Are you tired of household chores and never-ending home maintenance? Are you ready to take control of your future, pursue new interests and goals with less responsibility, and do all this surrounded by other like-minded people? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then you are probably ready to look into senior communities and the benefits of living in them.
First, it is important to remember that the decision to move to a senior community, and then choosing the right one, must be viewed as a journey and not an event. This important decision cannot be made overnight, as the choice you make will impact your life for many years to come. So, the question is, when is the right time to start looking, and how do you go about doing so?
When Is The Right Time To Start Looking Into Senior Communities?
If you ask any senior that question, the general response will be, “earlier than you think”. There is no “ideal age” to start looking at senior communities, but most seniors admit that a good time is when you are in your 60’s or early 70’s. The consensus seems to be:
- Start looking before the need arises, and it becomes urgent.
- The younger you are, the easier you adapt to change.
- It is to your advantage to start looking at senior communities when you are still active, independent, and in good general health.
- When you find that you have rooms in your current home you rarely use, and you want to downsize.
- When the general household chores, maintenance, and upkeep of your home are becoming a burden.
How To Research Potential Senior Communities?
The senior community you choose to move to will greatly impact your life, so you need to do proper research before you make this big decision.
There are some simple steps you can take to streamline the research process:
- Compile a list of important criteria that will help you narrow down your search. Some questions you may want to be answered are:
- The area that the facility is in.
- The proximity of the facility to your loved ones.
- The proximity of the facility to amenities of your choice.
- The size and type of accommodation you require.
- How much it costs.
- Does it have Wi-Fi access and is this included in the cost?
- Does it have access to healthcare?
- The gender ratio.
- Does it accept couples? (if this applies to you)
- Is there a long waiting list?
- Decide on the level of care you need now and may need in the future. The various levels of care may include:
- Independent Living
- Assisted Living
- Memory Care
- Skilled Nursing
- Rehabilitation
- Full range of care – is the network of care on the premises or will you need to leave the facility.
- Collect brochures and/or view the websites of facilities that meet your minimum requirements.
- Compile a list of facilities you would like to view (minimum three) and make an appointment to tour and view the facility. It is advisable to take a trusted family member or friend with you on the tour.
What To Do When Touring A Senior Living Facility
Once you have narrowed down your search and made a list of facilities you would like to view, make an appointment to tour the premises. While on the tour, it is advisable to:
- Have a positive mindset. Don’t view this decision as “the end of an era” but rather see it as “the beginning of a new adventure”.
- Request that a staff member accompany you and show you the whole facility and all the amenities. Request to see the accommodations, rest areas, eating areas, food preparation areas, the medical facility, the grounds and garden, and any other area you would like to view.
- Make a point of chatting to the residents and various categories of staff. Keep the conversations casual so that you get a realistic impression of the general atmosphere.
- Observe and ask questions about the general age and health of the residents.
- Ask about the meals:
- The menu
- How they are served
- Times they are served
- If they make allowances for any special dietary requirements.
- Find out about the facility’s daily routine and any activities they offer.
- Ask about the waiting list.
- Confirm the cost of residing at the facility. Be sure to ask about any extra costs or optional costs e.g. art classes or gym facilities.
- If the facility allows you to, arrange to spend the night and eat some meals there. This will give you a more realistic impression of the community.
Eastside Active Living, The Senior Community Of Choice In Hollywood, Florida
At Eastside Active Living, our primary focus is to make all our residents feel at home and to provide them with physical, social, and mental engagement. To view our wide array of amenities and activities, explore our levels of care or arrange a personal guided tour of our facility, call us at (954)-923-5057.
