The Buyer's Guide to Real Estate

Choosing a Quality Senior Community

Deciding to either move yourself or a loved one into a senior community can be a major decision. While it is easy for individuals to assume that moving into a senior community will always result in a reduction in quality of life or increased isolation for the senior, this is not the case when the time is taken to find the right senior community for the individual's needs and preferences.

Consider the Level of Support the Senior Will Require

Each senior will have their own health needs and personal preferences that will have to be considered and balanced when finding a senior community for them. Some of these seniors will require little in terms of assistance or medical care, but others may need assistance with everyday activities or assistance with meeting some of their medical needs. Understanding the type of assistance that the senior community may be able to provide and the limitations on this assistance will always be a factor that should be reviewed and weighed against the needs of the senior.

Meet With Senior Community Management Representatives

The quality of the senior community will be heavily influenced by the management team that will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the community. Many of these communities will make members of the management team available during tours and open house sessions for the senior community. This can allow individuals to discuss their questions and concerns with a senior community management team as well as to assess the professionalism of these individuals in person.

Review the Options for Scheduling Visitors

Many senior communities will have secured entrances to help increase the safety of those living in the community. As a result of this security, individuals may need to schedule visitors to ensure that they are allowed to enter the community when they arrive. To make sure that your guests will be able to easily schedule visits with you, it can be worthwhile to review the rules and requirements for arranging visitors. In many senior communities, this will be an automated process that may only involve the resident providing the name and date of their next visitor. Additionally, some communities can allow individuals to list family members and other loved ones that will be able to visit them at almost any time. Knowing what to expect in this regard can be necessary to assess the quality of life that the senior may expect from moving into one of these communities.