Over the years, Baptist Retirement Community has witnessed many hundreds of people looking to find the right community. Sometimes, it’s adult children hoping to move their parents closer. Other times, it’s widows seeking friendship as they deal with their grief. Finally, it may be active couples building a simpler (and safer) life after retirement. In each case, a senior living community in San Angelo, TX may be right for you.
Whatever brings you to look at a senior living community, it’s vital to explore your senior living options. Without question, there are a few things you need to think about during the process. You need to know what you’re looking for, and, just as importantly, what you’re not looking for.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Senior Living Community
Location
Before looking at a community itself, look at the surrounding areas. This will be your new home, so you want your existing life to fit. Is there easy access to your local bank, church and grocery store? Can you maintain your normal routines? If you’re moving closer to family or just looking for a change of scenery, make a list of these kinds of places you’ll need and make sure they’re within close proximity.
Continuum of care
A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) offers more than one area of living and care, such as independent living, assisted living, memory care and nursing. Some people choose stand-alone communities that may offer only one of these living or care areas. For some seniors, this may work out fine. However, having all of them available (even if you don’t need them) provides incredible peace of mind. Plan now to make your life easier should additional care needs arise.
Staff dynamics
What is the staff like? Are they friendly? Are they more aloof than they should be? How much interaction do they have with residents? Are they comfortable and relaxed during these interactions? Remember that some staff members see the community simply as their employer. Others, however, see it as a family that requires a higher level of personal dedication. Decide which best fits your personality and desired lifestyle.
Faith-based
Whether you’re a person of faith or not, decide if you want your community to be faith-based. While faith-based communities don’t push their beliefs on residents, they do offer more religious programming, such as prayer gatherings and chapel services.
Verbiage
How do the website, marketing materials and staff members refer to the community? Do they call it an available “unit” or available “home”? A “cafeteria or a “dining “room”? These little nuances speak volumes about the community’s overall atmosphere and approach to life.
Budget
Of course, you need to know what you can afford. But, before getting bogged down in numbers, get a feel for the community and its amenities. If it’s well beyond your budget, it may not be worth pursuing. Conversely, if it’s a bit out of reach, find out if there are creative financing options.
Size
This is another important factor that only you can decide. Do you want to be one of many or one in a smaller group? A larger senior living community in San Angelo, TX will offer far more amenities and activities, but a smaller one will provide a more intimate setting. Consider your social tendencies and make the choice that’s best for you.
Questions to Ask
As you consider senior living retirement communities, always keep these questions in mind:
- Can you join a resident for lunch, or attend an event at the community, before making a decision? You’ll want to get as much of a “day in the life” feel as possible.
- What is the typical fee increase, and how often does it increase?
- Is there a full-time life-enrichment director on staff? What kinds of activities are available?
- What is the average age of residents in independent living?
- Are visitors welcome any time?
Be sure you visit the community more than once. Also, always make it a point to talk to the residents each time you’re there. You can be certain that they won’t be shy about sharing their opinions, whether they’re positive or negative. In the process, you can learn a lot about a community just by having a quick chat with those who live there.
A Senior Living Community in San Angelo, TX Could be Right for You
If you use this guide to find the right community for you and your lifestyle, I guarantee you’ll be changed for the better. You’ll find a renewed sense of purpose, a more positive outlook and more fun than you ever imagined. And, if you’re like most, you’ll wish you’d done it sooner.
Your new home is waiting for you. Call us today at 833.762.0756 for more information about Baptist Retirement Community.