What would you do if your mom or dad became an older adult and couldn’t care for themselves? Would you move them in with you, hire someone to take care of them, or find a senior living community nearby so they can live independently? These are difficult decisions that many families face. 

A senior living community is where seniors reside and receive care as needed, which is impossible otherwise. Many communities offer different levels of care, from independent housing to 24-hour skilled nursing care. This blog post will discuss how to choose a Senior site living solution so that readers can make an informed decision on what is best for their family.

1. Location: It is essential to choose an appropriate location for your loved ones. Do you want them to be closer to family members, or would they prefer a new environment with people their age? Think about how your loved one gets around. Is she able to drive? Does he have a walker, cane, or wheelchair? If your family member has mobility issues, it’s crucial that your chosen location is accessible by public transportation or has easy access inside and out for wheelchairs. Also, consider whether there are doctors nearby if she needs medical services.

2. Cost: An important consideration when choosing a senior living facility is the cost. According to Genworth Financial’s Cost of Care Survey, the national average price for a one-bedroom apartment in 2017 was $2,567 per month. In addition to rent, seniors may pay extra charges for amenities such as housekeeping services and food costs. Make sure you know specific hidden fees that can be tacked on at some senior living communities. For example, some may charge additional money for common facilities like movie rooms if they do not already come included in the rent.

3. Type of services provided: Think about what amenities matter to you and your parents, such as medical care or transportation options, but also take into account the daily routines you might not consider, like whether meals are served in a communal dining room, or residents can order deliveries from nearby restaurants. Also, make sure the place has 24-hour emergency medical assistance onsite if that’s important to you. In addition to receiving daily meals, residents have access to social activities, housekeeping services, transportation, and more. Depending on the type of community, residents’ fees are often every month. Senior living communities offer a variety of amenities that help seniors maintain their independence but still have the feeling of being cared for.

4. Quality of life factors: When choosing among senior living communities, specific lifestyle questions need to be answered before deciding: Does this community have activities my parents enjoy? Is it close enough to the family for them? Does he have friends here, or will she be lonely? Will the community feel fun and active? Many people enjoy having access to opportunities for learning and entertainment, which is why it’s helpful to ask what kind of programs are available onsite (e.g., live music, lectures) and how often these events take place.

5. check the online reviews: When choosing senior housing for your parents, make sure that it meets their needs as well as yours. A great way to narrow down your options is through online reviews of different facilities. You can also use Google reviews that will help you compare different retirement homes in your area by amenities, room size, services provided, cost, and proximity. Before visiting each place, research their rankings and reviews online to learn about other people’s experiences in each community. It will help ensure there are no surprises when you visit.

6. take the opinion of the ones who will be staying there: Finally, once you’ve chosen the place that seems like it will be best for your loved one, take their likes and dislikes into account to find the perfect fit. For example, if they can’t stand fishy smells or have too many people around at once, then be sure to mention this during the application process, so they live somewhere right for them. Matt Southern wrote this blog post. You can learn more about him here 

7. Emergency-response systems. Assess whether a community has 24/7 onsite emergency response (and be aware that even if it does, 911 services might not be covered by Medicare) and what kind of technology is employed (e.g., pendants with buttons that connect residents directly to emergency responders). Also, ask about how medical emergencies are handled; some communities have nurses around the clock, while others leave health issues to residents’ families.

8. Social Atmosphere, security, and privacy: Your loved ones need to feel comfortable in their new home after you’re gone, so look for a senior living solution that’s social-friendly and offers plenty of activities, from outings to lectures to games—plus good dining options. 

• In terms of safety, look for a community with key-card entry points and security cameras in public areas. It should have a formal policy to screen all visitors, using ID badges or similar forms of identification—and require guests to give 24 hours’ notice before visiting someone who lives there. If any residents feel threatened or think that something inappropriate is going on, steps need to be taken to address those concerns as soon as possible. 
• If you’re worried about your loved one needing privacy, be clear with management from the get-go about any limits you have in mind so that your family won’t run afoul of them unintentionally.

9. Cleanliness: Cleaning services are an essential perk at senior living communities because they help reduce the risk of infections being passed from one resident to another through shared surfaces such as countertops and elevators. During your visit, walk around and note what you see—including how often floors seem to be mopped and bathrooms are being cleaned.

10. Pets: If you’re bringing pets along with you when moving into an assisted living community (which is not always allowed), make sure they’re happy and healthy during your tour. If they seem stressed out about their surroundings, it’s probably not the right fit for everyone involved—including your four-legged companions!

Conclusion: just as the seniors choose the best of services for you, it is now time to look out for them as well. Make sure you are satisfied with all the factors and confirm the place at the senior living facility as a well-researched decision.