{"id":1774,"date":"2023-11-23T13:54:59","date_gmt":"2023-11-23T13:54:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/\/finding-the-right-fit\/"},"modified":"2023-11-29T14:49:00","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T14:49:00","slug":"questions-to-ask-senior-living-communities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theclaiborne.com\/brickmont-at-roswell\/questions-to-ask-senior-living-communities\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding the Right Fit"},"content":{"rendered":"
A Claiborne Senior Living Guide<\/div>\n
Questions to Ask When Touring
\na Senior Living Community<\/div>\n
Start Read<\/div>\n

[arrow-down]<\/a><\/p>\n

So, You\u2019re Thinking About
\nSenior Living \u2026
\n<\/h2>\n
As you embark on tours of potential senior living communities, keep this mantra in mind:
Big decisions start with important questions.<\/div>\n

\"Elderly<\/p>\n

\n

Do you remember when you purchased your first home? Can you imagine if you\u2019d bought it sight unseen? You didn\u2019t, of course. You worked with a
\nreal estate agent who took you on a tour of it. You saw for yourself whether the kitchen was small or spacious. You opened closets and cabinets to see whether they would accommodate your things. You analyzed the floorplan to determine whether it would work for your family, looked at the yard to see if you could imagine your kids playing in it. You gazed out windows to check out the view, and drove around the neighborhood to see whether it felt welcoming, clean and safe. Like a new outfit before a special occasion, you tried it on to make sure it would fit.<\/p>\n

But that\u2019s not all you did. Because not everything is visible to the naked eye, you also asked questions. Lots and lots of questions. You might have asked when the home was built, for instance, or if it had ever flooded. You might have inquired about the condition of the roof and the age of the furnace. And you probably wanted to know about the quality of the local schools, and about the cost of property taxes. In short: You did your due diligence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Shouldn\u2019t you treat your future home
with the same scrutiny that you did
your first home?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Now, you\u2019ve reached a stage in life where you\u2019re ready for a new kind of home in which to live a new kind of life. The kind of home and life that only a senior living community can provide. But shouldn\u2019t you treat your future home with the same scrutiny that you did your first home?<\/p>\n

The answer is yes, of course. And yet, you might not know where to start. After all, a different kind of home demands a different set of questions. Don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ve got you covered. Whether you\u2019re a senior who\u2019s ready for a new chapter or a relative who\u2019s helping a loved one turn the page, this guide should help you find the perfect match. Your tour guide will help you navigate the community; the following queries will help you navigate your decision.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"Elderly
\n\"magnolia<\/p>\n

You\u2019ve reached a stage in life where you\u2019re ready for a new kind of home in which to live a new kind of life.<\/h2>\n

\"Beautiful<\/p>\n

Location, Location, Location<\/h2>\n
In order to see yourself in a community, you’ve got to see the community on a map.<\/div>\n
\n

If your idea of senior living is a nursing home with cloistered residents who never go outside, then you need to rethink your notion of what senior living is, and what a senior living community can be. Modern senior housing isn\u2019t institutional; it\u2019s residential. In fact, senior living communities often look like college campuses, or suburban subdivisions. Sometimes, they even resemble small cities unto themselves.<\/p>\n

Which is to say: When you reside in a modern-day retirement community, you don\u2019t live away from the world; rather, you live in it. Before you can judge a community\u2019s character, you should make sure it\u2019s in an area that suits you, near the people, services and amenities that you want to be close to.<\/p>\n

Consider the following questions to help size up the community\u2019s location:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n
  • \n
    \n
      \n
    • Is the community located near family and friends whom I wish to visit, and\/or whom I wish to visit me?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    • \n
      \n
        \n
      • Is the area in which the community is located safe and relatively crime-free?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
      • \n
        \n
          \n
        • <\/span>Is the community located near amenities I desire, such as shopping, parks, entertainment and dining?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
        • \n
          \n
            \n
          • <\/span>Are there medical facilities I need nearby, including a hospital and a primary care physician?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
          • \n
            \n
              \n
            • If I need it, is there a reliable public transit system in the area?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
            • \n
              \n
                \n
              • <\/span>If traveling is important to me, how far away is the airport?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
              • \n
                \n
                  \n
                • Is the area in which the community is located clean and maintained?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                • \n
                  \n
                    \n
                  • <\/span>Who are the community\u2019s neighbors? For example, are there undesirable businesses located next door or nearby that might produce undesirable noise, odors or traffic?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                  • \n
                    \n
                      \n
                    • <\/span>What is the noise level like in the area surrounding the community? Is it too noisy? Or too quiet?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                      \n

                      When you reside in a modern-day retirement community, you don\u2019t
                      live away from the world;
                      rather, you live in it.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

                      \"Active<\/p>\n

                      Grounds and Facilities<\/h2>\n
                      The community you choose should offer housing that’s convenient and comfortable.<\/div>\n
                      \n

                      Remember: You\u2019re not looking for a hotel where you\u2019ll spend a few nights. You\u2019re looking for a home where you\u2019ll spend the rest of your life. It\u2019s therefore important to look at senior living communities through the lens of everyday life. For example, you need to look at the grounds as if you were going to walk across them every morning, and the residences\u2014which might include apartments, condominiums or even detached homes\u2014as if you were going to lay your head in one of them every night. Because if the community is lucky enough to have you, you just might.<\/p>\n

                      Be sure to keep your future self in mind when you\u2019re looking at residences\u2014your home should remain safe and comfortable as you age\u2014and don\u2019t forget to ask about policies and services that might make your home more or less livable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                      \"Blooming<\/p>\n

                      \n

                      Consider the following questions to help you evaluate the physical premises:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        \n
                      • \n
                        \n
                          \n
                        • <\/span>What is your first impression of the community when you arrive?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                        • \n
                          \n
                            \n
                          • <\/span>Are the community\u2019s grounds and building(s) attractive and well maintained?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                          • \n
                            \n
                              \n
                            • <\/span>Is there ample parking for residents and guests?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                            • \n
                              \n
                                \n
                              • <\/span>Does the community provide exterior maintenance and landscaping services?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                              • \n
                                \n
                                  \n
                                • <\/span>Are there private residences available? If so, are they apartments, condos or houses?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                • \n
                                  \n
                                    \n
                                  • <\/span>Are there different floor plans to choose from?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                  • \n
                                    \n
                                      \n
                                    • <\/span>Do residences come furnished or unfurnished?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                    • \n
                                      \n
                                        \n
                                      • <\/span>What items can residents bring with them when they move in? Are any items prohibited?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                      • \n
                                        \n
                                          \n
                                        • <\/span>May residents customize their residence with their own d\u00e9cor? What about new paint, flooring or other improvements?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                        • \n
                                          \n
                                            \n
                                          • <\/span>Are housekeeping and\/or laundry services available? If so, how often, and can I request additional service as needed?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                          • \n
                                            \n
                                              \n
                                            • <\/span>Who is responsible for the maintenance of residences?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                            • \n
                                              \n
                                                \n
                                              • <\/span>Are pets allowed? What kinds? Any limitations?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                              • \n
                                                \n
                                                  \n
                                                • <\/span>Can residents control the temperature in their homes?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                • \n
                                                  \n
                                                    \n
                                                  • <\/span>Is there extra storage available for residents who need it?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                  • \n
                                                    \n
                                                      \n
                                                    • <\/span>What are the community\u2019s move-in policies and procedures?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                    • \n
                                                      \n
                                                        \n
                                                      • <\/span>What rules and\/or covenants does the community have that I should be aware of?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                      • \n
                                                        \n
                                                          \n
                                                        • <\/span>Under what circumstances are residents evicted?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                          \"Group<\/p>\n

                                                          Healthy Choices<\/h2>\n
                                                          Your community should be set up to give you as much help as you need\u2014or as little.<\/div>\n
                                                          \n

                                                          For many older adults, aging is a razor-thin line between independence on one side and health and safety on the other. Although toeing that line can feel daunting, the right senior living community will make it easier by offering a level of living that is ideally suited to your needs\u2014both now and in the future as your circumstances change.<\/p>\n

                                                          Types of senior living communities include:<\/p>\n

                                                          Independent living communities<\/span><\/h4>\n

                                                          Independent living communities are designed for self-sufficient seniors who crave community with their peers, but also want to maintain an independent and autonomous lifestyle.<\/p>\n

                                                          Assisted living communities<\/span><\/h4>\n

                                                          Assisted living communities resemble independent living communities but offer on-site care for older adults who need help with daily activities like medication management, bathing, dressing and transportation.<\/p>\n

                                                          Memory care communities<\/span><\/h4>\n

                                                          Memory care communities are assisted living communities designed to accommodate seniors with cognitive illnesses like Alzheimer\u2019s disease and other forms of dementia.<\/p>\n

                                                          Skilled nursing facilities<\/span><\/h4>\n

                                                          Skilled nursing facilities provide 24-hour supervised care for older adults who have severe physical or cognitive illnesses that make them dependent on others.<\/p>\n

                                                          Life plan communities<\/span><\/h4>\n

                                                          Life plan communities\u2014also known as continuing care retirement communities, or CCRCs offer independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing all within the same community in order to accommodate seniors as they age.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                                          \n

                                                          The right senior living community will make it easier by offering a level of living that is ideally suited to your needs.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

                                                          \"Group<\/p>\n

                                                          \n

                                                          To determine which level of care is best for you or your loved one, take stock of your goals with regard to independence and your needs with regard to medical care. Then, consider the following questions to get a feel for whether a community can satisfy your requirements:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                                            \n
                                                          • \n
                                                            \n
                                                              \n
                                                            • <\/span>Does the community offer the level of living\u2014e.g., independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing\u2014that I need and desire right now?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                            • \n
                                                              \n
                                                                \n
                                                              • <\/span>What about the future? Does the community offer different levels of living in case my needs change as I age?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                              • \n
                                                                \n
                                                                  \n
                                                                • <\/span>Are there on-site physical and\/or occupational therapy services to help me develop and\/or maintain the balance, strength and mobility I need in order to live independently?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                • \n
                                                                  \n
                                                                    \n
                                                                  • <\/span>Are there doctors and\/ or nurses who work on site, or who visit the community regularly? If so, what services do they provide, and are they available 24\/7?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                  • \n
                                                                    \n
                                                                      \n
                                                                    • <\/span>What third-party, offsite medical providers does the community partner with?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                    • \n
                                                                      \n
                                                                        \n
                                                                      • <\/span>Do specialists\u2014for example, podiatrists, audiologists and eye doctors\u2014visit the community regularly?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                      • \n
                                                                        \n
                                                                          \n
                                                                        • <\/span>Does the community offer skilled nursing and\/or memory care services, if I need them?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                        • \n
                                                                          \n
                                                                            \n
                                                                          • <\/span>Does the community provide transportation to off-site medical appointments and\/or other needed services (e.g., shopping, beauty appointments, etc.)?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                          • \n
                                                                            \n
                                                                              \n
                                                                            • <\/span>Does the community assist residents with filling and refilling prescriptions, and with taking their medications?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                            • \n
                                                                              \n
                                                                                \n
                                                                              • <\/span>If I have a chronic condition, is the community equipped with the services and accommodations I need to manage my condition?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                              • \n
                                                                                \n
                                                                                  \n
                                                                                • <\/span>What are the community\u2019s policies and procedures for responding to medical events and emergencies?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                                  \"Cane,<\/p>\n

                                                                                  Safety First<\/h2>\n
                                                                                  A senior living community should provide you not only with peace and quiet, but also with peace of mind.<\/div>\n
                                                                                  \n

                                                                                  Doctors and nurses can keep you healthy and treat you when you\u2019re ill, but they can\u2019t prevent accidents or protect you from other risks, like crime and weather. It\u2019s therefore important to inquire about safety features, protocols and procedures within any senior living communities that you\u2019re touring.<\/p>\n

                                                                                  Consider the following questions to determine whether you\u2019ll feel safe and protected:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                                                                    \n
                                                                                  • \n
                                                                                    \n
                                                                                      \n
                                                                                    • <\/span>Is the community\u2014including both private residences and common areas\u2014accessible for residents who use a walker, wheelchair or scooter?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                    • \n
                                                                                      \n
                                                                                        \n
                                                                                      • <\/span>Are exits clearly marked in residences and common areas?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                      • \n
                                                                                        \n
                                                                                          \n
                                                                                        • <\/span>Are the grounds, including parking areas, well lighted for safety?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                        • \n
                                                                                          \n
                                                                                            \n
                                                                                          • <\/span>Do residences come with safety features I need now or might need in the future, such as handrails and grab bars?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                          • \n
                                                                                            \n
                                                                                              \n
                                                                                            • <\/span>Are residences equipped with an emergency alert system and a sprinkler system for fires?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                            • \n
                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                \n
                                                                                              • <\/span>How will the community respond and help me in the event of a natural disaster or other safety emergency, like a fire?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                              • \n
                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                • <\/span>Do staff check in on residents? If so, how often?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                                • \n
                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                  • <\/span>Will staff have access to my residence? If so, when and under what circumstances may they enter?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                                                                                    \n

                                                                                                    It\u2019s important to inquire about safety features, protocols and procedures within any senior living communities that you\u2019re touring.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

                                                                                                    \n

                                                                                                    \"A<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                                                                                    Live, Laugh, Love<\/h2>\n
                                                                                                    At their best, senior living communities provide not only shelter, but also intellectual stimulation and emotional engagement.<\/div>\n
                                                                                                    \n

                                                                                                    Top of mind when you\u2019re looking at a senior living community is where you\u2019ll live. An equally essential question, however, is how you\u2019ll live. With that in mind, it\u2019s important to evaluate what a retirement community offers not just in the way of senior housing, but also in the way of activities, amenities and events. Most seniors want to be able to indulge interests and hobbies that they can do independently and alone while also engaging in social activities that they can do with others\u2014including new friends, which can be hard to make as an older adult.<\/p>\n

                                                                                                    It\u2019s not just about staying occupied. It\u2019s also about staying well, as seniors who are active and social tend to have better physical, mental and emotional health.<\/p>\n

                                                                                                    Consider the following questions to get a sense for social prospects:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                    • \n
                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                      • <\/span>What common areas and recreational facilities does the community offer?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                                      • \n
                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                        • <\/span>Do residents at the community seem happy, and do you see them socializing with each other?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                                        • \n
                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                          • <\/span>Does the community offer a fitness center or gym where I can exercise?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                                          • \n
                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                            • <\/span>Are there group fitness classes, like yoga and tai chi?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                                            • \n
                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                              • <\/span>Does the community offer opportunities to engage in hobbies I love, such as gardening, singing, swimming or tennis?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                                              • \n
                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                • <\/span>Does the community offer outlets for creative expression, like painting classes or crafting workshops?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                                                • \n
                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                  • <\/span>Does the community offer opportunities for me to try new activities that I\u2019ve never tried before?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                                                  • \n
                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                    • <\/span>Will I find outlets for intellectual stimulation within the community, like book clubs or study groups?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                                                    • \n
                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                      • <\/span>Are there outdoor spaces where I can walk, bike or participate in activities beyond the walls of the community?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                                                      • \n
                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                        • <\/span>Does the community offer organized field trips and excursions that will allow me to experience cultural attractions and\/ or events, such as movies, museums, theater and concerts?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                                                        • \n
                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                          • <\/span>Is the community set
                                                                                                                            \nup in a way that will
                                                                                                                            \nfacilitate informal and
                                                                                                                            \nspontaneous social
                                                                                                                            \ninteractions with friends
                                                                                                                            \nand neighbors?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                                                                                                            \n

                                                                                                                            It\u2019s not just about staying occupied. It\u2019s also about staying well, as seniors who are active and social tend to have better physical, mental and emotional health.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                            • \n
                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                              • <\/span>Does the community organize or facilitate volunteer opportunities for residents who want to do volunteer work?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                                                              • \n
                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                • <\/span>If I want to travel, will the community afford me the opportunity to do so?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                • \n
                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                  • <\/span>If spirituality is important to me, does the community offer a place of worship and\/ or religious services?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                  • \n
                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                    • <\/span>How often does the community offer activities? Daily? Weekly? Monthly?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                    • \n
                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                      • <\/span>Does the community offer activities at all times of day\u2014morning through evening?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                      • \n
                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                        • <\/span>Are my children and grandchildren welcome to visit? Are there visiting hours or other restrictions I should be aware of?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                        • \n
                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                          • <\/span>May family participate in activities with me?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                          • \n
                                                                                                                                            \n