Where to Start When Finding Senior Living

Where to Start When Finding Senior Living

Where_to_Start_When_Finding_Senior_Living

Decisions, decisions. When the time comes to search for a senior living community suited to your elder loved one’s needs, you’ll have lots of questions and many senior living options to consider. Here are a few pointers to help you on your search:

Assess needs

Focus on what your loved one needs both now and in the future. Consider the current physical, emotional, medical, financial and social needs of your loved one and how they might change over time. Some questions to consider:

  • Can dad still safely drive his own car, or is he making unsafe driving decisions and could benefit from transportation services?

  • How easy and safe is it for mom in her own home? Has she fallen? Does she need to live somewhere that provides help with her limited mobility?

  • How isolated is mom now that dad has passed on? Does she need more opportunities for social engagement than she’s getting now?

  • What health challenges do my parents have? Do they have a medical condition that’s likely to worsen with age?

Define “quality of life”

A fulfilling quality of life is just as important for the elderly as it is for younger folks, so consider what outcomes your dad or mom would want from a senior living community. Some of the most frequently mentioned by seniors and their families include:

  • Comfort and peace of mind

  • Socialization

  • Security

  • As much independence as possible

  • High care standards

  • Good value and quality for money

  • Access to physically and mentally stimulating activities

  • Affordability

Educate yourself on senior living options

While making the right choice for your loved one is challenging, the good news is that there are lots of great options from which to choose. The three primary types of senior living communities:

Senior independent living:

This type of senior housing offers a wide variety of living options, from apartment-style to individual homes. These communities provide lots of amenities, services and senior activities. Independent living is for older adults who need minimal or no assistance with activities of daily living (ADL). Minimal medical care is available on-site.

Assisted living:

This is a popular care option for many seniors. Assisted living communities offer a lifestyle that provides personal care and health services for seniors who may need ADL assistance. A good assisted living community is clean, well-maintained and safe. Many offer apartments you and your loved one can furnish with your loved one’s own furniture, or a fully furnished apartment with everything your loved one needs. On-site prepared meals, special diets, weekly housekeeping, and a myriad of activities specially tailored to seniors’ interests and abilities are common features.

Nursing homes:

Seniors who need the highest level of supervision and medical care are typical nursing home candidates. Seniors get help with moving in and out of bed, feeding, bathing, and dressing. Nursing homes differ from other senior care options in that they provide high levels of medical care. Each resident is supervised by a licensed physician; a nurse or other medical professional on-site.

Research nearby options

If you’re good with computer search engines, this is a common way to begin your senior living search. Look for communities in your desired geographical area and search for the type of community that would best suit your loved one.

You can also click on our senior resources link to guide you to senior living options.

Can we offer you a tour of our excellent communities?

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