Choosing a senior living community is a deeply personal journey. The process is not only about finding a place to live but also a space where you can grow, thrive, and feel at home.
Independent living communities for seniors offer benefits that make day-to-day life easier, such as on-site amenities, medical care, fitness resources, transportation, social programming, and a sense of belonging with neighbors you can relate to. You’ll enjoy the freedom to live as you choose and the peace of mind of knowing support is available if needed. Plus, you’ll leave behind the stress of maintaining a household, giving you time to focus on real priorities: your health, passions, and relationships.
To start the ball rolling, we’ll cover the essential steps to find a community that fits your needs and lifestyle.
1. Define your needs.
Start by visualizing your ideal community — one that fits your priorities and preferences. What do you want independence to look like in this next phase of life? Which community features and characteristics are essential? Do the underlying principles that guide the community align with your goals? Consider the following factors as you make a list.
Types of Care
Independent living is ideal for older adults who are generally healthy and don’t need regular help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, eating, and dressing. If you choose a community that offers a continuum of care — also known as a Community for Healthy Living — you can access various levels of living that cover a range of services, including assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term nursing care. Fundamentally, communities that offer all levels of living provide the services and care to meet your needs in one location so you won’t need to move to a new campus, no matter how your health situation changes.
Location
The real estate adage “location, location, location” applies to choosing an independent living community for seniors. Is the community close to your family and friends so you can see them as often as you want? How far away are your health care providers, favorite shops and restaurants, houses of worship, and other important resources? Is the surrounding environment, such as the heart of a bustling downtown or a quiet suburb, to your liking? These preferences will impact your experience as a resident.
Amenities
Amenities in independent living — including maintenance-free living, dining options, gathering spaces, robust programming, and fitness resources — are designed to enhance your quality of life, so consider what options are most important to you. Do you want to do laps in a pool each day? Do you yearn for an on-site bistro to satisfy your morning coffee craving? Are you itching to explore your artistic, cultural, or social side with certain kinds of programming on the community calendar? Are you tired of driving and ready to take advantage of a community’s transportation options? Make a list of your top amenities, and keep an eye out for them as you research communities near you.
Budget
Last but not least, calculate your budget. Senior living communities can vary widely in cost, depending on their location, services, pricing structure, and care levels. Remember that the monthly fees may cover a variety of expenses, such as utilities and housekeeping. Look at your financial resources, accounting for pensions, home equity, retirement savings, and ongoing full-time or part-time employment. If possible, consult with a Certified Financial Planner to determine a realistic monthly payment.
2. Conduct online research.
The internet is a valuable tool in your search for the right senior living community, especially if you know how to find thorough, candid information.
Search Engine Results
Before you hop in the car to begin exploring options, do some online research to find communities you want to visit in your desired area. Use a search engine and keywords such as “independent living for seniors near me” or “senior living communities in [your preferred city]” to start. Click through to community homepages to find details about each organization’s guiding philosophy, amenities, and care levels.
Reviews and Testimonials
For a glimpse of the real-life experience in a specific community, check online directories and review websites for feedback from current residents, their families, and community team members. Reviews and testimonials will demonstrate the quality of amenities, social atmosphere, resources, and more, so you can narrow down your choices before heading out for in-person tours.
3. Reach out for recommendations.
Word-of-mouth referrals are a powerful source of information — you’ve probably discovered a favorite shop or restaurant on a friend’s recommendation. Reach out to your friends, family, community, and social groups to gather the inside scoop on local senior living options. Your health care providers may also be able to provide some insight.
Local senior organizations, associations, and advocacy groups can provide a wealth of information on independent living options in your preferred area. They often conduct their own research to determine the quality of local senior living communities.
4. Visit senior living communities in person.
You’ve assembled all your information and created a list of options, but scrolling through homepages and online reviews can’t replace the experience of seeing a community in person. Set up a tour to experience the environment firsthand, see how the community functions on a daily basis, and meet residents and team members. Come prepared with questions about services, amenities, programming, costs, and more.
If your preferred location is too far away to visit in person, reach out and ask if the community will provide a virtual tour of the campus and the opportunity to chat with current residents and team members over a video call. Many communities are happy to accommodate your request!
After your tour, take the time to jot down your impressions — the things you liked, didn’t like, or wanted to ask more questions about. Putting your thoughts in writing will help you compare insights and feelings down the road. After multiple tours, communities tend to blur together in your mind, so record specific details such as the quality of amenities, the way team members interact with residents, your favorite meal choices at the on-site restaurant, apartment layouts, and more.
5. Compare and contrast your options.
After you’ve completed your research, received recommendations, and taken tours, it’s time to compare and contrast your independent living options. Organize the details you’ve noted, and make a chart to compare the amenities, types of care offered, size and layout of apartments, social programming, prices, and any other elements that matter to you.
Beyond data and charts, take into account the intangible aspects of your tour experiences. How did each community make you feel? Were the residents and team members welcoming and engaged? These emotional factors are an essential part of living in a community, so spend some time reflecting on whether you can imagine calling each place home. Trust your instincts, which can be just as crucial as the logistical details in making a final decision.
Discover more guidance on independent living communities for seniors.
Ultimately, independent living should provide the resources and confidence you need to feel at home, engaged, and empowered to live a fulfilling life. By starting with a clear vision of what’s most important to you and following through with research and analysis, you can find a senior living community that aligns with your short- and long-term needs and preferences.
Want more detailed guidance in the search for a senior living community? Check out our “Senior Living Community Evaluation Checklist” for in-depth insights.
