Your retirement plan might include senior living. In fact, many older adults quickly realize that bustling senior living communities offer a variety of benefits, from more socialization to fewer household chores. If you are beginning to explore the senior living communities around the Roseland area, you might be wondering how to make the process as easy as possible. We’ve compiled a few of our favorite senior living search tips to help you make the most confident decision possible.
Narrow Down Your Ideal Location
Before you can call communities to set up tours, you must eliminate any communities that are not geographically feasible. For example, you might want to choose a senior living community that is near your daughter’s commute route so that she can swing by for visits easily. Or, you may choose a community that is located near your favorite neighborhood or place of worship. You can narrow down your list of potential contenders by choosing to consider communities within your preferred location.
Consider Your Current and Future Needs
Senior living communities are not all the same, which gives today’s older adults the chance to find a community that fits their current and future care needs. When you begin exploring communities around the Roseland area, ensure that you are taking into consideration what you might need help with now and in the future.
For example, if you or your loved one has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, search for a senior living community that can offer specialized dementia care services. Or, if you or your loved one has a diagnosis of arthritis, it might be wise to search for assisted living communities that will offer extended mobility help instead of an independent living community that may not offer that type of assistance. When you consider future needs, you are able to make a long-term decision that will minimize any additional moves.
Experience Life in the Community
When you or your loved one chooses senior living, it means more than just choosing an apartment. It means choosing amenities, a lifestyle, and new friends. In order to be sure you pick a community that suits your preferences, you must experience the lifestyle for yourself.
When you tour a senior living community, ask if there are opportunities for you to attend an upcoming event, or to have a meal in the dining room. Most exceptional communities will happily welcome your wish to experience life there multiple times, so don’t be afraid to ask! You’ll learn plenty about the community, its staff, and its residents by attending a few activities and a meal. This could be one of the best ways to determine if a community is a good long-term fit for your needs.
Talk Candidly About Financial Planning
Finally, when you are down to your final one or two choices, ensure that you have spoken candidly about finances and budget. Most senior living communities are actually quite affordable, especially because their monthly fee includes amenities such as utilities, meals, and transportation. However, you and your loved ones should ask questions about additional fees associated with higher levels of care, as well as any financial benefits that come with long-term care insurance or veterans benefits. The more information you have prior to making your final decision, the more confident you can be that your bank account can handle the move.
The move to senior living is a wise one, and you’ll soon be enjoying the amenities and benefits that come with a lifestyle focused on health and happiness. You can learn more about senior living by downloading our free resource, “The Journey to Senior Living.”
Then, call us at Arbor Terrace Roseland to learn more about why our community is truly exceptional. We would love to tell you more about how our residents and staff make our community vibrant, and about how our chef-prepared meals are some of the best in the state. We’d be honored to give you a glimpse into what retirement can really look like here.
