Finding the right senior community can be an enjoyable experience if done with the right planning. At the same time, this is one of the biggest challenges that looms over baby boomers and is on seniors’ minds — and usually is one of the main questions that is asked of me. There is no simple answer, but here are some tips to finding the “right” place for you or your loved one:
1) Figure out what you can afford: before spending your time, and it can be a lot of time seeing places, figure out what you can afford monthly. Make a list of your expenses versus your income. Have a monthly amount in mind before making appointments at senior communities. You may want to discuss this with a financial planner first. If you have a long term care insurance plan, find out how much they pay, when they pay and what the requirements are for the senior living community you move to under the policy. Policies can vary widely, so do your homework first.
2) Make a wish list: What is important to you where you live now? What are your current needs, healthwise and otherwise? For example, do you need assistance with managing your medications? Do you like to eat with other people? Are you alone a lot? Do you enjoy being with others? What types of activities do you enjoy, for example, Bridge, Tai Chi, going out to lunch, etc. List all the things that are important to you. Bring this list with you as you visit communities, and then check off the items that the community offers that fits with your wish list. The community matches the most items on your wish list is the one that is a good fit for you.
3) Determine geographically where you want to live now and in the future: Do you want to stay in the same community? Do you need to move out of your community to be closer to a family member? Determine where you want to live presently and also consider your future needs…if something happens, will you need to be near your family? And, keep in mind that you want to only move once, if possible. So, if you have a son or daughter that lives in Colorado, and you live in California, you may want to look at senior communities in Colorado.
4) Move before you have to: Seniors are staying home longer and then are ending up having to move due to a fall or other health emergency. Once you have to move, you no longer can choose where you live. The best advice I can give any senior is to move before an emergency happens. If you move beforehand then you get to choose where you live rather than your family members making that decision for you. This way you can enjoy all the amenities and social activities that the senior community offers. Your family can relax knowing you will be taken care of even if something happens to you down the line because you will not be alone. It’s a win-win for all.
5) Find a senior community placement professional: Finding someone who is familiar with the senior communities in your area and that can match you with them is vital — it can save a lot of time for you and your family members. They can hone it down to 2 or 3 places that best fit your finances, needs and activity level. Many times these services are free. And, the senior community placement professional can be the point of contact for the marketing personnel, so your family members will not be bothered by the constant marketing by the community. This can be a win-win for all.
6) Just Get up and go: Once you have determined your finances and what you want, go take a look. Even if you are not ready to move now, it is always a good idea to see what is out there. I always suggest having lunch at the places you have chosen to see — the quality of food is always important. And, most importantly, relax and enjoy your visit. Be open to learn about the particular community and always ask the marketing personnel if you can ask residents what they think about living there. And, have fun. Visiting senior communities with family can be a very positive experience for everyone.
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