If you’re searching for the right senior living community, these items may be on your checklist:

• A fitness center or classes to help you remain in shape
• Healthy dining options that are both delicious and nutritious
• Opportunities to meet and make new friends

Perhaps you’re looking for other services, such as:

• Assistance with daily tasks
• Support for a high quality of life when living with memory impairment
• 24/7 care or rehabilitative services needed for recovery

Today’s senior living communities offer so many services and benefits, you may find it hard to choose the right one. Some communities only offer one type of senior living, while others offer a full spectrum of care that allows you to remain at the same community, or, “age in place,” as your needs change. 

Choosing the Right Senior Living Community

If you’re unsure as to whether or not a senior living community will meet your needs and provide you with your desired lifestyle, you might want to start by becoming familiar with the different types available.

• Independent living

Looking for an independent and maintenance-free lifestyle full of choice and engagement? This type of senior living community might be the right fit for you.

You’ll find private residences, planned activities and social events, opportunities for physical and mental fitness, new friends, healthy dining choices and scheduled transportation, all with the convenience of available support, should you need it.

If you’re looking for more possibilities to have fun, stay active and support your health, you may find yourself right at home, enjoying the extra time you have to do the things you love.

What to look for when choosing the right independent living community: Decide what priorities are most important to you. Floor plans, location and levels of care are all important factors to consider. Take a look at the activities and amenities they offer to determine if they suit your preferred lifestyle.

• Assisted living

If you’re living a mostly independent life, but could use a little help with the tasks of daily living, an assisted living community might be the right choice.

You’ll find private or companion residences that you can personalize and make your home your own. You’ll have access to a delicious dining program with creative and nutritious selections, a monthly calendar of activities and social events, and scheduled transportation to events, medical appointments or shopping.

Providing support while encouraging freedom of choice, assisted living communities help many residents maintain their independence and well-being longer than if they had remained at home.

What to look for when choosing the right community: Look at available floor plans and layouts to see what suits your personal preferences. Review community amenities and enrichments programs that will add enjoyment to your life. Ensure the staff is friendly and responsive.

• Memory care

For those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, their family may not be able to continue to provide the appropriate level of care needed as symptoms progress. Memory care communities are able to provide around-the-clock specialized care and attention.

These communities are designed to meet the unique needs of those living with cognitive change like memory impairment and include safe and secure areas, residences and common areas that are calming and reassuring, helping to reduce frustration or anxiety for the resident.

Staff are specially trained to respond to the different needs of those living with dementia. Programs and therapies that support the residents’ quality of life are also available.

What to look for when choosing the right community: Ask about the staff-to-resident ratio to ensure that adequate time and attention is provided to address the special needs of the residents.  

• Long-term care or rehabilitative services

These communities (often referred to as skilled nursing facilities or SNFs) provide services for those who need long-term, skilled nursing care and supervision 24/7. Care is provided under the supervision of a licensed health professional and residents are typically individuals who are living with a chronic medical condition.

In addition, skilled nursing communities might also offer rehabilitative services for those recovering from an injury, surgery or illness. Individuals may have been discharged from the hospital but are not yet ready to recuperate at home.

What to look for when choosing the right community: Ask if the community is certified by Medicare or Medicaid, if they are experienced with the specific condition of your loved one and the type of education the staff receives.

How to Determine What’s Important for You or a Loved One in a Senior Living Community

Once you have a better understanding of what types of senior living are available, make a list of the desired or needed services. Consider the following questions:

• Are you able to manage your personal care?
• Do you need assistance with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing or grooming?
• Do you need assistance with medical care? Is 24/7 supervision necessary? 
• Are dining services needed or desired?
• Are you looking for a more convenient or active lifestyle?
• Have you become lonely or socially isolated and would like to make new friends?
• Has safety and security become more of a concern?
• Would your current home require renovating to support your needs as you age?
• Are you no longer driving or have few transportation options?
• Have you been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia?
• Do you require the services of memory care, including activities and supervision?

After reviewing your answers, you should be able to match them to a particular type of senior living that can best meet your needs.

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 information, 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.