Wanting to Find the Top Independent Living Community? 14 Traits to Look Out For

Wanting to Find the Top Independent Living Community? 14 Traits to Look Out For

Are you looking for the top independent living community for yourself or a loved one? Choosing the right one can be difficult, especially when many communities are of equal quality. It's important to consider various factors when judging where to live as a senior. Some of the top factors that should be considered are as follows:

1. Location

It is important to be in a safe and convenient location where you can access public transportation, entertainment, and other activities. Be sure to look into how far away from your family you will be located. Will it require too much travel for them to come to see you or for you to visit?

2. Amenities

Not only is it important that a community is convenient, but it's also vital to look at what amenities are available. Do they offer activities you are interested in? Are the surrounding areas with similar amenities worth exploring? If your favorite restaurant is far away, will you be confined daily to the community? These inconvenient situations can significantly affect your quality of life within the community, so consider things like this when choosing where to live as an elder.

3. Consider Your Budget

The cost of living varies greatly from community to community, so take a look and see how much you will need to pay out of pocket. Are there additional fees and expenses that occur often? Do they include utilities? How much is the monthly rent? What other extra costs can be expected, and how often do they happen? For example, are there additional cable, Internet, and phone expenses? All of these factors can greatly impact your budget. Be sure to consider these factors when choosing a place to live.

4. Quality of Care

The staff members must be professional and experienced in dealing with people at your age level. You may also want to join their programs to help you maintain your independence as an elder. For example, will you need assistance with transportation or grocery shopping? Are staff members compassionate and empathetic when dealing with difficult situations?

5. Management

The management team should be friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable about the facility. They should be able to answer any questions you have and provide good support when necessary. Take some time to meet with them in person, if possible, and see how well you get along.

6. Accountability

The staff members should be responsible and trustworthy, especially when handling your finances. They should provide an accurate tally of your remaining balance at all times, along with a receipt for everything you purchase in the community. You should feel secure that they are managing your finances properly at all times so you can focus on other things.

7. Cleanliness

One thing that can really set a community apart is cleanliness. The appearance of the facility should be inviting and welcoming. The community should have a very thorough cleaning schedule, which the staff members will adhere to in order to keep things organized and clean.

8. Staff Relationships

Staff relationships are of the utmost importance when choosing where to live as an elder. They should be well-trained, knowledgeable, and highly adaptable in any situation they may encounter. Make sure they are qualified and experienced because they will be working with you every day throughout your stay.

9. Safety and Security

Safety and security are vital to your satisfaction in a community. The facility should have 24/7 on-site security, and you should always feel safe and secure in your residence. Ensure they have a good eviction policy, so you won't be kicked out of your home when unexpected things happen. They should also offer easy access to transportation and secure storage for personal belongings.

10. Local Attractions and Entertainment

This factor can be extremely important when choosing where to live as a senior. You should have easy access to local attractions and activities so that you won't be confined to the community all the time. Consider your interests and assess the surrounding areas to determine if there is sufficient entertainment. You may want to see live music, a movie, or even go shopping often. This factor can significantly affect how happy you are during your stay, so take it into consideration when choosing a top independent living community to live in as an elder.

12. Transportation Options

This factor can significantly affect your overall quality of life in a community. Often, transportation options are available through the facility or their transportation company. However, if that isn't possible, you may need to take other measures to get to and from the community. For example, they would need adequate parking spaces near the community if you don't want to drive. They should also be able to give you a list of all local bus lines, taxi services, and other methods of public transportation.

13. Events and Activities

There should be fun events and activities in the community on a regular basis. This will help you keep busy and feel more connected with others in the community. You should be able to participate in as many or as few events as you want, depending on your preferences. If you wish to attend multiple events, they should also provide transportation so you can visit their other facilities when necessary.

14. Overall Experience

In order to be happy in a community, it needs to be an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Take some time to talk with other residents and staff members about your experience. Are they happy? What types of issues have they run into? What are their overall thoughts on the community? If they have had a good experience, chances are you will too!

How My Living Choice Can Help!

When choosing a top independent living community to live in as a senior, it's important to consider the above factors. Of course, it would be best to put a lot of thought into your choice, but it is a hard task because there are many great communities. The location, amenities, and staff relationships are all important factors in helping you select the right one.

My Living Choice fills a unique role in helping you or your loved one find the right senior living home. We give you the information and tools necessary to choose for yourself. Our senior living directory will help you make the right decision for you or your loved one. We also regularly post helpful information on our blog because we aim to be your one-stop shop for all things senior living. If you have questions about using our directory, let us know, and we’d be happy to help!

  • Senior Living,
  • April 12, 2023
  • By Admin