Your loved one’s future home should feel welcoming, comfortable, and friendly—a place where they’re loved and valued as the unique person they are.
To choose a senior living community, you should consider:
- Your loved one’s needs
- Different care options
- Services, programs, and amenities
- The location
- Cost and finances
Consider Your Loved One’s Needs
The first step in choosing a retirement community involves learning what your loved one needs:
- What type of daily assistance or medical care do they need or anticipate needing?
- How independent are they when it comes to things like cooking, cleaning, or mobility?
- Are there particular social activities or hobbies they would like to stay involved in?
- Would they benefit from memory care services or added supervision?
These factors can all help you narrow down your choices.
Research Different Care Options
Once you have an idea of your loved one’s needs, the next step is to choose the right level of care that can meet their needs.
Take time to research each option. Try to match the level of care to your loved one’s needs and preferences. You should also consider your loved one’s future needs.
There are several options, each with unique benefits and intended purposes.
Independent Living
Ideal for older adults who can stay independent but want to simplify their lifestyle, independent living provides an extra layer of comfort and support. By providing assistance with household chores and many opportunities to socialize, your loved one can focus on spending their time their way.
Assisted Living
Ideal for those who need a little more help with daily tasks, assisted living supports autonomy and helps enhance quality of life. Like independent living, this lifestyle can address household chores and provide many opportunities for social interaction and engaging events.
This lifestyle provides additional support with daily tasks, like medication management and dressing, while emphasizing independence to let your loved one thrive.
Memory Care
Designed for older adults living with memory impairment, dementia, and cognitive decline, memory care provides specialized care to help your loved one maintain their dignity and enhance their quality of life.
This customizable lifestyle helps give you peace of mind, offering your loved one tailored care and a safe, secure, and supportive environment. The staff are specifically trained to connect with your loved one and create an environment for your loved one to continue thriving.
Consider the Services, Programs, & Amenities
Senior living communities offer a wide range of services and programs to supplement tailored care with a fun, exciting, and fulfilling life. You should take your loved one’s needs into account and look for services and programs like:
- Medication management
- Meal planning
- Salon services
- Wellness services
- 24-hour on-site staff
- Social opportunities
- Educational opportunities
You should also consider your loved one’s interests and look for amenities like:
- Fitness centers
- Art and crafts studios
- Libraries
- Pub rooms
Depending on the community, these services and amenities may vary, so it’s worth asking what’s included.
Make sure to ask potential communities about daily life. What does a typical day look like? Are there opportunities for social connection and personal growth? These are great ways to make sure the community feels like a good match.
Think About Location
For many families, location plays a major role in this decision. Choose somewhere easy to visit, preferably close to family and friends. Being near familiar surroundings can help your loved one feel at home, so make sure to include them in this process!
The climate and setting are also worth considering. For example, if your loved one is sensitive to colder weather, a warmer climate might be more appealing. Take a moment to explore the nearby amenities, too. Are there good healthcare facilities, grocery stores, or other needs close by? These all contribute to your loved one’s everyday quality of life.
Consider Cost & Finances
Costs will vary depending on the type of community and level of care. Ask how pricing and financing are structured. Some communities may have a monthly fee, while others charge based on the services your loved one needs.
It’s also important to know what’s included in the fees, like utilities, meals, activities, and transportation. Don’t be afraid to ask the community if they have financial advisors or resources to guide you through your choices. Budgeting for the long term can provide peace of mind.
Schedule Your Tour!
The best way to find the right community is to see it for yourself. Touring a few places helps your loved one get a real feel for the environment, programs, and people who will be part of their home. It’s the most effective way to know if the community feels right for them.
If you’re looking to help a loved one find the right senior living community, contact our team at Cardinal View Senior Living! We’d be happy to meet you and your loved one and show you what makes our community special. Schedule a tour with us today—it’s the first step towards finding your loved one’s new home!