Finding the right community for yourself or a loved one can feel overwhelming. With so many factors to consider, it’s hard to know what’s most important.
To simplify your evaluation, here are 5 factors to explore:
- Levels of Care
Senior living communities will vary in what level of care services they provide. Some may specialize in only one, while others offer a full continuum of care for its residents. A common mistake made is searching only for current needs, instead of planning for future healthcare needs. Selecting a community that offers multiple levels of care provides peace of mind that you’ll have easy access as your health changes. Be sure to ask what levels of care the community offers, if they are in separate neighborhoods/parts of the campus, and if there are any discounts or preferences given to current residents as they move through the continuum! - Amenities & Activities
Having access to a variety of amenities and activities will ensure your years as a resident of the community are full of vibrancy. Many offer access to aquatic and fitness centers, dining rooms, and outdoor spaces for relaxation. And if socialization with fellow residents is important to you, be sure to ask about their social calendar to see how they engage their community. - Financial Transparency
Understanding a community’s financial commitment upfront is critical. Most communities offer a full view of potential costs, based on residence floor plan, to help you understand the total investment. You may ask to see a financial disclosure, too. Not every community follows the same financial structure, though, so be sure to ask if a community offers rental options, entrance fee, or both. - Medicare Star Rating
Although beautiful surroundings may be impressive, if you want to really know about the community’s dedication to care, we suggest asking about the healthcare center’s star rating from Medicare. Reviewing the Medicare Star Rating can give good insight into how state regulators rate their community. The overall rating is based on a nursing home’s performance on three sources: health inspections, staffing, and quality measures. - Community Reputation
While touring a potential community yourself is important, it’s also equally as important to get a sense of its reputation. Combined with online research of reviews, be sure to ask to speak with current residents to get their first-hand account of living there. Talk with the community staff and learn more about their experience, their personalities, and what they’ll offer to you. Who you’ll be living and interacting with can greatly impact your experience as a resident.
We understand how important it is to find a community that fits you or your loved ones needs.
At Legacy Senior Communities, our properties check all the boxes. Since 1953, our communities have grown and evolved to not only provide our residents with the best accommodations, but the best services.
Schedule a tour with us today by submitting a contact form.
