Top 7 Factors to Consider When Picking Senior Living Communities

Did you know that the number of people over the age of 65 will increase its population between 2020 and 2030?

This means that your parents and loved ones need to think about where they will spend the golden years of their lives. Are you ready to help them out with this decision?

If so, then you need to think about senior living communities.

Want to know more? Then read on to discover the top factors you need to consider when picking senior living communities near you.

1. Consider Your Finances

The first thing you should consider when picking senior living communities is your budget. Yes, we don’t want to think about it, but at the end of the day, these communities exist because people pay for the care and comfort they receive.

Understand that prices can vary greatly between locations. Also, a month of living in a community like this may cost you only a couple of hundred dollars. While in other places, you may need to spend five digits per month.

You may have an idea of how much money you are willing or able to spend, but you should also be prepared to spend more for the amenities you desire. Money has a huge impact on our quality of life now and in the future.

2. Compare Community Types

Continuing care retirement communities are small towns that provide a variety of housing options. Residents are transitioned from independent living to assisted living. And then to a nursing home for medical subacute or rehabilitative care as needed.

Residents in assisted living communities live in small apartments and are mobile. But they require assistance with personal care, meals, and medication. Assisted living does not offer the same level of skilled daily medical care as a nursing home.

There are also distinctive community models like Green House homes. Which combines residential care and a social community in a more homelike and personalized setting.

3. Consider The Services 

It is crucial to find a retirement community that values both your physical and mental well-being. Choose the living community that offers healthcare programs that take a holistic approach. That involves ongoing assessments and extensive family communication

You should look for a facility that offers individualized care that is catered to your loved one. This can ease the transition and address changing needs over time.

Think about living community amenities like 24-hour staff care, home-cooked meals, housekeeping, and laundry services. You might also think about religious activities, recreational activities, and exercise.

Other services should include medication, nursing assessments, dietary assessments, wellness programs, and hair salon services. They also have a 24-hour emergency response system.

4. Location Matters

When searching for living community options, location is important. Where in the world you want your loved ones to live, should be a consideration. Do you want them to continue living in their current neighborhood, close to everything they are accustomed to and familiar with?

Would you like them to relocate to be near your family? Or would you prefer to relocate them to a place you’ve always adored where the climate is ideal all year long? It all depends on you and your family’s preferences.

No independent senior wants to be homebound, so if you aren’t driving them yourself, ask about a community’s shuttle services and nearby public transportation that could be available to them.

5. Think About The lifestyle

This is a big question with potentially a wide range of solutions. What kind of retirement lifestyle are you interested in for your loved ones? Perhaps you want them to travel the world.

Maybe you want to them start a new job or give back to the community by volunteering your time and talents. Perhaps you’d like them to pick up a new hobby, or perhaps you just want them to unwind.

The best senior living facilities will give them the freedom and resources to pursue their goals, as well as the time and assistance they need to do so.

Will your parents feel at ease there in the long run? See if any stimulating activities encourage purpose, meaning, and connections to new friends, as well as programs that provide social support. 

6. Review Credentials

This is crucial because prepayments and contracts may be impacted by bankruptcy or a sale. Perform an online search, consult your local BBB, and look up nonprofits. Reading online reviews is also useful.

Many people advise asking some questions with regards to ownership. If a facility change of ownership is anticipated within the next 6 to 12 months. The average length of stay for residents in months, the existence of a waiting list, staff turnover rates, and the average tenure of staff members.

Check their state licenses, as there are various levels by state, to see what services are covered. If there have been any violations or citations, and how well they performed on the most recent state survey for home care.

7. The Food They Serve

Dining services are also a factor to consider for living community options. If you want a delicious meal prepared for your loved ones every day or if you simply know there will be occasions when they don’t need to cook. Their meals are prepared and served by a dedicated chef and wait staff, or are they mass-produced, like in a cafeteria?

A healthy retirement requires delicious and nourishing food! When researching retirement communities, make sure they have excellent, red-seal chefs on staff who prepare fresh meals every day.

The best way to position your senior family member for nutritional success is to make sure there are a variety of dining options to choose from and nutritional support if they should need it. Some towns even include a free meal when you schedule your tour.

Choosing The Right Home For Your Loved Ones

There are many factors to consider when choosing a senior living community. The top seven are location, cost, security, social activities, amenities, food, and transportation are to consider for a best homes. Picking senior living communities is not easy that’s why we need to be thorough in the search.

Talk to your loved ones, research your options, and take a tour before making a decision. The right community will provide your loved ones with the care they need and the peace of mind you desire.

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