Looking for a retirement community can be an emotional task. If you have a loved one that is needing more care, retirement communities or assisted living is often the best route. As you navigate your options and work to make the best decision for your family, here are three things to consider:

Level of Care

One of the first things you need to discover is the level of care you are seeking for your loved one. There is a broad spectrum of care levels depending on the type of facility you choose. Memory care is one of the highest levels of care you can find in a facility. Most residents with this type of care have Alzheimer's or dementia that make it unsafe for them to live alone or even care for themselves. This type of community has locked doors for wandering residents and lots of nurses to provide hygiene care and meds. Other assisted living communities have communal dining, handicap accessibility for their amenities, and lots of senior programs. Meeting with your family members doctor can be a great way to help you decide what level of care they need to stay healthy and safe.

Pricing

The pricing of assisted living and retirement communities will vary depending on the amenities, programs, meals, and medical care they offer. If your family member needs around the clock care this will cost more. Knowing what you can afford with government programs, insurance, and savings is crucial before you being the process of shopping for a community. Since the majority of seniors do not have active income, you need to know how far their funds can get them and help them understand their financial responsibility.

Community

If your family member is social you will want to spend a lot of time focusing on the senior programs different retirement communities offer. Activities like bingo, card night, rec room dining, pickleball, and swimming are great activities that most retirement communities offer. Look for the facilities with large numbers of members that participate. Transitioning to a retirement community can feel difficult, but finding ways to get active and involved quickly can help.

Shopping for retirement communities can be an emotional journey for everyone involved. Change is hard and seeing someone you love lose their health or independence can be a painful process. Be aware that these emotions are normal for the entire family and look for ways to find things to look forward to. Seeing your loved one in a safe and social environment will help you feel relief and joy for them in their new home. Find the right retirement community and help your family find the peace they are searching for!

For more information about a retirement community, reach out to a local company. 

Share