Moving your loved one into a senior living community is a big decision. With so many options to choose from, selecting the best community for them may seem daunting. is important—the environment you choose impacts their quality of life and well-being and the available services. Sunrise Senior Living helps families find the best care senior living has to offer with multiple neighborhood options. Follow our guide for choosing the right senior living community for your loved one.
Assessing Your Loved One's Needs
Physical Care Needs
Your loved one's current physical care needs affect whether they need independent living, assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing care. Consider health conditions they need help managing as well as medication management needs. Mobility limitations and their personal care needs also impact the level of care needed. For example, if they need help with personal care, such as dressing or bathing, assisted living may be best.
Social and Emotional Well-Being
The best senior living community for your loved one meets their social and emotional needs in addition to physical care. Look for communities that offer ample socialization opportunities to prevent loneliness and improve your loved one's mood. Community events, classes, outings, and activities can help your loved one explore hobbies and stay active while forming meaningful connections.
Financial Considerations
Calculate your loved one's monthly budget to find senior living care that's affordable. When comparing prices, determine what's included in the monthly fee. Some communities offer comprehensive packages that include three daily meals, housekeeping, maintenance, laundry, utilities, activities, and personal care assistance. Other communities offer base packages with add-on options or different package levels.
Consider long-term affordability and how you plan to pay for senior living care. The proceeds from selling your loved one's home can go toward the fees. Your loved one might qualify for financial assistance through local or state programs. Work with the senior living community you choose to explore the financial options.
Types of Senior Living Communities
Independent Living
Independent living offers active, independent seniors a community setting where they live among other older adults. They have access to the community's amenities and services, which often include maintenance, making it a carefree living option. Residents may also have access to additional services and levels of care if needed.
Assisted Living
Assisted living neighborhoods allow for as much independence as possible based on each resident's needs and abilities. Meanwhile, residents receive support for daily care tasks, such as medication reminders, bathing, and transportation. It provides a balance between getting a little extra support and maintaining freedom.
Memory Care
If your loved one has dementia, Alzheimer's, or other forms of memory loss, a memory care neighborhood provides specialized support and care for them. The environment is structured and secure to allow residents to explore while staying safe. Specialized programs include activities designed to slow cognitive decline by keeping residents engaged and mentally stimulated.
Skilled Nursing
For residents who need a high level of medical care, skilled nursing offers a more advanced level of support. Residents sometimes stay in skilled nursing temporarily after recovering from surgery or hospitalization. Skilled nursing neighborhoods also help seniors with chronic conditions who need ongoing medical care.
Location and Accessibility
Proximity to Family and Friends
When deciding how to choose a senior living community, consider how close each community is to friends and family. Keeping your loved one nearby helps you maintain strong connections and it's easier for you to visit when the location is close. Visits help your loved one feel connected and reduce loneliness, which supports their well-being. Visiting also allows you to check on your loved one's mental and physical health to ensure they're in a safe, supportive environment.
Access to Medical Facilities
Even if your loved one is currently healthy, they may eventually need medical care that the senior community can't provide. Finding a community that's close to clinics for routine care, specialists for advanced care, and a hospital for emergency care helps your loved one get medical attention quickly when needed.
Amenities and Local Attractions
Another location consideration is what is accessible in the city near the senior living community. Look for amenities and attractions your loved one enjoys, such as parks, shopping centers, museums, restaurants, and entertainment. Having those features nearby allows your family member to enjoy them more often. If your loved one no longer drives, explore the transportation options offered by the community. Many senior living communities offer scheduled transportation and regular outings to nearby attractions to offer a change of scenery.
Visiting and Evaluating Communities
Touring the Facility
An in-person tour gives you a firsthand look at the atmosphere and interactions with team members. Check for:
- Safety features, such as keypad entrances, lighted entryways, and emergency call systems
- Cleanliness
- A warm, home-like environment
- The size of rooms or apartments
- On-site amenities such as libraries, community rooms, and outdoor spaces
- The quality of cuisine through the dining program
- Overall atmosphere
Pay close attention to how the team members interact with residents and how residents interact with one another to get a sense of the care and social life provided.
Meeting the Staff
While touring the community, meet as many team members as possible to determine how caring and knowledgeable they are. Find out what kind of qualifications caregivers have and what type of training they receive. Check on the staff-to-resident ratios to make sure they're well-staffed. Asking about team member turnover gives you an idea of how satisfied employees are. High turnover rates could indicate poor management or a negative environment.
Resident Feedback
If possible, chat with several residents during the tour. Hearing the residents' perspectives gives you a better idea of how well your loved one might fit in. Consider asking questions about specific topics that your loved one finds important, such as the food quality, variety of activities, and quality of care. These interactions give you an idea of how well residents like the community.
Evaluating Programs and Amenities
Health and Wellness Programs
Seniors at all physical levels benefit from physical activity. Check for on-site gyms or exercise programs tailored to older adults. Some specific wellness programs to look for include:
- Fitness classes
- Nutrition counseling
- On-site therapy
- Holistic health programs
- Healthcare services
Social Activities and Events
A vibrant social life within the community helps residents stay positive and mentally engaged. Being involved gives your loved one a sense of belonging and helps them build relationships with other residents. Look at the activity calendar for the community to see how many options are available each day and how much variety is offered. Common options include interest-based groups, arts and crafts, music, continued learning, and outings.
Dining Options
Senior communities offer dining rooms that often include communal dining where your loved one can socialize with other residents. Explore the menu offerings and try a meal if possible to assess the quality. If your loved one has special dietary needs, inquire about accommodations.
Financial Considerations and Contracts
Understanding Costs
The base monthly price for senior living usually includes house, meals, basic care, and maintenance. You may incur additional fees for extra services, such as transportation, phone service, cable, extra activities, and specialized medical services. Get an accurate estimate based on what services your loved one needs.
Reviewing Contracts and Agreements
Ask for time to review all contracts and agreements before signing anything. Details that should be included are the length of stay, services that are included, fee breakdown, and cancellation policies. Review the rules and restrictions imposed by the community. It's helpful to review the contract with a lawyer to ensure you understand the agreement. You may be able to negotiate terms if you have issues with the contract.
Long-Term Affordability
Planning for the future with financial planning services helps ensure you'll be able to afford the community long term. Long-term care insurance may be an option. You can also seek counsel from an estate planning attorney to determine how to best manage your assets.
Making the Final Decision
Involving Your Loved One
Because the decision impacts your loved one the most, it's important to involve them in the decision. Discuss what they want most from senior living. Take them on tours and encourage them to ask questions. When you're reviewing the options, discuss the pros and cons of each community with them.
Trusting Your Instincts
There isn't one best senior living community for everyone. Trusting your instincts helps you find an option that suits your loved one's needs and fits your budget. Do your research and explore all the options.
Getting Support from Professionals
Senior care advisors and social workers are helpful resources if you're not sure how to choose a senior living community. They look at your family's unique situation and offer senior housing recommendations that work for everyone.
It's important to take your time and gather all necessary information to make a well-informed decision on a senior living community. Finding the ideal setting for your loved one supports their long-term happiness and well-being while keeping them safe and healthy.
Find a Sunrise community near you and schedule a tour to learn about your options and find the best fit for your loved one.