If you are beginning the journey of looking for a senior living community, you may find the search as overwhelming as anything you may have experienced. I do admit, the senior care/living industry has done little to educate the consumer, so when it comes time to look, people are confused on what specifically to look for, how to go about this process, who to contact, and how to choose the right community that is right for you.
Then once you visit, how do you know what questions to ask? How much money does this cost? What are the terms? How can you best be prepared for future care, and what other things do you need to know in this process?
There is no magic answer. Navigating the right fit for senior living is an individual decision and depends on the independent situation of each individual. In senior living are many different styles, care features and standards, financial aspects, and cultures that need to be considered.
Here are a few:
- Are you a social or private person? This will determine the size of the community you live in. Would you be better in a smaller more intimate community? Perhaps you want a home feel and living in an adult family home might suit your needs better. If you enjoy social outings and events, a larger community might work even better.
- What are your meal requirements? Does the community prepare meals that will meet your dietary requirements and needs? If you are a vegan or vegetarian, what can this community provide? Do you have allergies to certain types of foods? What do they do to accommodate this?
- What types of activities do you enjoy? Are you one to enjoy a happy hour during the week? What about card or board games? Do you enjoy field trips? Shopping Trips? How often do these types of activities happen?
- What are your specific care needs? Do you have mobility concerns? Do you need assistance in any of the activities of daily living? What about proximity to the dining room or the other areas you frequent, such as a pool or activity room?
- What are your hobbies? Do you like to garden? What form of exercise do you regularly do? Do you like to do crafts? Knit or Crochet? What types of activities support this
- Finally- what can you truly afford? You may feel like you might have enough money to live out the rest of your life, but national studies show that over 45% of seniors who are in assisted living or skilled care are living on Medicaid. Care can be costly, so can the community you choose to live in support you throughout the rest of your life?
At Answers for Elders we have Decision Guides that can help guide you through the process of senior living. We also list crucial questions to ask the communities that you are visiting to help you get a better picture of what you are dealing with. We also strongly recommend that when you are ready to start searching, to reach out to our experts who can guide you along in the process.
