When seeking senior living arrangements for themselves or loved ones, many are surprised to learn how many options are available. Far from the one-size-fits-all senior centers of the past, today’s communities offer personalized, dignified care. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to choosing the best place to enjoy your retirement.
Ask for Advice
Although living in a retirement home has its benefits, it’s crucial to go into the process well-informed. Advisors help families see which benefits they can access, using that information to narrow the search. With help from a senior living advisor, anyone can find the right place to call home.
Determine Care Requirements
Senior living services range from independent living to nursing care. Within each level of care, several types of amenities and communities are available. Again, working with a senior living advisor will help you find the best option for your needs.
Set a Budget
Retirement communities come in at various price points, which cover everything from affordable housing to luxury living. A specialist can help you explore funding sources including:
- Long-term care coverage
- Veterans’ benefits
- Annuities, pensions, and retirement plans
- Social Security
- Liquid assets
- Medicaid and Medicare
- Family contributions
To avoid disappointment and frustration, families should set budgets based on their available resources.
Create a Short List
Next, you’ll create a list of communities with the right amenities, care level, location, and price point. Consider touring each community to understand what to expect when living there.
Take the Grand Tour
While there’s plenty of information about senior communities online, there’s nothing better than in-person tours. By visiting these places, experiencing the environment, meeting the care team, sampling the food, and talking to residents, you’ll get a feel for what it would be like to live there.
Ask Questions
While visiting senior communities and doing tours, you’ll have a great opportunity to get the information needed to make the right decision. Staff and specialists can offer a wealth of advice and tips—but it’s up to you to ask the right questions.
Plan for the Future
When considering moving into a senior living community, you may wonder what will happen if your needs change. For some, the best option is a continuing care community, which offers predictable monthly fees and seamless transitions between care levels. As you contemplate your golden years, choose a community that will future-proof your lifestyle.
Making the Choice
After setting a budget, seeking professional advice, determining your care needs, and touring local communities, it’s decision time. Think about what’s important and make choices based on those criteria. Will you need frequent medical care? Choose a senior community near your doctor’s office. Love to exercise? Find a place with a gym and group fitness classes. After all, the best senior living arrangements are those that feel like home.
The Choice is Yours
The most crucial part of choosing a retirement community is knowing that it’s where you’ll spend most of your time. Whether you live independently or need more hands-on care, choosing a community is about finding one that checks all the boxes. By following these tips and asking for help when needed, any senior can find the right living arrangements for now and long into the future. Learn more about our community online or call to schedule a tour.
