the best approach is to identify your wants that are non-negotiable and those that are nice to have. Remember, basics like meals, housekeeping, maintenance, group transportation, and activities are typically included in the monthly fee already. This checklist with some of the most popular senior living features can help you get started with the rest of your wants. 

For more help determining what’s most important to you in a senior living community, download our Senior Funding Guide today! Contact us to schedule a tour today.