This country has approximately 30,600 assisted living communities, so there are plenty of options. But narrowing those down to find the best setting for your loved one is no small task. And if your family member needs to relocate soon, the pressure can feel overwhelming.
Take a breath, sit down, and let us help: Our caregiving team members at The Retreat at Alameda specialize in helping families through these difficult times. You don’t want to make the wrong choice; your loved one needs personalized care that meets their needs.
How does this process work? There are qualities to look for and steps you can take to find the right fit. We’re here to tell you what to look for in assisted senior living, without any pressure. And once you get the big picture, you can compare different communities.
Learn About the Different Types of Senior Communities
Finding a senior living community is easier when you understand the categories:
- Independent Living: Designed for active, self-sufficient seniors who want maintenance-free lifestyles. Residents live in private apartments or homes with amenities like dining services, housekeeping, transportation, and social activities.
- Assisted Living: For seniors who need some help with daily activities but don’t require intensive medical care. On-site caregivers assist with medications, bathing, dressing, and meals. Residents maintain relative independence in apartment-style accommodations.
- Memory Care: Specialized settings designed specifically for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other memory impairments. These environments have trained team members and programs to address cognitive challenges.
- Nursing Homes: Provide 24-hour skilled nursing care for seniors with chronic medical conditions or severe mobility limitations. This offers the highest level of care outside a hospital setting.
- Active Adult Communities: Age-restricted (typically 55+) neighborhoods for independent, active seniors. These communities often feature amenities like golf courses and clubhouses.
Communities like The Retreat at Alameda offer a continuum of care, with three lifestyle levels on the same campus. Now, you’re ready to make some comparisons.
What to Look for in Assisted Living
Don’t hesitate to include your loved one in this process whenever possible. Their input is valuable in making a choice that will help them feel comfortable, supported, and at home.
Cost Considerations
Unsurprisingly, after most people find a general location and category, they zero in on budgeting. Monthly costs for assisted living typically range from $3,500 to $7,000, depending on location and amenities.
This pricing usually includes housing, utilities, meals, housekeeping, transportation, and basic care assistance. Additional fees may apply for specialized care needs or premium services.
Next: Compare Care and Support Options
This part of what to look for in assisted senior living focuses on on-site support services and amenities. When evaluating each, assess the availability of medication management, mobility assistance, and personal care services. Look for communities with appropriate caregiver-to-resident ratios and 24-hour emergency response systems.
Consider whether the community offers specialized memory care programs if needed now or potentially in the future. Many quality communities provide wellness programs, therapy services, and the flexibility to increase care levels without relocating. Always ask about care assessment processes and how adjustments are made as residents’ needs change over time.
Remember, you’re searching for a comfortable long-term home, so everything you or your loved one needs should be easily accessible. The highest-rated senior living communities have modern, spacious floor plans, restaurant-style dining rooms, scheduled transportation, on-site physical therapy, activity areas, hair salons, protected outdoor space, and movie theaters.
Keeping that in mind, it’s worth calling and touring as many communities as time allows. That’ll show you the nuances of each property; the details ultimately determine the best fit.
What Should I Ask When Touring Senior Living Communities?
Ask as many questions as you see fit on your visit; we suggest bringing a list like this:
- What are the total monthly costs, and what exactly is included?
- Are there additional fees for services or care levels?
- What team members are on-site and during what hours?
- What is the caregiver-to-resident ratio?
- What floor plans are available?
- What is the emergency response protocol?
- Can you review the residency agreement details?
- What activities and outings are regularly scheduled?
- What are the dining options, and can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
- What is the process if care needs change?
Try to meet with several team members on your senior community tours. Also, talk to the residents and ask how they feel about the care they receive. The more conversations you have, the better feel you’ll have for each community.
Now, Compare Agreements
Senior community tours generally end with sit-down conversations where you can usually review an agreement. You needn’t sign anything that day; keep the agreements organized to review later. It’s your job to make sure you know what you’re signing up for.
Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples; does one community charge extra for a certain service, while another includes it? Or, does one include utilities while another doesn’t? Don’t be shy about contacting the community for clarification, and read the fine print so nothing comes as a surprise later on.
Consult Your Loved One
Involve your loved one in this process whenever possible. This is going to be their new home, after all. Both of you will feel a lot better knowing that it was a collaborative process. And if you’re considering assisted living or memory care, finding a senior living community also involves speaking with their physician.
Take a Senior Community Tour at The Retreat at Alameda
We know that comparing senior communities can be a challenge. But spending the time and doing it right is the best thing you can do for a loved one. Contact us to arrange a tour; we make finding a senior living community less stressful.
