Looking for the Best Homes for Seniors? Here’s Your Guide to Making a Choice

As we age, we sometimes lose the ability to live as independently as we once did. However, for over one million Americans, there is an alternative to struggling through daily tasks, which is to live in an assisted living home or senior living community. These homes can vary from intensive care for chronic conditions that affect the body and memory to independent communities that provide assistance as needed.

Many seniors (and relatives of seniors who might need assisted living) wonder where the best homes for seniors are in their areas. However, there is no clear cut answer when it comes to which homes and communities are the “best.” Finding the best homes for seniors mostly depends upon an individual’s budget, medical needs, and lifestyle.

Determining which homes will be the best for you or a loved one can take some time. In order to narrow down which homes will suit you well, look at the following features:

Cost
Price is often at the forefront of many senior citizens minds when it comes to looking for accommodations. Because so many seniors are on fixed incomes, having a clear budget in mind for senior living is a good idea. Communities can range from less expensive non-profit homes for seniors run by churches and charities to for-profit communities with a resort-like atmosphere. Figure out how much you can spend per month and narrow your options from there.

Care
A big part of assisted living comprises of the care that seniors need in their day-to-day lives. The average senior living resident needs help with at least three tasks each day — most commonly eating, dressing, and bathing. Additionally, many homes now offer comprehensive memory care for treating dementia and Alzheimer’s and care for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, among others. From help with daily tasks to medical attention for chronic conditions, a good assisted living facility should offer individualized care for all residents.

Community
And, of course, there’s the issue of staying young at heart. Living in a senior community gives residents the chance to socialize and participate in activities and day trips with other residents. Studies have shown that this sort of active lifestyle and social engagement can help lessen the symptoms of depression, which is among the top ten chronic conditions and illnesses found in seniors.

The final step in your search would be to visit a home to determine whether or not you or a relative would like to stay there. Be sure to talk to the staff about the needs you face and see how they can accommodate you.

Have more questions about finding the best homes for seniors near you? Leave a comment below. To learn more, read this.