CREDIBILITY IN SENIOR LIVING

For both older adults and their family members, the process of selecting a senior living community should be the result of a thorough and informative process. In many cases, families find they are drawn closer through the experience, sharing information and opinions they might not have felt comfortable discussing with one another in years prior. So, what should you look for?

• Learn about the senior living options available. Research the difference between rental communities and entrance fee communities. Make sure you understand what levels of service and levels of care are available at the communities you are researching. Not all communities offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term care and rehabilitation like The Stayton.
• Visit the community’s marketing department. Take a tour of the community. Learn about the organization and its management. Ask about their menus and programming schedules. Study floor plans and models. Attend a community event to meet others who are making the same search; share your impressions and ask for theirs.
• Understand why people choose Life Care communities. From the community itself, to access to future healthcare at a predictable cost, to the protection of a financial legacy, there are many reasons why so many seniors choose a Life Care community like The Stayton. Ask to speak to current residents about their experiences and what led them to choosing Life Care.
• Ask the tough questions. Ask about current occupancy and occupancy trends. If occupancy is low, ask why. Ask to see financial reports, licensing and inspection reports in the recent past. Organizations who are confident in their stability and credibility in the market will openly share.
• Find out if the community is for-profit or not-for-profit. The two different types of communities can have different goals. Not-for-profit communities like The Stayton tend to have more conservative annual fee increases, lower staff turnover and reinvest revenue back into the community.
• Take a close look at the contract. Make sure you understand exactly what a contract does and does not cover. Ask “what if” questions to be sure you have a clear picture of how the community might address changes to your health or circumstances over time.

In the end, the right community for you should make you feel at home — safe and secure. You should feel welcomed by staff, interested in connecting with neighbors, excited about the lifestyle amenities and feel like this space could be your home for many years to come.