Choosing the most appropriate senior living facility is a significant decision to make. First and foremost, where do I begin? A lot of the steps are similar to those involved in purchasing your first home, from determining the greatest location to selecting the best care services to ask a slew of questions that you may not even know to ask. Everything to consider might be daunting, and it's natural to feel that way. However, according to Deborah Strickland, Director of Sales at The Village at Gainesville, a senior living rental community that provides independent living, assisted living, and memory assistance, it is not an insurmountable challenge.
"Choosing the ideal senior living lifestyle is really essential, but it can also be a fun and enlightening experience," adds the author. This is an exciting time since you're looking for a home where you'll be able to live out the next great chapter of your life. Every big life decision begins with understanding what you are looking for, just as it does when choosing a college, purchasing a home, or making any other important life decision. To make an informed conclusion, it is critical that you conduct your study with care.
Irrespective of whether you already have a clear vision in mind of the lifestyle you desire or you're just getting started, here are 10 things to consider that will help you narrow down your possibilities and choose the ideal senior living environment for yourself.
1. Where is the most appropriate location? It is also true in the case of senior living facilities, according to an ancient real estate proverb. The first and most important element to consider is where you wish to reside in the country (or the world). Do you want to remain in your existing neighborhood, near to all you are acquainted with and where you feel at home? Would you be interested in relocating to be closer to family members? Alternatively, would you want to relocate to a region you've always admired, where the weather is pleasant all year? In this case, there is no right or wrong answer; it all comes down to personal choice.
2. What do you want to do with your life after retirement? This is a broad question that might have a variety of various responses linked with it. After you retire, what kind of lifestyle do you hope to have in your golden years? Perhaps you have a strong desire to see the entire planet before retiring. Perhaps you'd want to begin a new job or devote your spare time to offering your services to others. Perhaps you'd want to take up a new pastime, or perhaps you'd just like to take it easy for a bit. Those who live in the greatest senior living communities will have a variety of alternatives and chances to follow their aspirations – as well as the time and support necessary to make those dreams a reality.
3. What kind of atmosphere are you looking for? Some people prefer the convenience of living in a city center. Others like the tranquility of a rural setting. Others may favor the suburbs, while still others may prefer a recently gentrified neighborhood. In addition, the atmospheres of each of these sorts of locations can change – some may be smaller and more tightly knit, while others may be larger and a little more "independent" in the sense of allowing everyone to go their own way. Consider what kind of environment makes you feel the most comfortable and where you'd be the happiest if you could choose one.
4. What kind of community do you wish to live in? Senior living facilities are available in a variety of styles, sizes, and configurations. Some communities are solely dedicated to independent living, while others provide a broader range of care services to their residents. Having a plan for the future and any future care requirements is crucial; however, you also want to make sure that wherever you go fulfills your current lifestyle standards before making a decision.
5. How much does it cost? What is the cost structure, and how does it work? Despite the fact that we may not like it, money matters have a significant impact on our quality of life - both now and in the future. A variety of price structures are used by various communities. For example, some communities charge an all-inclusive monthly fee, while others charge fees on a cost-per-service basis, while others need a hefty "down payment" when entering the community.
6. How near are you to health-care services, transportation, and other amenities? The likelihood that we may require access to health care – including hospitals, specialists, and other facilities – increases as we grow older. You may also require access to more advanced levels of care, such as assisted living or memory care facilities. In addition to taking a look at the neighborhood itself, take a look at the surrounding area to see what resources and partnerships are available to help you stay as healthy and well as possible.
7. How near do you live to places of entertainment? "Entertainment" can refer to a variety of venues such as art galleries, theaters, and other cultural activities. However, what kind of entertainment is offered inside the community itself is also a concern. Senior living homes frequently employ a full-time entertainment coordinator who is in charge of organizing events, activities, trips, and other activities.
8. Is maintenance included in the price? There are a variety of factors that influence whether or not seniors opt to live in a retirement community. One of the most compelling arguments (apart from the fact that they are living in a facility that is specifically suited for their health requirements) is the ability to avoid the duties and hassles of homeownership.
Maintenance-free living is a large selling feature for many communities, and it is a major appeal for many residents. To give an example, at The Village at Gainesville, all maintenance (including cleaning and laundry) is included, providing our residents with the freedom to pursue their interests and passions at their leisure.
9. Are pets permitted on the premises? In our families, we often have four-legged relatives, and many of us would like to bring them with us when we move to a retirement home. In recent years, more and more communities have realized the importance of pets for seniors. If your animals are a significant part of your life (or, conversely, if you prefer not to be around animals), you'll want to locate a community that shares your values.
10. Can you imagine yourself settling down there? Do you recall the first time you walked into a new home or a new town and felt right away that you had arrived "home?" No matter how a location seems, sounds, or feels on a balance sheet or piece of paper, there is that intangible je ne sais quoi that is so crucial... and that is unique to each individual who experiences it. While seeing other towns, ask yourself: can I imagine myself here? You are the only one who knows yourself better than anybody else.
Perhaps more importantly, can I envision myself being happy, content, and involved in this environment? Pay attention to your intuition. If you get a "meh" response, you should search for something else to do. However, if you have a strong sense in your heart that this is the place for you, we encourage you to follow your instincts and you will be well on your way to a lifestyle you will like.
