Where To Begin
Where to Begin When Considering a Senior Living Community
If you’re thinking about moving to a senior living community, you likely know that it can offer many benefits, including social engagement with people just like you and greater peace of mind for you and your family knowing all your needs will be taken care of. But where do you begin to find the right fit for your particular circumstances and needs? It can seem daunting, but we have compiled some helpful information and resources to help you navigate the process and understand what to expect along the way.
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Click on any of these sections to learn more about beginning your search for the right senior living community.
Benefits of Senior Community Living
From new friendships to comfort and convenience, community living offers numerous benefits.
Finding the Right Community
Guidance for researching, comparing, and choosing the right senior living community.
Cost of Senior Living
Level of care, size of floor plans, location, and pricing structures can impact senior living cost.
When to Join a Waitlist
When your chosen community doesn't have current availability, waitlists are a great option.
Life Plan Communities
Life Plan Communities offer multiple living options, removing uncertainties about the future.
What to Expect After Your Move
Meeting new neighbors and exploring your new community can help ease your transition.
The Benefits of Senior Community Living
Senior community living offers numerous benefits that can enhance quality of life for older adults.
- One of the most significant advantages is the opportunity for social engagement. Studies show that social engagement can improve health outcomes as well as add enjoyment to daily life. Living in a community with peers makes it easier to build friendships and participate in a variety of social activities, from group outings and fitness classes to hobby clubs and cultural events. This social interaction is crucial for mental and emotional well-being, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Convenience is another key benefit. Senior living communities like Holly Creek offer a range of amenities designed to make daily life easier and more enjoyable. These can include on-site dining options, fitness centers, libraries, and transportation services. With these amenities readily available, residents can enjoy a more relaxed and stress-free lifestyle, focusing on activities they love without the burden of daily chores.
- A maintenance-free living environment is also a major perk. In senior communities, residents no longer have to worry about home repairs, lawn care, or other maintenance tasks. Professional staff handle these responsibilities, allowing residents to enjoy their time without the hassle of managing a home.
- Safety and security are paramount in senior living communities. These communities are designed with safety features such as emergency call systems, 24-hour security, and professional staff available to assist with any needs. This fosters a secure environment where residents can feel safe and cared for.
Tips for Finding the Right Senior Living Community
When considering a senior living community, start by reflecting on your current and future needs. Even though you likely do not have a crystal ball, it’s important to take a realistic assessment given what you know today about your lifestyle, health, and preferences. During this self inquiry, you may come up with a few non-negotiables or things that you must have in your new home.
- Think about the level of support you require, such as independent living, assisted living, or memory care. This initial step will help guide you toward communities that offer the right services.
- Consider whether specific amenities are important to you and which ones you can be flexible about.
- Research potential communities in your preferred location, keeping in mind the importance of staying close to loved ones and essential amenities like healthcare facilities.
- Online resources, such as reviews and ratings, can provide valuable insights to help you create a shortlist of communities that seem like a good match.
- Visiting these communities is crucial. During your visits, observe the atmosphere, cleanliness, and the warmth of the staff and residents. Ask about the activities, dining options, and healthcare services available. Getting a sense of the community’s culture and daily life will help you feel more confident in your choice. It can be helpful to list out important questions you’d like to ask, whether about floor plans and pricing or staffing and care levels offered.
The Cost of Senior Living Communities
The cost of senior living communities varies widely based on location, level of care, and amenities offered. This is why it’s important to understand what services you are looking for and what the pricing structure is.
Pricing structures can also vary from entrance fee and monthly rent, stand alone monthly rent, a la carte pricing, and all-inclusive pricing. Entrance fee with monthly rent is common for Life Plan Communities like Holly Creek. Consider the amenities provided and the quality of life you are receiving when considering the cost of senior living communities.
Make sure you understand the cost structure, what is included in the fees, and any additional services that might come with extra charges. Ensuring the community fits within your budget is important, but so is finding a place that feels like home.
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Understanding Waitlists & Availability
Once you have chosen a community that meets your needs, you may not be ready for a move or you may find that your chosen community doesn’t have immediate availability. In these cases, joining the community’s waitlist can be a great option. Joining a waitlist is generally easy, consisting of filling out an application and making a nominal refundable deposit. This will allow you to be notified when an appropriate apartment becomes available. In the meantime, you can use this time to attend events at the community, learn first hand how the environment feels, and meet the team members and residents.
The Benefits of Life Plan Communities
Life Plan Communities offer a range of living options and care levels on a single campus. These communities typically include independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing neighborhoods. Residents have peace of mind that they can transition between different levels of care as their needs change, without having to move to a new location. Life Plan Communities often require an entrance fee and a monthly fee, which cover housing, amenities, and healthcare services. This type of community takes the uncertainty out of life and ensures residents receive appropriate support throughout their retirement years. Many active, independent individuals who are looking for a turn-key lifestyle and a guaranteed future are attracted to this type of community.
What to Expect When First Moving to a Senior Living Community
Any significant life change can bring up a range of emotions. A new home can be exciting and fun while also taking a toll on your energy and emotions. Take time to engage in your new community, including meeting neighbors, finding out about activities, and exploring the different areas inside and outside your home. It’s natural to miss your old home and lifestyle, but try to focus on the advantages of your new lifestyle. Have honest conversations with your friends and family and even staff members if you feel like you need help with the adjustment. Chances are, your neighbors have gone through many of the same adjustments and may be able to offer good tips.
Remember why you chose a senior living community. Senior living communities like Holly Creek offer a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for older adults and provide an enriching community that promotes independence, well-being, and a higher quality of life. All of this adds up to give peace of mind to both residents and their families.
We Are Here to Help
The Holly Creek team is here to help answer your questions, provide support, and offer information and resources to aid in your search.
Please contact us using the below form to learn more about retirement living in Centennial.
