What to Look for in a Senior Living Facility in 2021

It is not an understatement to say 2020 was a wild ride. For the aging population, it was trying and lonely. We went from a normal year full of hope for a nice Spring to no visitors to limited time and limited contact with visitors. If anything, through COVID-19, we learned the importance of social interaction with our family and friends to feel life purpose and value. Now that we have endured the long ride of the Coronavirus, let’s look at how we help our aging loved ones find the best senior living facility with ease and less fear.

Going into 2021 you need to look for the most important amenities and services that best fit your loved ones’ needs. Below are the top 7 that will help you find the right place for your mom or dad in 2021.

7 Trends That are Important for 2021 in a Senior Living Community

1. Location–The location needs to be perfect for what you want to do and for family and friends to visit you. Yes, there are still restrictions but with the vaccine coming to seniors, your opportunity for visitors will be much greater.
2. Accessibility to Healthcare Services–Whether your move is permanent or temporary to a senior living facility, it is important to have healthcare services readily available. Many facilities have on staff physicians and additional doctors that visit regularly to maintain the health of the residents. Quite honestly, if you are in rehab for an injury or moving to a retirement facility for the next phase of living, you should make sure your needs for physical care are available in the facility you chose or at least very nearby. 
3. WiFi Connections and Technology Availability–It is hard to fathom that technology and internet would be an issue, but some facilities are a bit remote and maybe a bit behind with technology. Therefore, you want a location that gives you access to technology which allows you to easily and reliably communicate with family and friends. Many elders like to engage with grandchildren, family and friends through ZOOM or FaceTime. 
4. Activities–The best community for you is the one that fulfills your medical and living needs and additionally your hobbies and activities needs. To keep or gain life purpose you need to have activities that you enjoy. For example, an opportunity to take a class in something you are interested in learning or maybe a local social hour are things that you find enjoyable. The choices are endless, but your community needs to provide or make accessible the things you personally enjoy.
5. Travel or Excursion Options–As you age, you are ready to fulfill the chance to travel and cross off some places you want to see on your bucket list or maybe you just want to travel locally and see the sights. Now that you have retired, you can start to fulfill those dreams. Make sure your plans for travel coincide with the community you select. 
6. Dining Experience–Everyone eats! Therefore, you want a place that has the food you love or want to experience. Today many communities offer residents the opportunity to dine on just about anything from the typical to the exotic. Many facilities offer coffee bar mornings and Italian Bistro evenings. Also, many are set up with several different cuisines and you are highly encouraged to eat at the community before you make a decision on here to move into. Wonderful food is part of aging so make sure you choose your retirement or assisted living community wisely.

Life Purpose Growth–Everyone needs purpose to live. You want a place that allows you to grow overall. Whether that be with classes, book clubs, fitness clubs or other social or intellectual goals you may have. It is vital that a community you choose has an opportunity for you to do something that allows you to feel purpose and growth.

Whether you’re ready to retire or looking for assisted living there are many things to consider and it can become overwhelming. We work to help you make the transition to assisted living or a retirement community easier. Contact Ann at Senior Living Options and she will help you to the right choices for living the next phase of life with dignity and purpose.

Author: Ann Jamison

Ann Jamison is an experienced senior advisor who has successfully worked with hundreds of families to help them find the best care and home-like environment for themselves or their loved ones. Prior to launching Senior Living Options, Ann was an eldercare advisor for a national placement agency and served as sales director at a senior living community. Thanks to her 25-year career in advertising sales and marketing, Ann is able to discern between hype and reality for her clients. Ann recognizes that there are objective factors that need to be weighed when making a life-changing decision, but she can also assess the important softer attributes by getting to know her clients and by using the gut instincts that can only come through extended experience.