If you are ready to start choosing a senior home for yourself, you’re quite likely to be feeling mixed emotions. Senior living communities can offer residents an active lifestyle with any assistance they may need to keep them healthy and happy. Don’t wait until circumstances force you into moving. If you’re proactive, you have the power to make the right choice before it gets made for you. Here are some steps to follow to make the best decision.
Consider your needs
There are various options for senior living. Some communities offer senior independent living while others offer assisted living. Independent living is ideal if you don’t need assistance with daily living and want to enjoy benefits and perks you wouldn’t have when living in your own home.
Senior homes that offer assisted living provide residents with around-the-clock caregivers who assist them with daily tasks such as bathing or getting dressed. Memory care facilities specifically help senior citizens who have types of dementia.
Find the right location
Try to find a location where it is easy for the family to visit. It also helps to choose a location close to a preferred hospital or physician. If you can find a senior home within one of your favorite neighborhoods, this is a plus. You may not find one exactly where you want to live, but if you can come close, it’s a plus.
Get recommendations from those you trust
A recommendation from a physician or neighbors and friends who you trust will help in your search for senior living options. Remember that everyone’s experience is different, but people can provide insight and help you to avoid mistakes they may have made. You can also check out online reviews and see what others have to say. If you can talk to those already living in a community, this is a good way to find out whether it will be a good fit for you.
Take a tour
Taking an in-person tour of a facility is one of the best ways to see what life could be like for you in the community. You can see the different apartments and the various amenities on offer. Check whether the residents seem happy and see what type of events or activities are taking place. Is the place clean and appealing? Does the cost fit your budget? Are there areas to socialize with other residents? You may not get all the answers to your questions on your first tour, but if your first impression is favorable, you will probably want to follow up with another tour anyway.
Plan a more in-depth visit
Once you have narrowed down your choice, you can go beyond a tour and find out more about one or two specific communities. Ask whether you can attend a meal or take part in a specific event that interests you. This will give you more insight, and you will see first-hand how welcoming people are and whether staff members are engaged and helpful.
