Helping Your Loved One Choose a Senior Living Community
If you’re at the point where you and your loved one are considering their senior living options, you’ll need to be as thorough as possible in your search.
Assess Their Wants and Needs
There is no one-size-fits-all to the way we age. That’s why it’s important to meet people where they are to find the right services and living options that support their lifestyle. Work with your loved one to get a clear picture on what they want in a senior living community based on their cognitive, physical, and social needs.
Here’s a list of cognitive needs from either memory lapses or forgetfulness as we age:
- Creative opportunities to stay curious and practice problem-solving skills
- Medication and appointment management
- Unique technology and safety features to stay one step ahead
Here’s a list of physical needs due to challenges with flexibility and mobility that affect activities of daily living (ADLs) like:
- Maintaining a home
- Meal prep
- Personal hygiene
- Running errands or shopping
Here’s a list of social needs that can help us find and continue companionship no matter how introverted or extroverted we are:
- Events and programs on and off campus
- Pet ownership
- Special groups such as book clubs or gardening committees
Establish Finances and Priorities
Talk to your loved one about their finances to make sure they’re on track with questions like:
- Have you considered selling your home?
- How do you currently budget?
- What health plan can you afford through Medicare or Medicaid?
Research Services and Living Options
Research local services and senior living options based on you and your loved one’s current abilities, special priorities, and long-term needs. Ask the important questions:
- What are the different levels of senior living?
- Is it better to choose a community with the complete continuum of care in case your loved one’s needs change?
- How does our health plan support different levels of care in senior living?
- How does the senior living community support all the dimensions of wellness?
- What are the benefits of a not-for-profit life plan community compared to a for-profit community?
Tour Communities and Get on the Waitlist
There are many benefits to touring senior living communities, so when you visit with your loved one, be sure to note important factors like:
- How families are involved, including long-distance caregivers
- What services, amenities, events, and programs are available
- The current waitlist
- Everything you need to know for moving in
Harness the power of choice with our free ebook, Moving to a Senior Living Community: Make Decisions Your Way.
At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.