It’s not often in life when you can make a decision that will have as much impact as choosing a senior living community. Whether it’s for you or for a loved one, it’s a major decision that can bring tremendous peace of mind as well as happiness.

Here are some questions to take with you as you set out to find the lifestyle that best suits your needs.

The senior living search: what to ask to find what you want

It starts with having a clear picture in your mind of what you really want. A carefree, inspiring lifestyle that introduces you to new friends and new adventures? An opportunity to travel and pursue new hobbies? A reassurance that you are surrounded by supportive, caring professionals who are ready to serve you?

Just giving some thought to what your ideal retirement would be can be very helpful. Once you have a few ideas, you might want to write down some questions to take with you to start your quest. So that whether you are searching online, or in person on a tour, you are sure to get the answers you need to make an informed decision.

Ask your prospective community:

• What levels of care are available? It is good to know now whether you have a plan for the future that will cover your needs as you or a loved one grow older. Choosing a continuing care retirement community  offers the reassurance of multiple levels of care—independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term care—so that you can continue to reside in the community and receive  additional care if and when it’s needed.

• How does the community support healthy aging? During your senior living search, you will most likely find that each community approaches wellness in its own way. Be sure to get the details of what is offered, in terms of activities, classes, programs, and education and how all aspects of wellness are supported for a sound mind, body and spirit.

• What kind of activities and events do you offer? Today’s senior understands the importance of being around positive, friendly people, and exploring this topic is key to a successful senior living search. Ask for a calendar of events and find out how many residents participate. As you tour, observe the atmosphere: are people smiling and greeting one another? Does it feel welcoming and friendly? Are there opportunities for intergenerational socializing?

• What is the mission of your community? When conducting a senior living search, keep in mind that many communities offer more than just a place to live, they are dedicated to providing a genuine culture of caring and growth. This is particularly true for not-for-profit communities, which continuously reinvest in the wellbeing and happiness of their residents.

• What about dining? Be sure to experience dining at any community you are considering. Look over the menu, ask about how they handle dietary restrictions, and inquire about how open they are to resident preferences. When you dine there, observe the ambiance and service. Does everyone seem to be enjoying themselves? Would you feel comfortable inviting friends or family to join you there?

• What kind of training does your staff receive? Ask how often staff undergo retraining and find out the turnover rate. As you tour, observe how staff interact with residents and family. Do they seem to be enjoying what they do? Are they respectful and attentive? In the right senior living community, you will benefit from friendly, professional people who will become like family.

• What type of services do you offer? Ask about housekeeping, transportation, group outings, security, and overall maintenance.

These are just a few of the questions to take with you on your senior living search. You probably will have more, such as:

• What is the neighborhood like? Are there good choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment nearby?
• How do you involve the family in activities and events?
• What kind of outdoor spaces do you offer?
• What features are included in the residences?
• Are there additional services I can receive for a fee?

Finally, be sure to ask what makes their community unique. When a community is truly special, team members are eager to share reasons why they think you or your loved one would be happy there. Let them tell their story. Then you decide what is right for you!

A passion for service

As a faith-based, not-for-profit senior living organization, PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) is dedicated to serving our residents with a culture inspired by our mission — to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. Our faith teaches us to put others first, so our team members work every day to embody this value of service. Contact a community near you to learn more and to schedule your personalized tour.