Understanding How to Choose Assisted Senior Living Options

Written By: Discovery Senior Living
Understanding How to Choose Assisted Senior Living Options

Iowa is one of the top states with a huge retirement population. Over 18% of people are over the age of 65.

Because of this, there are many opportunities for seniors to thrive. You may find that it's time to settle down in a senior living community. With many options to choose from, things can get stressful.

This guide covers how to evaluate assisted senior living to help you out. Keep reading to learn more.

Location Matters

Choosing the best senior living community based on budget and amenities is great, but it doesn't paint the whole picture. Location matters in your choice.

Think about where you want to live. Maybe you want to move somewhere warm and sunny or be close to your family. Narrow down your options to find a neighborhood with everything you want.

While senior living communities tend to have activities and trips you can enjoy, you might still want to do some things yourself.

Choose a location where it's easy to walk or drive to town to eat at a good restaurant, visit a nature scene, or do some shopping. Check out important details like tax rates and crime rates as well.

Budget, Budget, Budget

At this point in life, you likely aren't making any income. Retirement is great, but it requires a good sense of budgeting.

When evaluating assisted senior living communities, you need to consider the cost. You'll want to find something that fits into your budget now and in the future. This way, you can age in place.

To determine if the price fits your budget, you must discover all the associated costs. The price of the apartment might not be the only fee, so be sure to ask questions. Determine the cost of these extras:

  • Housekeeping
  • Meal services
  • Amenities
  • Activities
  • Home maintenance
  • Meal plans
  • Utilities

Some communities include these items in their overall costs; others don't.

You might be able to find discounts and programs you can qualify for to lessen your dues. For example, Addington Place of Carroll honors military veterans with half off the first month's rent.

New residents can also apply for veterans benefits through the veterans program. If they qualify, they receive a one-time $1,000 discount on the second month's rent.

Amenities and Services

An assisted living center should have various amenities and services. Decide which means the most to you to help you choose the best community for your needs.

Many communities focus on health and making living more convenient for seniors. Some of the amenities you may find include:

  • Fitness programs
  • Transportation services
  • In-room dining
  • 24/7 maintenance
  • Weekly housekeeping

If you require special senior care, look for communities offering memory care and respite care services. Even if you don't need this care right now, finding a community with these services might be beneficial. This way, you'll have peace of mind if you ever need additional care. You won't have to move to a new community to benefit from special services.

You should tour different communities to determine which amenities and services will benefit you most. Then, choose a community that meets your needs.

Community Life

One of the greatest benefits of joining an assisted living program is the sense of community. Making connections as an older adult can be difficult. Living in a community with people similar to you makes that easier.

You can avoid social isolation, which could be a detriment to senior health. Feeling lonely and isolated can cause feelings of depression and anxiety. It can also increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and cognitive decline.

Living in a community is like living in a small town. You get to know your neighbors personally and have a lot of time to spend with them.

Noting whether or not a community seems active and friendly is easier when you take a tour. Visiting more than once might help make the decision-making process easier.

This is also a great time to determine if staff members are welcoming and make you feel comfortable. These are people you'll likely see daily or weekly, so it's important to get familiar with them.

Some communities will allow you to join an event or scheduled activity so that you can get a sense of what life is like there without commitment. Talk to the residents during this time to find out how they like living there.

Addington Place of Carroll offers a full calendar of monthly events, from games to educational classes to small trips.

Prioritizing Safety

There are many safety concerns that a senior living community should be familiar with. During your search for your new home, ask about the protocols for situations like medical emergencies, power outages, natural disasters, etc.

Many communities go even further in their commitment to safety with features like:

Many seniors feel safer in communities where there is always staff on-site to help with any situation.

In addition to physical safety concerns, take a good look at whether or not the community is thriving. The building should be clean and residents should be mostly happy and smiling.

If something doesn't feel right, go with your gut feeling. It's important that you choose somewhere that can feel like home, especially if you plan to be there long-term.

How to Evaluate Assisted Senior Living: Explained

Knowing how to evaluate assisted senior living can help you feel confident in your choice. With the tips in this guide, you'll be well on your way to making a new home in a welcoming environment.

At Addington Place of Carroll in Carroll, Iowa, we offer a vibrant community with exceptional comfort to our residents. Our elevated senior living experience is unmatched in the area. Our community will help your loved one live their best life in their gold years.

We have resident-focused lifestyle programs and services designed to fit your needs. These modern conveniences make us stand out from the rest. See for yourself by scheduling a tour with us now.

Related Posts