When You're Looking

Choosing the Community That's Right For You

Choosing a senior living community is usually a once-in-a-lifetime decision. The experiences of many residents now living in an LCS owned or managed community has led to a handy checklist that can make your choice easier and more confident.

Initially, considering both the type and location of a community are important criteria. The type of community – active adult, continuing care, or assisted living – needs to be considered based on your current lifestyle, health status and how you intend to plan for your future. Then, look at location – determine if communities that suit your needs are in your area, or in an area you would like to live. Once this is done, you’re ready to work up a short list of communities you will want to contact for more information and, ultimately, visit.

1. Try to find out as much as you can about your choices as you prepare for a personal visit, especially topics like management philosophy, dining choices, services the community provides. Expect that you will need to visit each community in order to learn more specific details and gain an overall impression.
   
   
2. Once you’re at the community, ask as many questions as you wish, such as, “How will your community enhance my lifestyle?” or, “How are health services or health care resources provided in the community?” Be sure to review the prices during this visit and while you are with the community representative take the opportunity to get a copy of the residency agreement to take with you.
   
   
3. Check out the atmosphere – formal, casual, relaxed, friendly – ask questions, talk to residents to see if this community is right for you.

Make sure the community offers what is important to you: that it is well-managed, has a caring, dedicated staff, offers a range of engaging activities and programs. Amenities should promote wellness with an emphasis on the areas that compliment your lifestyle. Most important, the community should provide health services and health care resources that allow you to stay in control of your life.

Look around, ask questions and make a great choice!

Download “A Place to Call Home” – our handy guide to choosing the community that’s right for your lifestyle.