Countless individuals are surprised by the number of senior living options today. Communities now offer personalized care along with amenities to ensure residents remain active and mentally engaged. Based on their budgets and needs, people can choose from basic senior care to luxurious accommodations.
When choosing a senior living community, people should consider several factors. These factors include the care level needed, budget, and features. Furthermore, a person should consider their desired location and access to healthcare facilities. When all elements are considered, finding the right community becomes easier.
Care Level
Some seniors don’t need help but choose to move to a community so they can enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle. Other people need help with activities of daily living or struggle with cognitive decline and would benefit from memory care services. The level of care must be considered to ensure the person finds a community that can provide the support and services they need. Many seniors opt for a continuing care community so they don’t have to find a new community when their care needs increase.
Budget
Budget plays a role in selecting a senior living community. People can find affordable accommodations, luxury communities, and everything in between. Before exploring community options, the family must determine a realistic budget for the senior’s living expenses. There are many ways the community can be paid for. People might use social security funds, pensions, veteran benefits, or long-term care insurance. Sometimes, Medicare or Medicaid may pay for seniors to live in a community. Families must remember that most expenses are included in the monthly fee, so the senior will have fewer bills to pay each month.
Research Local Communities
Once a family has determined the senior’s care needs and set a budget for the community, it’s time to begin researching local options. Begin by narrowing the choices to those that can provide the necessary care level. Next, eliminate those that do not fall within the established budget. Whittle the list more by removing any that aren’t in the desired geographical area. The final step is to review the amenities offered at each community and bring the list down to three or four options.
Tour the Communities
Set up a tour of each community remaining on the list. Try to visit the communities several times throughout the day. Spend time during each tour talking with staff members and residents to better understand what each community offers and the benefits and drawbacks of living there. Have a meal with the residents and participate in one or two activities to see how residents and staff interact.
Ask Questions
Have a list of questions to ask at each community. Write down the answers so it is easy to compare the communities when a final decision must be made. Many websites offer checklists a family can use to ensure no questions are overlooked.
Choose a Community
Sit down with the seniors and see what they think of each community. Family members should participate in this discussion, but the choice should be left up to the senior. The only time a senior’s wishes should not be considered is when they choose a community the family feels is unsafe in some way.
Families should take the time to find the right senior living community for their loved ones. The process can feel overwhelming, but they need to push through and complete these steps. Doing so increases the odds of the seniors loving their new living arrangements and having the highest quality of life.
