People move to senior living communities for all kinds of reasons. Maybe their home has become difficult for them to maintain. Or they're living on their own and feeling isolated. Driving, especially at night, could be an issue. Or perhaps they're dealing with a health condition that requires assistance or specialized care. Whatever the reason, choosing the right community for a parent or loved one starts by identifying your priorities. What's important to you today? And what about potential needs a few years from now? When you know what you're looking for, it's easier to find it. Here are a few questions to help narrow your search:

Where do you want to live?

Do you want to be near family members? Would you prefer to be somewhere warm where you can play golf year-round? Want to live in a city with access to public transportation, shopping, dining, and cultural activities? Is there a major highway or airport within easy reach? How close is the nearest hospital?

What type of residence do you want?

Most senior living communities offer apartment homes. Some also have free-standing homes in leafy neighborhoods. While others offer multiple residential options, including apartments, duplexes, and villas. Apartments are typically located at the center of a community, where dining venues, a fitness center, reception, and other amenities are just a short walk away, usually under one roof. Something to consider if you don't want to drive or walk outdoors to attend a class or meet friends for lunch.

What level of care is needed?

Does your loved one need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or taking medication as prescribed? Do they require nursing care or memory care? Consider the state of their health now and what it could be in the years ahead. Having to move from one community where they feel at home to another where everything is unfamiliar can make a stressful situation worse. A Continuing Care RetirementCommunity (CCRC) or Life Plan Community where multiple levels of care are provided on the same campus can help your loved one stay among familiar faces.

On the other hand, your loved one may not qualify for independent living at a Life Plan Community. In that case, an assisted living community with access to skilled care may be the right long-term solution for you.

Here's a quick overview of the levels of care:

• ‍Independent living is for seniors who require minimal or no extra assistance. Residents live in apartments, cottages, or villas and have access to community amenities such as dining venues, a fitness center, art studio, game rooms, library, salon, etc. Maintenance and housekeeping are also included.‍
• Assisted living is for seniors who need help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, medication reminders, or transferring from a wheelchair. Residents live in apartments and get support services as needed. There are standalone assisted living communities as well as communities where assisted living is one level on a continuum of care offered at the same location. ‍
• Skilled nursing is for seniors who need 24-hour nursing care. Care could be for short-term rehabilitation or long-term for chronic conditions. Skilled nursing is offered at freestanding skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) or as part of a continuum of care at a senior living community.‍
• Rehabilitation is for people requiring physical, occupational, or speech therapy following surgery, illness, or injury. Many Life Plan Communities offer short-term rehabilitation, which makes it easy for residents to continue therapy without having to travel off-site.‍
• Memory care isfor seniors with Alzheimer's or other related dementias. Memory care neighborhoods may be part of a Life Plan Community, an assisted living community, skilled nursing facility or standalone memory care community.

Rental or buy-in?

Rental communities are the most popular senior living option in the U.S. The cost of entry is low compared to Life Plan Communities. If, however, your loved one needs long-term care — after moving to a Life Plan Community as an independent living resident— they could save thousands of dollars per month for the cost of their care. That's because entrance fee plans at Life Plan Communities usually discount the monthly rate for higher levels of care. With most rental plans, you pay the full market rate for assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing.

How much does it cost?

Senior living communities range from more affordable communities with limited services to resort-like communities with seven figure entry fees. So before you start shopping for a community, figure out how much money you have to work with. Don't disappoint yourselves by falling in love with a place that's out of your price range.

If your loved one needs assisted living or nursing care, monthly fees will be higher than they would be as an independent living resident in a senior living community. For a general idea of the cost of care in your area, check out the latest Cost of Care Survey from Genworth.

Are pets allowed?

Most senior living communities are pet friendly. Many have walking trails and some offer dog parks where your furry friend can run free. If you're a pet owner or thinking of becoming one, find out what the rules are for your pet. At Oak Park Place, we welcome our four-legged friends.

Do the residents seem happy and engaged?

When you've identified your priorities and know how much money you have to work with, start scheduling visits to communities that appear to be a good fit. Prepare any questions you want answers to beforehand. When visiting, notice how staff members interact with residents. Do they address residents by name? Are residents smiling and interacting with one another? Can you picture your loved one happy to be living in the community?

See if senior living at Oak Park Place is right for you.

Moving to Oak Park Place can improve quality of life for your loved one. There are opportunities to meet new people and make new friends. There are classes, programs, and activities designed to support a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. There are no chores to do or repairs to manage. And someone is always available to provide assistance or care as needed.

To learn more, schedule a visit using our contact form. We look forward to meeting you and answering any questions you have.