As you begin the process of looking into assisted living communities, you will learn a lot about what they offer. Assisted living provides opportunities to connect, learn and have fun with other residents and in the community. Caring for a home and keeping up with all of the responsibilities that come with homeownership can be challenging. Deciding to move into assisted living can help ensure you can live the independent lifestyle you desire with the support you need. These are just a few of the many benefits that older adults find when they make the move into assisted living. If you are considering this option, there are three steps that you should take at the very beginning to help you make an informed decision.

Do your research

Not all assisted living communities are the same. They are all required to meet a basic set of standards to maintain licensing but you will find that there can be a lot of variation in the type and amount of amenities offered at the communities near you. In order to find the community with the best cultural fit for you it is important to do research. Most communities provide online resources that describe the available services and outline the amenities offered. You can learn about the communities and amenities available through Eskaton here.

Talk to your friends and family

Chances are that you have a friend, family member, or acquaintance who lives in an assisted living community. Talking with someone you know who has been through the process of choosing an assisted living community can help you with your decision-making process. In addition, involving family and friends in the process can ease your mind and provide you with loving support.

Take a community tour

Once you have researched your options and talked to your loved ones, the next step is to take a community tour. You will learn more about an assisted living community by taking an in-person tour than you could ever learn from pictures online. Touring the communities on your shortlist will help you decide which one is the best cultural fit for you. During your tour ask to speak with team members and ask about their approach to care. The community’s culture will be evident by the relationships between staff and residents and will be reflective of their culture.

If you are thinking about assisted living, these three steps will help you decide if it is the best option and determine which community works for you. This process does not have to be time consuming or overwhelming. Start by researching and narrowing down the options online and then talk to the people you know about their experience with assisted living. Once you have a solid list of communities you want to consider, visit each one in order to truly understand which is a fit for you. A great place to start your online research into assisted living is on Eskaton’s resource page.