Senior living in Essex County, N.J., can enrich a senior’s life by offering a beautiful home in a welcoming community where activities are plentiful and the food is amazing. Seniors are happier in senior living communities, and the robust variety of activities, exercise opportunities, and outings can keep them mentally and physically engaged. This may help them live longer, better lives. Finding the right senior living community in Essex County, N.J., can feel daunting. Here’s how to begin your search.
The people you know and trust are a great starting point as you begin your quest for senior living. Chat with your loved one’s doctor, or other care providers. Ask friends and family if they have loved ones in senior living. Your local senior center can also refer you to exceptional senior living. Check out the Essex County Division of Senior Services for a wide range of agencies and resources that can help you find the right senior living arrangement.
As you review your options, it’s important to think critically about what your loved one needs, both now and in the future. Do they simply need a safe and engaging place to live? Or are they seeking assistance with daily activities? Do they have a condition that may cause continued decline? If so, a senior living community that can offer support as your loved one’s needs shift is ideal.
Consider making a list of must-haves, such as level of support and continuum of services, as well as the most important amenities you want to see. Consider factors such as the convenience of the community's location, daily and weekly activities, support for caregivers, quality of food, and anything else you think may improve your loved one’s quality of life, or make caregiving less taxing.
Once you have a preliminary list of communities that may be able to address your loved one’s needs, spend some time checking out each community’s reputation. Read online reviews. Explore the community's blog and social media to get a feel for its culture and mission. Put the best communities on your list of final contenders, then schedule a tour to explore each option in person.
Schedule your tours for an active time of day, in which you'll have a chance to meet residents and get a feel for community life. A meal or special event is the perfect time for a tour. Take your loved one with you so you can see how they react to the community. Consider taking another family member or friend along, too, since they can offer additional insight and pose questions you might not have thought about.
Spend some time talking to the staff. How do they feel about their jobs? Do they seem warm and welcoming? Are they eager to answer your questions? Do they interact well with residents? Are these people whom you can trust to care for your loved one?
After the visit, it’s time to evaluate your options and talk to your loved one. It’s important to look at objective factors, such as whether the community can meet your loved one’s needs. Subjective factors are also important. How did you feel in the community? Does your loved one feel excited about the prospect of living there? What does your gut tell you?
Transitioning to senior living is a major decision, and it can take time to adapt. Your loved one may feel anxious or reluctant at first. With the right support, they may soon love life in senior living as you embrace your role as a family member and leave behind the stress of caregiving.
The Arbor Company is the nation’s premier senior living provider. We offer a continuum of care that includes lively independent living, supportive assisted living, and compassionate memory care. We are here for you at every stage of the aging journey, and would love to help you explore your Essex County, N.J., senior living options. Give us a call or stop by one of our communities to learn more.