Choosing a senior living community that is right for you is every bit as important as choosing the right neighborhood when buying a house. You want to look at every angle and weigh the pros and cons to be sure your choice is the best fit for you now and going forward. When you begin your search consider the following essential aspects for choosing a senior living community.

Location

Perhaps before all else is considered, where you want to live is often the first place to begin. Whether you want to remain in your current area or experience someplace new, it’s important to ultimately make the right choice. Keep in mind that being close to resources in the greater community like shopping, cultural and arts venues, and local events is a big plus and that proximity to health care providers is another critical consideration.

Level of care needed

Next on the list should be the level of care you want now or may need in the future. While many newly retired seniors start by choosing a senior living community with independent living, it may well pay off later if you choose one that has multiple levels of care. If you are at the point where you need daily help with personal care, medication management, meals, or other aspects of life, assisted living may be the best choice, or if memory is a concern, memory care will be most appropriate. To best understand and choose what level of care is best for you, checkout our blog, “Senior Living Care Options: A Look at Choices” before choosing a senior living community.

Housing choices

Housing is another key aspect of choosing a senior living community, and one that is often tied to level of care. Senior living has changed a lot over the past few decades and that includes the wide variety of housing choices now available. Keep in mind that communities that offer a variety of housing options are also more likely to offer a range of care as well. Some will include stand-alone homes or condos, while others like Thrive Senior Living offer different size luxury apartments to suit resident’s desires as well as the level of care they need.

It is important to also understand that although you may choose a larger home in independent living, as your needs change, you will be prioritized to move to a more appropriate home seamlessly and without leaving the community.

Download our Senior Living Options guide to learn more.

Lifestyle

Also important when choosing a senior living community is lifestyle and the culture of the community. If you are an active independent older adult, you will likely prefer a community where you feel welcome and have access to all the activities you enjoy but also the peace of mind that comes with spending time away while knowing your home is safe and secure.

When assisted living is preferred, you will want plenty of activities to participate in but also help that is provided privately and unobtrusively, so you remain independent and safe, but are free to pursue your interests and passions. Even memory care, which is designed to ensure safety and security should encourage an independent lifestyle with daily therapies and activities to help residents live the fullest possible lives. In short, a culture of warmth and an emphasis on personal fulfillment are what you should consider when choosing a senior living community. Find out more in our blog, “Choosing the Right Senior Living Lifestyle: Four Things to Consider.”

Amenities

Among the many changes that have occurred in senior living is the addition of amenities that just weren’t available for your parents. When choosing a senior living community be sure to investigate all the amenities offered such as:

• On-site exercise centers and classes.
• Arts and crafts workshops.
• On-site hair salons and barber shops.
• Restaurant-style dining.
• Housekeeping services.
• Laundry services.
• Transportation.
• Social opportunities, activities and clubs.
• Concierge services.
• A library.
• Security 24/7/365.

Get the facts about how much senior living has really changed in our blog, “5 Ways Today’s Senior Living Communities Have Changed for the Better.”

Cost

Choosing a senior living community also requires a look at costs, especially when care is needed. Although you may believe luxury senior living is beyond your financial reach, you might be surprised to know that it can actually cost less than living at home. For example, you no longer have a mortgage, homeowners insurance and property taxes to pay, and many communities also include utilities, safety systems, meals, most of the amenities listed above, and home maintenance and repair as well. Take a look at the true costs in our blog, “The Costs of Senior Living: How They Compare to Living at Home.”

Download our Senior Living Options guide and contact us to learn more about our housing, amenities, and services. At Thrive, we’re always here to help guide you through your options and make the best decision for you and your family.