If you’re considering senior living, there are probably plenty of factors to your decision—ideas about enjoying the gardens and taking in the fresh air, a night on the town followed by a snack in the cafeteria, and loads of opportunities to become more active while meeting new people. But every community is different. Just like choosing the right college or spouse, knowing what you want and need—as well as what lifestyle best accommodates your hopes for the future—is key.
Getting the right community fit should be your goal as you explore senior living communities near you. So how do you know when you’ve found that perfect match? Part of it is intuition. Can you get excited about calling this place home? Picture yourself as part of community events? Feel hopeful about your future as a member of the community? If so, then you’ve found the right match.
Getting there can take some time, some planning, and a willingness to do some research. Here’s how to make the right decision.
Spend some time thinking about how you like to spend your time and what environments you’ve previously felt happiest in. Consider what it is you really want out of a community.
It can be helpful to make a list of must-haves and like-to-haves. For instance, if you know you need help with activities of daily living, then a supportive assisted living community is key. This approach means you can be more objective in your research and decision-making. After all, if a community doesn’t have the dining options you know you want, it doesn’t matter how nice the residents are!
Who’s the first person you call when you need advice? If they have any experience with senior living, odds are good they’re a great option for finding a referral, too. Talk to people you trust such as friends, family, neighbors, and doctors.
It’s helpful to get as specific as possible when asking for a senior living community. Ask questions about why they recommend the specific community they do. This is because sometimes their priorities won’t align with yours. Your introverted friend may relish a quiet community that may not be a fit for you based on your own interests.
Some questions to ask include:
In the world of senior living, your reputation precedes you. Excellent communities are well-known and much-beloved, with residents who are excited to talk about their positive experiences. It’s important to Google the community so you can read online reviews and news stories.
Of course, in a world of fake online reviews and vindictive social media posters, reviews aren’t everything—and may not even be reliable. So put everything you read in context.
Some helpful questions to ask as you review a community’s reputation include:
When you begin visiting communities, it’s helpful to assess whether what you see aligns with or contradicts reviews. For instance, if a single reviewer reports that staff is unfriendly, but every person you encounter is welcoming and compassionate, you can probably ignore that review. But if you find that the staff is indeed standoffish, the reviewer is probably right.
There’s no substitute for seeing a community in person and envisioning yourself as part of community life. Schedule some time to visit each community you’re considering. To get the most out of the visit, go when you’re well-rested and have the energy to spend some time asking questions and chatting up new friends. Taking someone you trust with you for a second perspective can be really helpful, too.
Some tips for your visit include:
You know yourself and your needs best, and sometimes, you can’t quite put your finger on why you feel the way you do about a community. You just love it—or don’t like it at all. Pay attention to what your gut tells you. You deserve an exceptional place to call home.
Some decision-making questions that can help you as you narrow down your options include:
Cedarhurst offers a family of exceptional communities for people with a wide variety of interests and needs. Want to explore if we’re a fit for you or your loved one? Discover our communities and schedule a tour today.