Whether it’s because of retirement, or an empty nest, or a desire for something new, making the move to a senior living community is an exciting change.
As you begin your search for a senior apartment or twin home to call home, here are four important things to consider:
1. Home maintenance
Maintenance-free living is a big appeal.
Look for a community that will help you with the chores you most want to give up, like lawn care, snow removal, housekeeping or meal prep.
If you’re a snowbird or know you’ll be taking extended vacations, also consider if your senior living community will continue to take care of yard work and look in on your home while you’re away.
2. A community for your lifestyle
The buildings and grounds of a senior living campus may make a great first impression, but also think about how you will use the areas.
Can you imagine walking and talking outside with new friends, or gathering for a game in a common room?
If these things aren’t important to you, ask yourself what is. Do you see opportunities and spaces for you to do those activities?
Your senior living community should support your lifestyle and the things you’re looking forward to doing for years to come.
3. Future needs
The amenities and housing options you select will help you feel at home, but you should also look for a community that can help you if your health or personal needs change in the future.
Does the community have additional services to help you with daily routines — like laundry, housekeeping, running errands or simply getting ready for the day — if you want to add them on?
What about access to home healthcare services if you need daily medical services or monitoring but want to stay at home?
Are other housing options like assisted living or memory care assisted living available on campus, so you don’t have to move far to receive additional care?
What is senior living?
Senior living — also called independent living or senior housing – is specifically tailored to seniors’ needs and desires. Senior living communities often include apartment buildings, twin homes or duplexes.
Most senior living communities have minimum age requirements for at least one member of each household (usually 55 or 62).
The cost to live in a senior living community depends on the housing option you choose, and how many services and amenities you’d like.
Services vary by location. They may include things like utilities, maintenance, housekeeping, meal programs, emergency response systems and transportation. Services could be included in your monthly fee or be available on an a la carte basis.
Some communities also offer additional on-site services like general stores, hair salons, wellness programs and meal options.
Still on the fence about moving?
Here are some additional questions to consider:
- Do you feel like you’re missing out on social relationships?
- Do you feel safe at home?
- Would it be nice to have help with maintenance, shopping, cleaning and cooking?
- Are you able to easily get healthcare services when needed?
- Are you as engaged with life as you want to be?
4. Living life the way you want to
Home is a place where you should feel valued, satisfied and free to be yourself. Beyond offering you all the comfort and privacy you want, a senior living community should provide programs and opportunities that allow you to explore the world around you.
Our Good Samaritan Society campuses are active places where volunteers, musicians and entertainers are frequent visitors, and special events and community outings are a regular part of life.
Living in a community that gives you chances to attend sporting and arts events, explore local museums and landmarks, try new restaurants and hobbies, or discover a new passion could be a welcome amenity you hadn’t thought of before.
At the Good Samaritan Society, we believe a community should offer something more rewarding than a lifestyle.
It should give you a chance to discover what it means to live life to the fullest.
