Locating, evaluating, and choosing a senior living community can be an overwhelming exercise. Depending on where you live, there can be dozens of senior living communities in and around your city, making it extremely challenging to choose one.
Senior living communities vary by the amount of care, services, and amenities they provide, so before you begin your search for a senior living community, you’ll want to evaluate your needs and wants to make sure you choose a community that fits.
To help, we’ve compiled a list of key factors to consider when determining your needs and wants in senior living.
Consider Your Care Needs
Assessing your physical health is one of the most critical factors in determining what care is needed in senior living. This includes any chronic conditions, disabilities, and mobility limitations you have that may affect your ability to perform daily tasks.
Senior living communities vary in the care they provide, so you want to ensure you clearly understand your care needs.
Senior living communities may offer the following care services:
- Care staff including licensed nurses, caregivers, and therapists
- Medication management
- 24/7emergency response call system
- Health and wellness programs
- Fitness classes
Your Personal Assistance Needs
An assisted living community will be a perfect fit if you need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming, or eating.
Assisted living communities like Seasons Senior Living in Clearwater, Florida, are designed for seniors who wish to remain independent but need help with daily personal care.
Assisted living communities also offer housekeeping, laundry, apartment maintenance, and transportation assistance.
Some types of retirement communities may not offer help with ADLs, so make sure you ask about assistance with personal care at each community you visit.
Your Socialization Needs
Many older adults and their loved ones want opportunities for them to meet and connect with others. However, an inability to drive and mobility issues can make socializing difficult for seniors.
Socialization is an important aspect of healthy aging, and it’s essential to consider your social needs before choosing a senior living community.
Consider factors such as proximity to family and friends, access to social activities and events, friendliness of staff and residents, and the social opportunities in each community.
Socially active senior living communities should offer the following:
- A full calendar of engaging activities, fun outings, and special events
- Community social amenities such as a theater, sports bar, and activities rooms
- Transportation to local events, shopping, and restaurants
Evaluate Your Finances
According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the monthly cost of a senior living community can cost as much as $4,500 per month, depending on where you live, care options, services, and amenities.
As you can see, senior living communities can be expensive, making it essential to clearly understand your financial situation before choosing a community.
Consider your current income and expenses, in addition to future expenses such as health care costs, and travel. Meet with a financial advisor to evaluate retirement savings, investments, insurance, pensions, and other forms of income.
Wrap-up
Determining your wants and needs in senior living can be overwhelming, but taking the time to consider your unique needs will help you make an informed decision.
Choosing a new home is a big step, and you want to enjoy a fun, fulfilling and comfortable retirement in a senior living community that fits your needs.
If you’re looking for senior living communities in Clearwater, FL, contact the friendly staff at Seasons Senior Living.
