The internet is great for finding just about anything, and that includes finding senior communities near you. Once the options are identified, it’s time to drill down to inspect what each has to offer and how well it fits what you or a loved one needs to enjoy the highest quality of life possible. When searching for senior living communities near you, follow these steps to success.
Location is the first hurdle when looking for senior living communities near you. One of the quickest ways to pinpoint exactly where senior living communities are is to use Google Maps. There are several ways to search on Google Maps but you can begin with typing “senior Living communities near me” in the search window. Next, zoom in and click on each of the options that appear in the area(s) you prefer. Other search options include using specific zip codes, or city or county names with the state abbreviation included.
The second step should be to sort through the options found in the Google Maps search to find those that offer the right type of care. Some senior living communities offer different levels of care while others offer just one. For example, many active independent living communities do not offer assisted living or memory care, but others offer independent living, assisted living and memory care. Keep in mind that communities that offer two or three levels of care may also allow current residents to move quickly from one level of care to another without having to be put on a waitlist or leave the community. To best understand what each level of care provides check out our blog, “Weighing the Senior Living Care Options.”
Your search for senior living communities near you should also consider the type of lifestyle you want. Top senior living communities like Thrive Senior Living embrace a resort-like lifestyle that offers beautiful housing options as well as plenty of fun and engaging activities and events. As noted in our blog, “Choosing the Right Senior Living Lifestyle: Four Things to Consider” some seniors want an active lifestyle while others prefer a lifestyle that accommodates their care with plenty of social interaction and interesting things to do.
When you search for senior living communities near you be sure to delve into the amenities provided. One of the main reasons seniors choose to move to senior living is all the amenities that are included in the package. At the best communities, you can expect state-of-the-art fitness centers, diverse daily exercise classes, activities like arts and crafts, cards and games, and plenty of fun social activities like happy hours, trips to local museums, parks and festivals, movie nights, and on-campus entertainment provided by local artists and musicians. For a complete rundown of what’s in store read our blog, “Boredom Busters: Top Amenities to Expect from Today’s Senior Living Communities.”
Another important amenity is that of nutrition. If shopping for food and cooking aren’t on your list of favorite pastimes or have become a challenge, cuisine should be prioritized. Search websites for senior living communities near you that offer excellent chef-inspired meals served in an elegant dining room so you can just sit down and be waited on knowing the food meets the changing dietary needs of seniors, including those on special diets.
If luxury senior living is your goal, don’t forget to check the services included when you search for senior living communities. Unlike living at home, senior living communities make carefree living easy by taking over the burden of maintenance and repair at every level of care. Also wonderful are regular housekeeping services as well as linen services to ease the laundry burden.
If you need help with transportation, that service is also common and generally includes professional transportation to local appointments and shopping. Similarly, many of the best senior living communities have on-site hair salons and barbershops that make looking your best a snap, with no driving required.
Another key aspect in your search for senior living communities near you is that of safety and security. As noted in our blog, “Finding a Sense of Safety and Security in Senior Living,” these services should be built in throughout the community to protect you indoors and outdoors and keep your home safe when you’re away.
To learn more about senior living communities, download our “Senior Living Options” guide, then contact us to schedule a tour of a community near you.