Senior Living Near Me: What to Look for Before Choosing a Community

From the website of a senior living community, you can gather quite a bit of information. Beautiful pictures, smiling faces, and gorgeous dining halls follow, but when you visit for an actual tour, you find a whole different story.

Yet, there’s nothing wrong if you realize that the staff isn’t as caring as it seemed. Or maybe the “quiet courtyard” is not all that impressive after all? Although you might have had a good tour and been welcomed, you might not have felt comfortable when you arrived. Nonetheless, when seeking a place for aged relatives, it is important to pay attention to your feelings.

Looking for **senior living** is more than finding a good building. After all, it is a place where one’s relatives can spend many years of their lives.

8 Points to Look for Before Choosing a Senior Living Community

1. Know What Level of Care You Need

Start at the beginning. Determine the nature of your loved one’s needs today and their needs in the near future.

• Assisted Living facilities are meant for people who live independently but need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, cooking meals, taking medications, and mobility.
• A Nursing Home is meant to care for individuals who require a higher degree of medical and personal attention than assisted living, due to their unique health needs.
• Retirement Homes and Independent Living Communities are for those who want less hassle in running a home, social interaction, good meals, and convenient services without requiring major medical help daily.

So don’t ask, “What does Dad need now?” Instead, ask this question, “What if he has a change of need?” A facility that provides a wide range of care options will prevent your family from inquiring about moving to a new place in the near future.

2. Visit More Than Once

A planned visit can help, but keep in mind it is still just a visit. Everything is organized, neat, and set for visitors.

If possible, visit at different times of the day. Try lunchtime or the early evening. See what occurs when no one is marketing to you.

The question is: Are the residents interacting with each other? Do the workers greet the residents by name? Is the dining area inviting? Are the corridors clean but not too clinical?

Also, watch how employees communicate with residents. Polite, patient words speak much louder than an elaborate lobby.

3. Look Closely at the Staff

A nice building won’t reassure your parent at 2 a.m. But an attentive staff person might be helpful.

Find out about the number of employees, their turnover rate, and their training. Find out if the facility has overnight employees and what happens if someone calls in sick. Find out if residents see the same caregivers.

When visiting the facility, take note of the staff’s interactions with the residents. Do they knock before entering rooms? Do they communicate with the residents? Do they listen when the resident speaks?

4. Try the Food

When meals are served daily, you understand their significance in the overall experience.

Inquire about the weekly menu. Determine whether residents have to make any food choices or whether the kitchen caters to their specific dietary preferences.

If feasible, try a meal there.

You will probably learn more about the food service system from one regular lunch than from listening to the culinary experience for 20 minutes. Make sure the dining area is favorable, and observe the eating process to see whether it is social and whether people receive assistance at mealtimes.

Mealtime is not just about food; it’s also about social life.

5. Find Out What Daily Life Is Actually Like

A neighborhood can be pristine but still feel isolating.

Find out about what kinds of events and activities exist that will allow those in the neighborhood to meet others.

Ask if these events are actually attended.

Remember what your loved one likes to do. For example, if he is not fond of playing bingo, this won’t be a good place for him to live.

He may prefer another pastime, like gardening, reading, or listening to music.

6. Get Very Clear About Costs

Families can be surprised.

The monthly rate given may not include all services. Ask about extra charges and get everything in writing.

Find out about:

• Base charge
• Care fees
• Medications
• Transportation
• Housekeeping and laundry
• Food
• Personal care
• Deposit and move-in fee
• Annual rate increase
• Additional charges for increased care needs

After that, it’s time to ask the question: “What is the actual maximum monthly amount I would have to pay if my loved one requires more aid?”

7. Let Your Loved One Have a Say

If someone dear to you is willing to join you in making this important decision, you ought to let them help you with it.

You may prioritize communication, security, and cost, while they may be more interested in being able to take a beloved chair with them or having a nice yard.

These may seem insignificant, but they are part of the sense of home. Moving to another facility can be an emotionally difficult step, so having a say in the matter can help make it easier.

8. Check What You Can’t See

Before making your decision, it is essential to review background information on licensing and accredited inspections for the facilities you are considering. Next, analyze the specific contract you are signing and ask questions about medical emergency procedures, medication handling, transport arrangements, safety issues, and communication with residents’ families.

Make sure you find out what will happen if something happens to your friend or relative. You have to ask who will come and when; you can’t assume your relatives have medical assistance available.

Don’t be afraid to ask all the questions you have in mind; you are in a good spot with most of the questions on the list.

Final Thoughts

The search for suitable senior living must involve more than just the nicest building and the most flashy promotional material.

Rather, it must be about finding a good match.

Will your loved one be well taken care of, while still being able to maintain dignity, privacy, friendships, familiar habits, and a degree of independence? Do you trust the staff? Does the community feel warm instead of cold and institutional?

You should make a list. Visit the place. Ask hard questions. Try the food. Talk to residents if the situation calls for it. Go through the agreement before signing.

When you can imagine your mom happily living there, note that feeling, and make sure the numbers match it.