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Key Things to Look for in a Senior Living Residence

Written by Legend Senior Living | 8/22/24 9:10 PM
Once you are ready to begin researching senior living options for yourself or your loved one, you might feel overwhelmed or confused about which residence would be best. While the senior living field is packed with many options, you can narrow down your choices by knowing what to look for in an assisted living or other senior living residence. Here’s what you need to ask and look for as you start scheduling tours of residences near you.

Benefits of Senior Living Homes

Senior living residences are vibrant hubs of activity where older adults thrive thanks to connections with neighbors, onsite wellness resources, and a lower-maintenance lifestyle. While living at home for as long as possible is a common goal for adults, the truth is that many adults find an enhanced quality of life while living in a senior living residence. 

Whether you are searching for independent living, assisted living, or memory care, you or your loved one can be pleasantly surprised at what the residence lifestyle can do.

Questions to Ask an Assisted Living Residence

Your first step in finding a senior living residence is narrowing down your choices. Touring too many residences can leave you, and your loved one feeling overwhelmed, confused, and even frustrated. Here are a few questions you can ask to help ensure you are only scheduling tours or follow-up phone calls with residences that can serve you best.

Where are you located?

You want to find a senior living residence in a favorite neighborhood or area, as well as one that is convenient for family members and friends to visit.

Do you offer the living option I need?

If you are searching for assisted living, don’t visit residences that do not offer this living option. If you aren’t sure what living option is best for your situation, speak with a physician for recommendations.

What is your monthly fee?

Most senior living residences are affordable, especially considering the monthly expenses you or your loved one are spending while living at home. Get a general monthly fee range to ensure the residence can fit into your budget.

What to Look for in an Assisted Living Residence

Now that you have narrowed your list of potential senior living residences consider scheduling an in-person or virtual tour. A tour is a wonderful opportunity to see a residence in action, interact with residents, meet key associates, and ask questions. Here is what to look for in an assisted living residence so that you can make your best decision.

Are residents engaged with one another and associates?

A senior living lifestyle begins with the social opportunities available around every corner. Look to see if residents are friendly, welcoming, and interacting with one another.

Are meals delicious, and are choices varied?

Assisted living residences offer three meals daily in a social dining room setting. Be sure you look at the monthly menu and what the food looks like when served.

Are there events and activities happening daily?

One of the biggest perks of living in a senior living residence is the calendar of events, concerts, programs, and trips happening in the community. Check out the calendar to see if the offerings look interesting and unique.

Are associates and caregivers friendly?

The backbone of a senior living residence is the team of associates that work there. Be sure to interact with leaders in the residence during your visit and observe caregivers and other associates to see if they are friendly and seem to know the residents well.

Checklist for Visiting an Assisted Living Residence

After your initial visits to potential senior living residences, you can cross off a few from your list. However, you might not be able to make a final decision yet, and that’s okay. A follow-up visit helps you find more clarity. You might even want to schedule a time to join in a meal or event at the residence to truly experience the lifestyle available there. Here are a few more things you can add to your checklist for touring an assisted living residence.

  • Breakdown of the monthly fee, including what is and isn’t covered 
  • Visiting hours and policies
  • Wellness programs or resources available
  • Onsite amenities, such as a salon, theater, or outdoor spaces
  • Caregiver training

 

Ready to experience senior living at its best? Schedule a tour at any Legend Senior Living residence near you. We are here to help and would love to welcome you to our home for a personalized visit.

 

Learn More About Legend Senior Living and Schedule Your Personal Visit!