When you start to get older, a time will come when you need to consider moving into a senior living facility. It’s a hard time for many, but if your health and care needs are becoming more serious, living alone or depending solely on family members might not be a viable option.

If you’ve decided to consider a move to a care home or retirement community, you need to find the right facility for you.

There are so many to choose from, so here is a useful guide to help you find the best facility for your needs.

Step One: Research Types of Facility

Choosing a senior living facility isn’t as simple as 1, 2, 3. There are different types of facilities with different levels of care.

Independent living options allow you to maintain independence and live a more active social life as part of a community of seniors.

Assisted living provides more hands-on care and help with daily activities like personal hygiene, cooking and eating, and getting dressed—ideally suited to those who want to live alone but have mobility issues or other care needs.

Memory care is best suited to those suffering from dementia or other cognitive issues. Typically, memory care institutions will provide 24/7 care and support from staff trained to help with memory loss and any issues that come with it.

Skilled nursing facilities are appropriate for people with serious and complex healthcare needs. Constant support will be at hand to help with medical issues that may arise in the short term or that are ongoing.

Many senior living facilities offer a range of these care options. For example, McKnight Place in St. Louis can provide assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care.

Think about the level of care you require and use that as a starting point for your search.

Choose an Area

Once you know the level of care you need, search your local area to see what options are available. Some people like to use the move into senior living as an opportunity to move closer to family members, and others like to stick to an area they know and like.

Think about where you want to live and see what’s available in the area. To make the move go more smoothly, consider a senior moving service to reduce stress and allow for an easier transition.

Get in Touch

When you’ve found a few options that seem appropriate, it’s time to start narrowing down the search. Get in touch with each facility to get an initial impression. 

Call up to have a chat and ask questions. Are the staff friendly and helpful? Are they happy to help you? Try to gauge what life would be like there, then book a visit.

Take a Tour

As with any house move, it’s important to visit the facilities you’re considering. Talk to residents and ask any questions you have. Make sure the facility has everything you’d want in a home and a neighborhood.

Consider the Costs

Retirement communities and senior living care homes can be expensive, so make sure you consider the costs of each facility you visit to ensure you and your family can afford it. 

Remember that your care needs will only become more numerous with age, so what you can afford right now might not be the same as what you can afford in the future. Plan ahead and budget carefully.

When you’ve considered all these angles; level of care, location, facilities, and costs, you can make your final decision. Moving into any kind of senior living institution is a big step, so take your time and make sure you choose an option that suits you.