Moves for Seniors Blog

Choosing a senior living community for your loved one is a big decision that involves numerous variables. Where will they live, will they have the right care they need, and how will they get there? 

Most important to success is to ensure your loved one is as involved in decision-making as possible. Sometimes that will not work, especially if there is an urgent need due to illness, cognitive decline, or injury. But if you have the luxury of time, try to get their input and buy-in, as that will greatly impact their ability to acclimate and feel happy after the move. 

Here is Moves for Seniors’ seven-step how-to guide for finding the perfect senior living facility for your loved one:

1. Start With the Basics

Community type

Senior living facilities are not a one-size-fits-all approach. Ask yourself – what type of facility does my loved one need? Here are the different types of communities:

• Independent Living – Ideal for seniors who are both cognitively and physically healthy.
• Assisted Living – Ideal for seniors who are generally cognitively healthy but may need additional physical support.
• Memory Care – Ideal for seniors who need additional cognitive support.
• Skilled Nursing Facilities – Ideal for seniors who need extensive physical or cognitive care for multiple hours each day..
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities – Ideal for the senior who wants flexibility in the level of care provided as they progress in their golden years. This care usually includes all of the care options listed above on one campus.

Geographic location

What is the best location to consider? If you are looking for a parent, do they want to stay local? Are you hoping they will move closer to you or a sibling? Have discussions with the whole family and agree as a group on the general location that makes the most sense. Ideally, the selected location will allow visits and interaction (with family and/or friends), while allowing the senior to be in a place that is comfortable for them.

2. Prioritize Your Loved Ones’ Needs/Wants

Everyone has specific needs and wants when searching for a new home, especially seniors who may require additional care. Make a wishlist with your loved one that prioritizes what they’d like to be able to do when they move. Depending on what’s on there, some good questions to consider asking when starting the search and beginning to visit properties include:

• What is the culture/feel of the community?
• Is there a golf course? Spa/salon? Art room? Gym? Music room? Movie theater? Resident garden space? Tennis/pickleball courts?
• Can residents have cars on site?
• What types of trips, outings, or enrichment activities are offered?
• Is the location walkable to the town/shops/grocery?
• What dining options are available, and do they cater to different dietary needs?
• Are pets allowed?

3. Determine a Budget

Senior living facilities offer a wide range of pricing options, depending on the features, location, amenities, and level of care your loved one requires. Some things to consider when taking the budget into account are:

• Does the community accept Medicaid or other financial assistance programs?
• How do dining plans or healthcare services affect the cost?
• What is included in the base monthly fee?
• What is not included in the base monthly fee?
• If you are starting with a low level of care with the option of moving to more intensive care, how will that impact cost?

Make sure you and your family are on the same page with finances. Understand what your loved one has available, and what other resources may be accessible. Talk to a financial professional about whether it makes more sense to consider a month-to-month lease or a buy-in.

4. Time to Visit Communities

Just like house or apartment shopping, looking online can only tell you so much about a place. Seeing a community in person and taking a tour is essential to deciding where your loved one will live (if possible). While touring, make sure to pay attention to:

• The cleanliness and safety of the community
• Staff demeanor and engagement with residents
• The quality of meals being served
• How many staff are on site per resident
• Emergency procedure clarity
• The overall vibe – do residents look happy? Interactive? Mobile? 

Make sure it’s a place where you can see your loved one fitting in.

5. Come up with questions to bring to your tour

Just like with anything in life, coming prepared makes sure you don’t overlook important details. In addition to interest-based questions noted above, here are some others to ask when speaking with the community sales person:

• Does the community arrange trips for residents? What types and how often?
• What is the staff turnover rate?
• What is the pet policy?
• What is the visitor policy?
• How are medical emergencies handled?
• Are there licensed doctors and/or nurses on site? How often?
• Do they have any references from current residents or their families?

6. Talk through the options with your loved one

Whenever and however possible, check in throughout the decision-making process. Ask them how they feel about the facilities they’ve seen so far, and what they do and do not like. Consider touring communities where they have family or friends already living or have heard about.  Feeling heard and like part of the decision will make the transition from their current home to the new community feel more comfortable. 

7. Don’t wait until your loved one HAS to move

Even if your loved one seems ok living on their own, it’s always good to have a backup plan. Looking into options when you have to vs. when you want to can be a very different experience. Not to mention, availability at desired communities can change at the drop of a hat. Starting to look early allows you time to make a stress-free decision with the most options possible. You will have time to get on a wait list if need be, and to take the time to downsize the current home with less stress.

How Moves For Seniors Can Help

With Moves for Seniors, you are backed by nearly two decades of experience helping families with the challenges of moving, downsizing, junk hauling, organizing, and more, all to minimize the stress of a transition into a senior living facility. We offer one point of contact for all of our unique services, so you don’t have to manage multiple contacts throughout the search for a senior living facility.

Call to speak with an experienced Senior Move Specialist – (800) 227-0515.