Finding a vibrant and exciting senior living community, sometimes called a retirement community, can feel overwhelming at first. But keeping your lifestyle goals in mind can help you make a confident decision you'll appreciate for years to come.
Communities are as unique as the people who live in them, so it's important to think about what you’re looking for in a retirement lifestyle. While on the search, take into account these five key factors to find a senior living community that’s a good fit for you.
1. Identify where you want to live.
Start by narrowing down your location preferences. Look for retirement communities in your desired neighborhood, city or close to family members. For convenience, you may want to search for senior living communities close to the town center where you can drive or walk to stores, restaurants and local attractions. If you have a preferred health care provider or house of worship, it’s important to consider those, too.
2. Examine the benefits of community life.
As part of your senior living community selection process, you'll want to visit a variety of communities to ensure they have the services and amenities you’re looking for.
Every senior living community has a distinct culture and environment shaped by its residents and community leaders. A close-knit neighborhood feeling, central meeting points, friendly neighbors and a small-town ambiance make connecting with neighbors and peers easier. When selecting a senior living community, look for a vibrant and friendly atmosphere. While there, check the current activities schedule and attend a few events. It’ll help you get a sense of the community’s personality.
3. Choose amenities and services that suit your preferences.
Senior living communities offer a range of amenities and services, often featuring restaurant-style dining, entertainment rooms, salons, pubs or on-site bistros that serve fresh, seasonal entrees.
You can make small changes each day to stay active and healthy, helped along by a community’s schedule of activities and events. It's a good idea to tour various communities in order to determine which amenities would be most convenient and relevant to you. After this, make a short list of your must-have amenities and use that knowledge to guide your choice.
4. Establish a price range that works for you.
As you decide on the price point that best fits your budget, you should ask about what’s included in the monthly fee for each community. Many people are surprised to find that moving to a senior living community is much more affordable than aging in place at home. Taking the time to analyze monthly fees can help you compare the value of each.
5. Make plans for the future.
Last but not least, when looking for a senior living community, keep your future needs in mind.
Should you ever require higher levels of care, many communities provide them all on one campus. They generally offer Independent Living, Assisted Living and Short-Term Rehabilitation services. Because you made a plan for the future, you’ll have access to the support and assistance you need from a community and team you already trust.
Come See Us at The Grand Royale
Here at the Grand Royale, we offer senior living with all the extras, whether you’re looking for vibrant Independent Living, Assisted Living or Short-Term Rehabilitation services. Come visit us in Gladstone!