How to Choose an Assisted Living Community

June 15, 2022 | Resources

Making the decision to look for Assisted Living care for yourself or a loved one can feel overwhelming, with competing concerns for independence and excellent care.

Finding the right care setting can make this decision-making process an easier one. Let’s take a look at what Assisted Living means, and considerations for choosing just the right Assisted Living community and care setting.

What Does Assisted Living Include?

The services offered in Assisted Living vary according to the needs of the individual resident. Usually, a resident will live in a private apartment home with a kitchenette, bedroom, and bathroom. Residents will dine, socialize, and enjoy recreational activities in common areas. Staff can provide assistance with ADLs, or “activities of daily living,” such as dressing, bathing, and hygiene. Staff is usually available 24/7, and often helps with medication.

Assisted Living has become a popular choice for many seniors since its emergence in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and provides a bridge between independent living and nursing home care. Assisted living care is generally very well liked by seniors because it provides a way to prolong independence.

Where Should I Start?

A good place to start when considering Assisted Living services is to consider the type of care delivery most appealing to you or your loved one. Do you prefer the family feel of a small, personal Care Home setting? Or are the amenities and continuum of care options of a larger community more appealing?

One of the advantages of a Life Plan Community is the availability of multiple levels of care. For example, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), which are now often referred to as Life Plan Communities, usually offer Respite, Memory, Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing, and other care services at one location. Many residents appreciate the stability and convenience of knowing these care services are close by, offering a continuum of care over time.

Gathering Background Information

Once you have made a decision regarding the preferred type of care setting, background research on specific care homes or communities can begin. Searching online can provide a good start, giving general information to help you hone your options before you visit a home or community. Other general considerations can include natural or urban setting, ability to keep one’s pet, and proximity to family and friends.

What to Look For: Some Specifics

Bringing a trusted friend or family member will help you make your visit a more productive one. Give your companion a copy of your list of questions so he or she can review it before the visit and be better able to help you with all of the new information you’ll receive.

Staff: When you visit your short list of communities, plan to meet with staff, and ask about training, turnover, and ratio to residents
Meals: Have a meal during your visit so you can meet other residents, try the food, and meet dining staff
Wellness Programming: Be sure to ask about wellness facilities and classes, who leads the programs, and their qualifications
Activities: Trips and excursions, cultural events, transportation, and a weekly or monthly calendar of scheduled events are customary; see if you can attend an event of interest
Cleanliness: While on campus, look for any issues with upkeep, maintenance, and cleanliness
Ability to Provide Care Options: You may have already answered this question via your online research, but ask about care options to make sure your information is current
Costs: Written information and specific breakdowns, along with entry fee, monthly fees, rental options, and refund policies are good to have for a clear understanding of what services are provided at what cost
Type of Assistance Provided: Get specifics about what kind of care is included at different continuum-of-care levels
Transition and Welcoming Process: Find out how the community would help you adjust to your new home

Additional Resources

Care Homes and Life Plan Communities are not subjected to national standards; however, they are licensed and regulated on the state level. Because of this, requirements and standards will vary by state, sometimes overseen by state Departments of Health. Check with your state for specific information.

The Consumer Voice is a national organization representing the interests of consumers regarding long-term care by providing information, advocacy, and other resources. Theconsumervoice.org
SeniorAdvisor provides consumer ratings and reviews for senior living communities in the US and Canada in the categories of Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Nursing Homes, and other Senior Living Options. senioradvisor.com

At the Robin Run Village retirement community, you’ll feel immediately welcome and excited to begin a fulfilling lifestyle with a secure future. Connect with your true purpose in pursuits that bring you joy — from trying a yoga class to painting a masterpiece to taking in the sunset from our lakeside dock.