If you or a family member is considering the advantages of a senior living community, you may be beginning your search for the right one.

But how do you know what to look for? And where?

The following tips may be useful to help you get started.

Finding resources when researching senior living communities near me

Consider these sources to find the right community for your parent or loved one.

• Ask your doctor or medical team for referrals or suggestions.
• Get in touch with friends or family members who may have experience in researching communities in your area.
• Start an online search. Typing in senior living communities near me can bring up several options.
• Talk to your local senior living communities and schedule a tour.

Tips for searching senior living communities near me

It will save you hours and result in a more successful search if you spend some time determining what you’re hoping to find. Consider these tips:

You may prefer maintenance-free living. Or possibly, you’d like to have more opportunities to make new friends or engage in different activities.

Define your priorities and rank them in importance. When searching for the right community, try to find as many preferences on your list as possible. Consider doing a pros and cons list to help you best determine your needs and wants.

If you or a parent needs a helping hand with daily tasks, such as bathing, grooming or dressing, an assisted living community may be the perfect fit.

If your loved one needs 24/7 attention, you’ll want to visit long-term or skilled nursing communities. If care is needed due to memory impairment, a memory care community offers a specialized environment and responses for those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

When searching for senior living communities near me, location can be a deciding factor - especially if you want to make sure your loved one will have easy access to family members or friends who are in the area.

Other considerations can be whether it is near their doctor’s office, bank or other services. Also, look at the neighborhood and make sure it is well-kept, safe, and walkable.

It’s not uncommon for loneliness or social isolation to become more of a challenge as we grow older. The chances to meet new people can also become fewer.

One of the great advantages of community life is access to the other residents. Ask about social events and opportunities to help your parent naturally begin forming friendships.

Remaining active in life can greatly impact your parents’ health and ability to age well. But if transportation is a problem, it can be more difficult to attend events or participate in activities.

Make sure you understand what the community offers and take a look at their monthly calendar when searching for senior living communities near me. There should be enough of a variety of choices to be of interest to everyone.

How your parents fuel their bodies and minds also greatly influences their health. Not only will they need nutritious foods but choices and presentations that make mealtime appealing.

Ask about a community’s selections and take a look at their menu. Better yet, arrange to have a meal there with your loved one to see and taste first-hand.

You’ll want your parents to have access to a fitness center or other classes where they can exercise, stretch or work on their flexibility, balance, and strength.

Make sure there are also opportunities for them to keep their minds in shape as well, either through games, stimulating activities or social interactions.

If your parent or loved one no longer drives, look for communities that offer transportation to medical appointments, social events or shopping.

Many older adults experience a loss of independence when they need to rely on family or friends for rides. Communities that provide this service ensure their residents don’t feel as if they are missing out.

When discussing services available or visiting a community, ask about any features that offer added security and safety.

You’ll find communities may provide a secure environment through personnel, gates or alarm systems. They may also offer safety measures in the residences and options for personal alert systems. Ask what nursing or medical care is available for your loved ones for their safety. 

Life at Eskaton Communities

The word Eskaton means “dawn of a new day.” In our communities, we see each day as an opportunity to enhance the lives of our residents. We’ve been serving the Sacramento region and Northern California for over 50 years.

The Eskaton Difference starts with our life-enriching programs and collaborative partnerships. With a national reputation for innovation, we focus on creating communities that provide our residents everything they need for purposeful living.

We invite you to visit one of our award-winning communities to discover some of the benefits we offer, such as:

• Private residences
• Delicious and nutritious meals
• Social opportunities to meet and make new friends
• Creative activities and therapies
• Fitness centers and exercise classes
• Housekeeping services
• Transportation services
• 24-hour staffing
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi
• And much, much more!

If you’re considering whether senior living could be the best choice for you or a loved one, we’re here to answer any questions you may have. We also invite you to download our complimentary guide, Family Decision Toolkit: How to choose the right senior living community.

To schedule a personalized tour, call us at 1-866-ESKATON (or 1-866-375-2866) or visit eskaton.org.