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What to Look for in a Senior Living Community

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What to Look for in a Senior Living Community

There may be only one thing more difficult than making the decision for yourself or your loved one to move to senior living – choosing the best community! But there are ways you can make the process easier. Here’s how.

Start with a Gut Check

This is arguably the most important part of the process because you really can’t identify which senior living community will be the best fit without honestly assessing your needs including: 

Your answers can then help you begin to narrow your search based on what type of senior living would fit those needs.

Types of Senior Living

Senior living offers a continuum of different levels of care which include:

Independent Living – Residents here require little to no daily assistance. Rather they want more social and enrichment opportunities than are available at home, and more freedom as this type of senior living offers a worry-free lifestyle with home maintenance, cooking, cleaning and laundry taken care of for you. You’ll also find amenities such as concierge services, a pool, fitness center and transportation.

Assisted Living – This type of senior living offers housing and lifestyle opportunities as well as assistance with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing along with 24-hour supervision and onsite care. You’ll find a comfortable, homelike setting plus housekeeping, laundry, transportation and daily social opportunities. Amenities in these communities are similar to independent living.

Memory Care – This type of senior living is specifically for those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Communities feature staff specially-trained in dementia care along with 24-hour supervision, plus therapy, structured activities and social opportunities. Amenities include meals, housekeeping and laundry.

Your Senior Living Wants

Now it comes down to what you or your loved one want out of your experience in senior living.

Touring A Community

You can get an inside look at the senior living communities on your short list as most are offering virtual tours as well as links to videos, interactive floor plans and room planners. As you tour and talk to the staff make sure you’re comparing each community on the same criteria such as:

Lastly, make sure to check with friends, family, trusted advisors and even residents themselves if possible, to get their feedback on the communities you’re considering. Online reviews can also be helpful.

For more information on senior living, check out our Stay or Go Guide or schedule a virtual tour!


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