Choosing a senior living community is one of the most important decisions you can make. It’s about finding a place designed to make everyday life more convenient, fun, and pleasing. With the right community, older adults can spend every day pursuing their passions and enjoying the activities they love the most.
However, plenty of factors affect this decision. 10 things to consider when choosing a retirement community include:
- Cost
- Caregiving team
- Dining
- Community life
- Support plans
- Activities and events
- Services and amenities
- Transportation
- Visiting rules
- Pets
From the services offered to how daily life is structured, every detail matters. You’ll want to find a community that offers the right level of care, and values and supports you as the unique individual you are.
The Types of Senior Living
When selecting a retirement community, it’s important to understand the different types of senior living available. Your options are:
- Assisted living, which balances daily care with independence to help older adults maintain quality of life.
- Memory care, which specializes in supporting those with dementia or Alzheimer’s in a safe, structured environment.
- Skilled nursing, which offers round-the-clock medical care for those with significant health needs.
Each option is designed to meet specific care needs. To find the right community, you’ll need to make sure you’re choosing a lifestyle tailored to meet your needs.
What to Look for in a Senior Living Community
If you’re trying to pick a senior living community, you need to consider all kinds of factors.
1. Cost
One of the most important factors involved is cost. Clear, transparent financial information will help you make informed decisions. Ask for a detailed breakdown of the fees associated with living in the community, including:
- Monthly rent or mortgage payments
- Utilities and maintenance costs
- Additional services such as housekeeping or transportation
- Any entrance or membership fees
It’s important to have a clear understanding of your financial commitment before making a decision. This helps you avoid unexpected expenses.
2. Caregiving Team
The quality of the caregiving team plays a major role in residents’ day-to-day experience. Ask about staff-to-resident ratios and whether caregivers are readily available.
It helps to visit the community in person and ask questions like:
- How does the caregiving team handle medical emergencies?
- Are caregivers available 24/7 to assist residents?
- How does the community tailor care plans to individual needs?
- What is the process for communicating with families about a resident’s care?
Meanwhile, watch how the caregivers interact with residents. This can give you valuable information about the quality of care the community offers.
3. Dining
Meals aren’t just about nutrition. They’re a daily joy and the foundation of a healthier lifestyle. So, make sure to explore the dining options at the community.
Do they provide fresh, balanced meals with choices? Do they alter meals based on resident needs and preferences? A good community offers customizable options to make proper nutrition easily accessible for every resident.
4. Community Life
A welcoming, social environment can help residents form friendships and stay engaged. During your visit, look into shared spaces. Does the community encourage connection through comfortable recreational areas or group events? Is the community clean, or is the layout chaotic?
5. Support Plans
Every resident has unique needs. This means quality communities will create care plans tailored to a person’s needs and preferences. Some residents may need support with dressing, while others may require a hand with personal grooming. Your loved one should be treated as a person, not a number.
However, the community should also adapt over time to make sure care plans are up to date. This way, your loved one’s needs will continuously be met every day.
6. Activities & Events
Senior living communities host a wide range of events, all designed to help residents socialize and bond with one another. These can vary, but tend to include:
- Game nights
- Exercise classes
- Arts and crafts sessions
- Music performances
- Group outings to local attractions
Make a point to check what type of events the community offers. This helps your family know what everyday life is like in the community, and what kind of activities are available.
7. Services & Amenities
The services offered can greatly influence daily satisfaction. Make sure to think about what the community offers. The services should improve the quality of life of every resident in the community.
Typically, senior living communities offer:
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Meal preparation and dining options
- Fitness programs and wellness activities
- Social events and recreational opportunities
Then, check if extra amenities like salons or outdoor spaces are available in the community.
8. Transportation
Many seniors experience problems like mobility issues, poor flexibility, or changes in their eyesight. This can make it difficult to freely visit new areas, run errands, and show up for appointments. The right senior living community would offer transportation services and scheduled outings to make it easier for residents to manage their everyday affairs.
9. Visiting Rules
Family visits significantly affect a person’s quality of life in senior living. So while you’re looking at communities, take a moment to ask how the community manages visits.
Ask about:
- Visiting hours and any restrictions in place
- Whether visits need to be scheduled in advance or are flexible
- How the community accommodates special occasions or holidays
- Opportunities for virtual visits in case in-person visits are not possible
This determines the convenience of visits in the community.
10. Pets
For many, pets aren’t just companions—they’re family. If your loved one is an animal lover, make sure to ask about pet policies. If pets are part of your loved one’s lifestyle, you’ll need to make sure the community policy aligns with this.
Find the Perfect Community Today
Choosing a retirement community is a personal decision. However, it directly affects a person’s future quality of life. By focusing on what truly matters to you or your loved one, you can find a space that feels like home.Here at Fairview Senior Living, we’re ready to guide you every step of the way. Schedule a visit today, and come see what makes our communities so special!
