As your loved one ages, you may begin to realize that they need more support than you or they are able to provide at home. Deciding to move them to a senior facility is a big decision, but it can provide the care, safety, and community they need for a fulfilling and comfortable life. The question is: how do you choose the right senior living facility, and where do you start?
Here we break down the types of senior living facilities, the factors to consider when choosing a facility, and how to start the process.
Types of Senior Living Facilities
The first step in finding the right senior living option is understanding the different types of facilities available. The level of care, independence, and social engagement your loved one needs will help guide your decision. According to the National Council on Aging, here are the different types of Senior Living Facilities available:
1. Independent Living Communities
Independent living communities are designed for seniors who are able to live on their own but prefer a maintenance-free lifestyle. These communities typically offer private apartments or homes and provide amenities such as housekeeping, dining, social activities, and transportation services.
- Best for: Seniors who are active, healthy, and want to downsize without giving up their independence.
- Care level: Minimal assistance with daily living, but support services (like meal prep or housekeeping) are available. Personal care and medical services not provided, unless arranged with third-party contractors
2. Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living provides a combination of housing, personal care services, and health monitoring. Seniors in these facilities can maintain independence but have access to help with activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.
- Best for: Seniors who need some assistance with daily tasks but don’t require the full-time medical care provided by a nursing home.
- Care level: Moderate—personal care assistance is available, but medical care is limited.
3. Memory Care Facilities
Memory care facilities are specialized units within assisted living or nursing homes that cater to seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. These facilities are designed to ensure safety and provide structured activities that support cognitive health.
- Best for: Seniors with memory-related conditions who require a secure environment with staff trained to manage cognitive issues.
- Care level: High—around-the-clock care and supervision, with specialized activities focused on mental health.
4. Skilled Nursing Facilities (Nursing Homes)
Skilled nursing facilities provide 24/7 medical care and support. These facilities are staffed by licensed nurses and offer a higher level of care than assisted living. They cater to seniors with chronic illnesses or those recovering from surgery, injury, or severe health conditions.
- Best for: Seniors who are unable to perform daily living activities, require constant medical care, rehabilitation, or who have significant health challenges.
- Care level: Intensive—daily medical care and personal support. These facilities are required to have a registered nurse on staff around the clock.
5. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
CCRCs offer a continuum of care, from independent living to skilled nursing care, all within the same community. This allows seniors to transition between levels of care as their needs change without having to move to a new facility. It also acts as an arrangement where you’re paying a fixed fee for care for the remainder of your life in the facility, where you’re actually buying two things — a place to live and a form of insurance, insulating yourself against downstream health care costs that you may or may not be able to anticipate.
- Best for: Seniors who want long-term security and the flexibility to age in place as their care needs evolve.
- Care level: Varies—from independent living to full-time nursing care.
What to Consider When Choosing a Senior Facility
Being clear on your priorities and goals can help you and your loved one make a decision you’ll be happy with for years to come. The best senior living community for you and your family may not be the best senior living community for someone else. Here are the most important factors to think about before narrowing down potential living options.
1. Consider the Level of Care Your Loved One Needs
Taking your loved one’s current health status into account and the level of care they need now is essential. But also consider how that may change in the future. Will they need more support with daily living, or might their health condition require advanced medical care down the road? Facilities that offer a range of services, such as continuing care communities, can be ideal if you want to avoid the stress of moving as needs change.
2. Determine the Best Location
The location of the facility is critical. Is it close to family and friends who can visit regularly? Is it in a familiar neighborhood? Some families may prefer facilities that are closer to adult children, while others may prioritize staying within their loved one’s community. Some families may be happy to move to a new community where they can build new relationships.
3. Calculate Costs and Your Family’s Budget
Senior living facilities vary greatly in cost, and this will be a significant factor in your decision. First, gather all the information on your loved one’s current living expenses including mortgage payments, utility and landscaping costs, grocery bills, and any other monthly living expenses. Then, compare this figure to the monthly fee for a senior living community. Check which of these expenses are already included, such as food and utilities, within the monthly fee. The monthly fee may also cover amenities such as the fitness center and community events.
Be sure to ask about options for long-term care insurance, veterans’ benefits, or Medicaid if applicable. The key is to make sure that the facility fits within your loved one’s budget without compromising on essential services.
4. Take Account of Available Activities and Social Opportunities
Social interaction and recreational activities are vital for a senior’s mental and emotional well-being. Tour the facility to see what kinds of activities and social events are offered. Here are questions to ask when assessing the activities on site:
- Are there fitness classes, arts and crafts, group outings, or community events?
- Does the facility provide opportunities for your loved one to stay engaged and form new relationships?
- Do the activities seem fun, interesting, or aligned with your interests?
- Are you able to bring friends and family to events or activities?
- Are there any activities planned by residents, and can you help if interested?
- Are there committees, clubs, or religious organizations you can join?
- Do activities change week by week? How many activities are typically planned?
5. Assess Quality of Care and Staff
Quality of care is one of the most important components of any senior living facility. Research the staff-to-resident ratio and the qualifications of caregivers. Read reviews, talk to current residents or their families, and visit the facility to get a sense of the quality of care provided at the facility. Make a point to talk with staff on your visit. After all, your loved one will be interacting with them every day once they move. Ask community staff about the following:
- Does the facility offer around-the-clock care?
- Are staff members trained in geriatric care, and are they responsive to the emotional and physical needs of residents?
- Is the manager or director involved in residents’ everyday lives?
- How do staff members communicate or manage emergency situations?
- Are background checks performed during the hiring process?
- Do staff members take extra time to get to know residents personally?
- Does staff turnover run higher or lower?
6. Check the Reputation and Accreditation of the Facilities
It’s important to choose a facility with a good reputation and the proper certifications. Look for reviews and ratings on independent websites, and check whether the facility is accredited by reputable organizations like the Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
7. Meals and Dining
The majority of independent living communities provide at least two home-cooked meals a day, along with snacks and drinks. Request a sample menu to see if it looks appetizing to you and ask these questions to learn more about your dining options:
- Do they cater to individual dietary needs, like low sodium or diabetic-friendly diets?
- Is there an on-staff nutritionist or dietician?
- Are meals served cafeteria-style, or at sit-down tables with wait staff?
- What are the rules for cooking in resident apartments? Which appliances are provided?
- Do they offer vegetarian or vegan options?
- Can you invite friends and family to meals? If so, is there an additional cost?
8. Transportation Services
Some older adults want to keep their cars and continue driving, while others are happy to maintain freedom without the hassles of vehicle maintenance and fuel expenses. Consider the following to determine if the community’s transportation services are right for you:
- Can residents keep their cars in the community?
- How many parking spaces can be reserved per apartment, and are there additional fees?
- What type of parking is offered? Outdoor lots, carports, or garages?
- Is transportation to and from medical appointments offered by the community?
- Are regular trips to stores and activities available? If so, how often and where?
- Are community drivers specially licensed for group transport?
9. Housekeeping and Maintenance
A maintenance-free lifestyle is a huge plus of independent living. Regular or scheduled room cleanings, which can include vacuuming, dusting, providing fresh linens, and other convenient services, are common in independent living communities. Ask the following to learn more about housekeeping and maintenance:
- What laundry services are provided? Does the community wash linens, but charge extra for clothing? What about dry cleaning?
- How often is housekeeping available? Is it part of the monthly rent or available for separate purchase as needed?
- Is trash pickup in the apartment, or will you need to move bins to the hall or curb?
- How does lawn maintenance work? Are residents responsible for their personal outdoor spaces?
- What’s the policy on emergencies, like plumbing or electrical issues? Is someone on call 24/7?
10. Amenities
One of the key features of senior living facilities are the amenities. Make sure to ask about amenities that matter most to your loved one. Some common amenities include:
- Fitness center
- Library
- Computer room
- Beauty salon
- Barber shop
- Outdoor areas (courtyard, walking paths, or a garden)
- Party, game, or entertainment room
- Pet accommodations
- Hot tub or pool
The Role of Senior Relocation Advisors
If you’re still overwhelmed with the idea of relocating your loved one, a senior relocation advisor can help. A senior relocation advisor, also known as a senior move manager or relocation specialist, helps older adults and their families with the process of moving to a new home or senior living community. Senior relocation advisors can help you and your loved one with:
- Planning: Creating a move plan and help with downsizing
- Packing: Arranging professional packing or help with sorting and organizing belongings
- Moving: Coordinating with movers, arrange shipments, and oversee the move
- Setting up: Unpacking and set up the new home
- Real estate: Helping choose a realtor or arrange for the sale of the home
- Emotional support: Providing emotional support and help with making decisions about what to keep and what to let go
Choosing the right senior facility for your loved one is a big decision, but with careful planning, open communication, and thoughtful research, you can find a place that meets their needs and helps them thrive in this next chapter of life. By focusing on the level of care, social opportunities, location, and cost, you can ensure that they’re in a safe and supportive environment where they can enjoy their golden years.
