Senior Living 101 Guide
Understanding your options to make an informed decision.
If you are just beginning to consider senior living for yourself or a family member, the amount of information to process may seem daunting. To ensure that you make the best possible decision, it is important to understand the types of communities available to you, along with the services offered. We’ve compiled a “Senior Living 101” guide to assist you in navigating your options for senior living. Once you have reviewed the information, you’ll feel more prepared to ask questions and make decisions with confidence.
Type of Community
It is important to understand the various types of senior living options available. In most areas, you can choose among communities that provide different levels of care and different types of contracts.
Continuing care retirement communities like Edgehill provide a comprehensive range of living options within one campus. If and when you need additional services, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation also are available to you within the same community.
Amenities and Services
What is included in the fees you will be paying? When you consider various senior living options, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Some communities may charge a lower monthly fee but may provide less for your money.
In a continuing care community, you can expect an array of services and amenities to be provided as part of your monthly fee, including stimulating activities and programming, transportation to medical appointments and scheduled events, maintenance of your residence, secure storage, beautiful common areas, a wellness center with pool and hot tub, utilities, housekeeping and 24-hour security.
You also will want to ask about dining options in any community you consider. Does the monthly fee include delicious, chef-prepared meals?
Health Care
One of the most important aspects of any senior living community you choose is the health care. Is additional assistance available within the community if and when you need it, or must you move to another community for assisted living, skilled nursing or memory care?
If you choose to live in a standalone independent living or assisted living community, receiving additional care will require a move and costs are likely to increase as you need more care.
Commitment to Wellness
As you choose a senior living community, consider the factors that can help you continue to thrive and enjoy your health. In a community that is fully committed to wellness, you can expect to participate in a variety of activities that help you maintain your physical fitness — including strength and balance — along with your cognitive and emotional well-being.
A fitness center, a variety of classes and stimulating cultural and educational opportunities should be among the offerings in a community that is fully committed to your holistic wellness. For example, at Edgehill, our commitment to resident wellness includes a team of professionals right on our campus.
Selecting the Right Senior Living Community for You
Before you choose a senior living community, it is important to learn as much as possible. Using this “Senior Living 101” guide as a starting point, you can begin to gather the information you need to make a fully informed decision.