HOW TO CHOOSE A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

Feeling at home is more than just the physical environment where we live, we want a sense of belonging – knowing we’re in the right place. We understand that selecting a senior living community can be a stressful and difficult time. You may feel overwhelmed, don’t have a clue where to start or afraid of making a decision you might regret.  These feeling are normal.

To make the process easier, we have a few tips to help you navigate the selection process, whether it be for a short stay or a longer-term decision.

How to Choose a Senior Living Community

Tip #1  Determine the appropriate level of care you or a loved one needs. 
It’s important to understand the different types of senior living options that are available and the types of services and care they offer. From independent living communities to memory care and assisted living communities, there are options for each resident’s unique needs. If you are unclear which setting might best serve your needs, talk to the admission counselor; they are a wealth of information and can help you understand your options. To read more about the levels of care read this article.

Tip #2  Tour
Visiting communities and walking through the building is the best way to evaluate your options and get a feel for the “culture” of each community. Ask to sample the dining services or attend a community event, this will allow you or your loved one to meet with current residents and observe the culture first-hand.

Tip #3  Get Feedback from Residents & Families
Another great way to determine if a senior living community is right for you is to speak directly to the residents or family members. Talk to your friends, you may know someone that currently lives in the community or has in the past. If you don’t know anyone who has had experience with the community, your tour is a great time to chat with those you meet along the way.

Tip #4   Ask the right questions
When trying to narrow down your search for an independent senior living community, don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. You want to make sure that the community is not only the right culture fit but it fits your financial needs and lifestyle as well. Here are a few great questions to ask to make sure you are informed.

• How much will care cost?
• How are services billed?
• Do you participate in Medicare, Medicaid, VA Aid and Assistance, long-term care insurance or any other payment program?
• Can I continue to see my own physicians?
• Can I have a pet and my own furniture?
• What are types of social and recreational opportunities available in this community?
• Is there transportation provided?
• What training and background checks are required of staff?
• Is there a registered nurse or other medical professional available at all times?

Tip #5    Plan for the future 
It’s important to think about what kind of care is needed now, and also what additional assistance or health care might be needed down the road. Here are a few questions to consider:

• What are additional types of care and services provided on the campus?
• If I require a higher of care in the future is that available on campus?  When will I have to move to another setting?
• Does the community offer other settings with a higher level of care?

Tip #6    Trust Your Instincts
Most importantly trust your instincts. When you tour the community ask yourself, “Can I see myself or my loved one living here?” and “Do I feel there is caring and capable staff?”  How a community makes you feel when you visit is critical. If the answers are yes, and all of the other important aspects of the community align, hopefully, you found the place to call home.

If you are looking for the right place, Nye Health Services offers a continuum of care levels on all our campuses, including independent living, assisted living, and personal care. We understand the importance of a maintenance-free lifestyle for older adults, and we are committed to improving quality of life. Call today to talk to an admission counselor on one of our campuses for more information. We are here to help you or your loved one celebrate life in the environments we create. We understand this decision may be a part of your life’s journey, and we are committed to making it the best.

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