Making the Right Move: 5 Things to Look for When Choosing a Senior Living Community
Finding an exceptional senior living community to support your lifestyle and needs is not always an easy task. With so many similar features, services, and amenities offered, it can be tough to differentiate a high-quality senior living community from an average one without expert advice.
So, how do you know if you’re making the right choice? How can you be sure a community will deliver on its promise to provide a safe, supportive, and caring environment for the residents who call it home? Which community will meet or exceed your expectations to provide excellent service and compassionate care?
For those considering a move now or in the future, we’ve compiled a few recommendations to help. Read on for five key areas to closely examine when choosing the right senior living community.
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In the world of senior living, community culture may not seem like an obvious choice to top the list, but it warrants careful consideration when selecting a community. The community’s culture, or the ‘feel’ of the community when you walk into the building, can speak volumes about the social environment, staffing, and resident satisfaction.
A good community culture can be observed through respectful interactions with residents and staff, engaged residents participating in enjoyable activities, evidence of meaningful relationships among community members, and a vibrant, inviting atmosphere. Below are two ways to assess a community’s culture:
- Observe the residents. Do residents seem happy and content? Are conversations happening and interpersonal connections being formed? Is there a sense of community that visitors and guests can notice when they walk through the building? When touring a community, don’t be afraid to ask residents what they love about their life. Invite them to share their experience moving in and adjusting to the transition. Talk to them about their favorite ways to spend their time without the burdens of home maintenance.
- Observe the community’s staff. Do the staff seem friendly and welcoming? Are they interacting with residents in a caring and professional manner? Do they seem present and visible in the community? Inquire about the community’s Executive Director, department managers, and caregiving staff. What is the turnover like? Do the staff seem well-trained? What is their body language like when you notice them in the community? Do they seem overworked? Does anything feel “off,” or do they seem to have genuine relationships with residents?
A positive community culture is often what truly supports older adults during their move, easing the transition and helping them feel at home.
When selecting a high-quality senior living community, pay close attention to the building and physical environment. What are your first impressions? Did the community’s grounds and parking lot look tidy and well-cared for? Does the community present itself well inside? Is it clean, appealing, organized, and uncluttered? Is the decor outdated, or are spaces crowded? Is the layout accessible, and are safety features and functions working properly?
Consider your first impressions of the overall atmosphere and how it made you feel. Were you warmly greeted by someone when you walked in the door? Were your interactions pleasant? How about your sensory experience? Often, small details such as good lighting, background music playing in the front lobby, fresh flowers or plants throughout the community, and coffee and snacks available to guests can suggest attentive staff. Look for details like these that can reflect a community’s commitment to customer service that exceeds expectations.
Before selecting a senior living community, it’s essential to determine the levels of care the community can provide. Whether you choose an independent living, assisted living, or memory care community, you’ll need to know the following:
- Are supportive care services available should a resident need them? If so, who provides these services, and what type of care services can be provided?
- What kind of assistance can residents receive, and how often are caregivers able to assist with daily tasks like medication reminders, taking a shower, or using the restroom?
- How can the community support a resident’s changing care needs—both current and future needs?
- Can residents transition between levels of care? If so, what is involved in this process? Is there a continuum of care available?
In high-quality senior living communities, there is typically a consistency of care, allowing residents to get to know the caregiving staff and build rapport. Families should also be able to expect open communication with the community’s wellness team or healthcare partners to address any medical needs or changes in their loved one’s status. Team members should respond in a timely manner to address concerns and resolve any issues that arise.
Senior living services and amenities can be quite similar across communities but will vary depending on the type of community you are considering. While independent living communities may offer more services and amenities tailored to active older adults, assisted living communities may provide physician or other wellness services to support the health needs of their residents. Ask about the services that are included in the monthly rental rate and those that incur an extra fee.
Look for a community that offers a wide range of services and amenities, such as:
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Home maintenance services
- Meals and dining options
- Transportation and parking options
- Fitness & wellness centers
- On-site salon, barbershop, or spa
- Concierge services
- Purposeful activities, outings, and social opportunities
- On-site libraries and lounges
- And more!
High-quality communities should have minimal disruption to services available to residents and consistency in scheduling. Services should offer a range of options to cater to resident needs and preferences, and communities should welcome resident feedback to inform ongoing improvements.
Lastly, but certainly not least, the cost of senior living should be carefully considered and closely examined when selecting an independent or assisted living community. Finding the ideal community is wonderful, but if a loved one cannot manage the cost of an average length of stay, another option may be best.
Consulting with a senior care expert can provide clarity on what to expect when planning financially for the costs of senior living/higher levels of care. Uncover any hidden costs, community fees, or potential changes in rental rates, and then, with community knowledge in hand, speak with a financial advisor to identify the best way to finance these options.
Opting for the least expensive option may seem like a good idea initially, but keep in mind that “you get what you pay for” – even in senior living. (Even the most attractive starting rates are often raised within a resident’s first year.) Think twice before compromising on high-quality care, customer service, and communication for an average experience at a community with declining resident satisfaction. This is not always an optimal situation for helping a loved one maintain good health, independence, and a life they enjoy.
Selecting a Community
Selecting the right senior living community is about more than just considering cost, lifestyle, and benefits. It’s settling on a place to call home. While this change can seem daunting, Cardinal Bay senior living experts can provide seniors and their caregivers with the guidance and support they need.
Whether you’re an older adult considering independent living options or a caregiver seeking an assisted living or memory care community for an aging loved one, we invite you to experience the Cardinal Bay difference and the many benefits of relationship-centered living.
To learn more about how Cardinal Bay senior living communities are designed to support and enhance seniors' overall wellness while fostering essential social connections, subscribe to our blog for free resources dedicated to supporting seniors and caregivers. Or schedule a tour at any of our Central Texas and Oklahoma communities and see why our residents choose Cardinal Bay as their home.