Key Factors in Finding Your Ideal Senior Community

If you think your elderly parents or other aging loved ones need to join the 800,000+ seniors in assisted living, you might feel overwhelmed. Finding a top-notch senior community can be challenging.

Luckily, there are ways to choose a great community with minimal stress. Read on to learn the ins and outs of choosing a senior care community for your loved ones.

Consider Multiple Living Choices

No two seniors have precisely the same needs. That's why there are several types of care to consider.

Assisted living is one of the most common senior living options. These communities support those who struggle with daily tasks for memory or mobility reasons. Caregivers in assisted living help with bathing, cleaning, housekeeping, using the bathroom, cooking, and more.

Memory care is an ideal option for those who have dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or another ailment impacting their memory. These communities don't just offer day-to-day assistance but also focus on helping to boost cognition and memory. They aim to help seniors stay as sharp as possible.

Respite care, also known as short-term care, is the right choice for those recovering from illness or injury. If your aging loved one only needs assisted services for a finite period, short-term programs can help them get back on their feet.

Assess your specific needs and decide which program option is right for you. Consider the duration that your loved one will require assistance and what types of help they will need when drawing conclusions.

Look Into Senior Community Amenities

Regardless of what living choice you select, your loved one will need great amenities to retain a high quality of life. These go beyond assistance with daily tasks and the basic compassionate care you can expect from a great California community.

Community-related services are one of the most important things to consider. One in three seniors report feeling lonely and isolated, which can have an adverse impact on their mental and physical health. A dynamic community calendar with game nights, social events, book clubs, and more can help your loved one maintain an engaging senior lifestyle.

You'll also need to consider whether the community has comfortable amenities to keep seniors engaged. A library is a must-have since reading helps maintain memory health in addition to simply being fun. In-house cable TV is important for downtime.

Finally, a top-notch community should have amenities made to meet senior's physical needs. A fitness center goes a long way, as do dancing/stretching/sports-related groups. Salon and barber services can also keep elderly parents and grandparents looking great and feeling put together.

Choose a Great Location

You and other family members likely want to be near elderly parents and grandparents who are in a senior community. This is only natural; frequent visits are important for both you and your loved one!

You need to choose a location that's close by and accessible. This ensures that you can retain a close connection with senior loved ones.

There are other location-related considerations to contemplate, too. If the person moving into a community has a tight-knit friend group, they might want to be near them, too. Proximity to favorite stores, parks, and other comfort locations may also be a factor.

Also, consider the community's proximity to medical assistance. If an emergency requires doctors, nurses, or medical care, they'll need quick and ready access to the hospital.

Talk With Your Elderly Loved One

One of the hardest things about transitioning someone to assisted living or other senior care communities is discussing the next steps. Many elderly people are reluctant to move into a community and want to age in place. Unfortunately, this is often unrealistic when aging individuals struggle to take care of themselves.

Stay empathetic and address your loved one's questions and concerns. Be compassionate and don't get impatient. You also will likely need to have several conversations about this major life change, so mentally prepare for that, too.

It's a good idea to check out communities ahead of the discussion to help you understand the benefits of each option.

Ask your loved one what living choice they like best and what amenities they value. Giving the transitioning senior input and valuing what they say can make the transition far smoother.

Think About Pets

Pets are one common concern among those moving to senior communities. Animals are important family members, and anyone who has cared for one knows their big role in people's lives. Luckily, some communities like The Watermark are 100% pet-friendly.

Researching this and emphasizing it during conversations about assisted living can help your loved one feel calmer about moving. Pets remain a constant and help them adjust comfortably and happily.

If your loved one doesn't already have a pet, you might consider getting one in the future. They provide companionship, reduce lonely feelings, and give elderly individuals a sense of purpose and responsibility that gets them up in the mornings.

Having a pet-friendly space is critical if you want to get your loved one a pet in the future.

Compare Costs and Save Money

Money matters, and you likely want to save when choosing an elderly care community. Research and understand things like entry fees and monthly fees. Ask if there are any additional charges and carefully look over the residency contract.

Remember that senior care costs also include things like food, electricity, and other amenities. You're getting something all-inclusive.

You also need to consider value. You may pay more for a community that has a comfortable apartment with an en-suite bathroom and cooking area. This is generally worth it for those who want to help their loved ones age happily, so compare amenities when comparing costs.

Choose Great Senior Care in San Ramon, California

Now that you know how to find the best senior community for your aging loved ones, it's time to begin getting more information about senior care in California.

The Watermark at San Ramon offers a wide range of amenities and services, including memory care, housekeeping, fitness activities, and more. Contact our professionals to learn more about how you can make your elderly loved one's golden years great.