If you or a loved one are just starting the conversation about senior living, knowing exactly where to begin can be difficult. Not only do you need to determine the level of care you or your loved one need now and in the future, but you also need to figure out where you want to live and when the time is right to make the move!
There is a lot to consider. But making the senior living decision doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’re here to help!
From choosing a facility to setting up your care plan, here is your step-by-step guide to starting your senior living journey.
1. Figure Out Your Goals
Older adults choose to move to senior living for many reasons, beyond needing physical or medical care. Seniors in good health may consider a lifestyle change upon retirement for reasons, such as:
- To downsize and simplify daily life
- To anticipate possible future care needs
- To find community and companionship after the death of their partner
- To get extra help when family doesn’t live nearby or can’t provide daily assistance
- To move closer to family
Not all older adults move to senior living because of a serious physical or mental care need. But when you (or a loved one) get a startling diagnosis, or experience a serious problem like a fall or injury, senior living may become a necessity.
Some reasons to move to an assisted living facility and receive extra care may include:
- Inability to manage activities of daily living (ADLs) independently
- Increasing discomfort and limitations due to arthritis
- Progression of Parkinson’s Disease
- Hearing loss limitations
- Frequent falls or hospitalizations in recent months
- Onset of a memory loss illness like dementia or Alzheimer’s
First, figure out why you want or need to change your living situation as a senior. Then you can more easily figure out how to make that change. Then, you will have clarity on what will work best for you, and understanding what won’t!
2. Pick Senior Housing That Matches Your Goals
You may understand what you’re hoping to get out of senior living, but do you know what your senior housing options are and what will work best for you? When it comes to senior living, there are lots of options out there. While this can feel overwhelming to sift through, it does mean that you don’t have to settle. The perfect senior living situation for you is out there if you know where to look! Here are some of the most common types of senior living communities:
- Age-restricted communities
- Independent living communities
- Assisted living facilities
- Nursing homes
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Memory care facilities
- Continued Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)
No, these are not synonymous! Each kind of senior living facility has its differences, so don’t assume you’ll get the same experience in a nursing home as you will in assisted living. Read up on the differences, so you know exactly what to expect and what kind of community will work best for you!
3. Shop for a Senior Living Community
Now that you know what type of senior housing you want to live in, it’s time to go shopping! Start by researching senior living communities that fit your criteria in the area where you want to live. This could be where you are living already, somewhere closer to family, or it might mean moving to a warmer climate for better physical comfort.
Compile a list of your top senior living choices and schedule tours of the facilities. When choosing somewhere for your next stage of life, getting an in-person taste of what life would be like there is important. Find out if any of the senior living communities you’re considering have an open house coming up, as this can be a great chance to meet the staff and current residents and get an insider’s scoop on life there. Be sure to bring a loved one with you who can help you decide.
Research senior living communities that match your goals and housing needs in the area where you want to live and schedule tours. You can only learn so much from browsing the web, so get an in-person taste of what life would be like as part of that community, and bring a loved one with you who can help you decide.
4. Get Your (Financial) Ducks in a Row
As a retired senior, you’ve likely already done some financial planning, and you should hopefully have a financial advisor lending a hand. Whether you’re preparing finances for independent living or for a more inclusive care facility, make sure you have your finances squared away.
At St. Anthony’s, we offer a financial planning service for our residents and their families. In addition, we have a Cost of Living calculator to determine what you can anticipate spending as a resident.
5. Plan Your Move!
Goals? Check. Senior living community? Check. Financial planning? Check. Now all that’s left is settling into your new cozy space! You’ve done a lot to plan and prepare for senior living, but that’s only the beginning of an exciting new chapter. To make your move as smooth as possible, use our Moving to Senior Living in 2023 Checklist to figure out what else you need to do as you make the transition to your new home.
Is St. Anthony’s on Your List? Let Us Help You Decide!
We know that choosing the right senior living community can be challenging. Where should you start? It’s as simple as a phone call. If you’re looking for a senior living community in Kansas City, we’d love to invite you to join the St. Anthony’s family! Our beautiful facility offers incredible amenities, spacious apartments, and three different senior living options that can all be uniquely adjusted to fit your preferences and needs.
Interested in learning more? Contact us to ask questions or schedule a tour. We can’t wait to meet you!
