6 Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Senior Living Home

While many retirees opt to stay in their own homes, more are considering senior living communities. The options are growing all the time, and many seniors choose these communities because they want to form connections with others and be near help when they need it. Choosing the right community requires you to learn about the area’s security, culture, and level of care offered.

What Will it Cost to Move There?

While you'll want to consider the cost of the facility itself, you should also ask how much the moving process will cost. You will need to figure out what to do with the household things you currently have because you will likely have less space than you currently do. You may need to hire movers to transport the items you are taking, and the facility may require a security deposit. All these things can add up, so one option is to get a personal loan to get you the money you need quickly. You can learn more about the pros and cons of using a personal loan to meet your short term needs by reviewing an online guide.

How Secure is the Area?

It’s important to ask yourself how safe the community is before you consider moving there. Whether you will be living by yourself or with a partner, you should feel safe moving about the community by yourself, so when touring facilities, you can ask how the home manages visitors. A community that has their visitors sign in at the front desk may be safer than one that allows visitors to come and go as they wish. There should also be security lighting, cameras, and other systems in place.

What are Recreation Opportunities Like?

Whether or not you see yourself seeking out exercise coaching for seniors or spending time on recreational activities, you should choose a facility that has some opportunities available to you because these activities allow you to look forward to something and can help change up your daily routine. Social activities can be fun and give you a chance to connect with other residents, which is often one of the main draws for seniors. Look at the amenities available on-site.

What is the Culture and Lifestyle Like?

You want to enjoy your retirement years, so you should pick a facility that lets you live your life the way you want to. Your community should be next to places like cultural events, shopping, continuing education, and anywhere else you may want to spend your time. If you want to have a garden, have a companion, or keep your pets, make you ask during the tour if you are allowed to do these things. When visiting places, see if you can talk to current residents to learn a bit more about the culture.

What is Dining Like?

If you love food or enjoy sharing your meals with others, ensure the community you are considering has many options available. The options can vary greatly, ranging from on-site cafes to large dining rooms to take-out food. Plan on trying some of the food in facilities you are strongly considering. If you dislike the food, know you may need to buy and prepare some of your own meals.

What Type of Care is Offered?

While social activities are important, the level of care is critical, especially if you are facing any health concerns. Seniors often experience changing health needs, and in these cases, communities with different levels of care may be best. On the other hand, some facilities offer only one level, and if your needs change, you may need to find another facility. If you want a place with different levels of care, you may want to research continuing care communities or life plan communities. No matter what level you are looking for, you should check to see if they accept your health insurance, whether it’s long-term care, Medicaid, or Medicare.