In the United States, 12 million people aged 65 and over live alone, and 61% of those adults prefer to stay in their own homes. Transferring into an assisted living or independent senior living facility may be intimidating or stressful because of this desire to remain at home. Having a game plan for the transition can help you adjust and integrate into your new community more quickly.
Guidelines On Choosing A Retirement Home
The guidelines provided below can assist you in searching for the ideal independent senior living Los Angeles has to offer. .
Determine your requirements.
Make an objective list of the services that are necessary and provide both current and future assistance. Maintaining independence, seeking assistance with bathing and dressing, managing medications, and maximizing safety are all priorities. Understanding what is required ahead of time might help with budgeting and decision-making.
Establish a budget.
How much money can be spent on senior living costs each month? Many of your present homeowner expenses, such as meals, electricity, and taxes, will, for example, be included in monthly fees. Also, keep in mind other potential financial choices, such as the Aid & Attendance benefit for veterans and surviving spouses or long-term care insurance, as you plan. Avoid ignoring any materials that may be beneficial to you and your family.
Determine a location.
The real estate cliche “location, location, location” is correct. Is it worth staying in one’s current neighborhood? Is it necessary that it be close to a significant medical facility? Is this a repositioning of seniors to benefit adult children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren? What is the location that counts as “it”?
Make a wish list.
What services and amenities are considered “must-haves”? Your list should include any non-negotiable prerequisites for making this move, such as a neighborhood that accepts pets or has a robust wellness program. You should also create a “wishlist” of desired amenities, such as an on-site guest apartment for visiting family members, retirement community activities, a fitness center with a pool, or an in-house branch of a preferred bank.
Consult Websites.
Conduct an online search for senior living communities in the desired location. The website of the community should provide information about its services and amenities, as well as its continuum of care and life enrichment initiatives. Several localities provide basic information about healthy aging, caregiver support, and eldercare. Make a list of communities about which you’d like to learn more or visit.
Make initial contact.
By calling or emailing them, you can limit down a long list of eligible communities. Prepare a list of questions based on the specified needs, desires, and budget. Preliminary contact can assist you in narrowing down your choices while also showing which locations will necessitate in-person visits.
Visit.
When it comes to creating an informed decision, a personal visit is beneficial. What is the dynamic between residents and staff? What is the general tone of the community? Residents are actively engaged, silently sat, or otherwise hidden? Are any safety features apparent, such as railings, grab bars, or emergency call systems? Is it hygienic? Is the decor up to date? Does it have a homey feel about it? Are you greeted politely and promptly? Inquire and take notes, and consider bringing a friend or relative with you to help you see everything.
Conclusion
Moving to a senior living community can appear to be a difficult task. Taking it one step at a time and being strategic with your move will help reduce stress and ensure a smooth transition. We hope the preceding stages have helped you understand what to look for when picking a retirement community for a loved one or yourself.