Senior Living Communities Checklist
Which senior living community is right for you or your loved one? If you’re already looking, you know that with all the options out there it’s not a straightforward question to answer. If you’re about to begin your search, the process may seem overwhelming initially. But, it’s actually a good thing that senior living today is not one-size-fits-all. And with this checklist, it’s easier than ever to find the type of community that best fits your needs and wants.
Senior Living Defined
First things first; what is senior living exactly? Senior living is a term for communities that are designed for older adults and are typically classified by the types of care in which they offer. The most common types include independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing.
Types of Senior Living Communities
Independent Living
Independent living can be seen more as a lifestyle choice for active seniors who want to spend more time enjoying retirement and less on the hassles of chores and home upkeep.
Services and amenities typically include:
- Accommodations such as an apartment, townhome or cottage
- Restaurant-style dining
- Housekeeping and laundry service
- Exercise programs
- Concierge services
- Transportation
- Variety of social opportunities, activities and clubs
Is Independent Living Right For You?
Answer the questions below with yes or no to see if you or your loved one might need Independent Living.
| Yes | No | |
| Are you tired of cleaning, cooking, household repairs and yard work? | ||
| Can you get around easily by yourself? | ||
| Are you able to manage your own medications and personal care? | ||
| Do you have as many active friendships as you’d like? | ||
| Would you like to find a new hobby or try something new? | ||
| Are you seeking more purpose in life? | ||
| Is it becoming harder to fill your calendar with fun, engaging activities? |
Assisted Living
Housing, onsite care and support with daily activities are provided in assisted living. These communities are designed to help residents remain independent and enjoy an engaging, purposeful life.
Services and amenities typically include:
- Comfortable, spacious accommodations
- 24-hour supervision and security
- Three daily meals
- Housekeeping and laundry service
- Exercise programs
- Transportation
- Access to medical services
- Variety of social opportunities and activities
Is Assisted Living right for you or your loved one?
Answer the questions below with yes or no to see if Assisted Living is right for you or your loved one.
| Yes | No | |
| Is falling a concern? | ||
| Has there been sudden weight loss or gain? | ||
| Is it becoming more difficult to get around? | ||
| Are social opportunities few and far between? | ||
| Is it hard to keep up with house cleaning, laundry, shopping and other chores? | ||
| Is assistance needed with personal care or medications? | ||
| Has driving become more challenging? |
Memory Care
Catering to those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, memory care offers 24-hour, specialized care and support in a secure, easy-to-navigate environment.
Services and amenities typically include:
- Comfortable private or semi-private rooms
- Medical monitoring
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Emergency call systems
- Therapy and exercise programs
- Housekeeping and laundry service
- Social activities and outings
- Three daily meals
- Transportation
Is Memory Care right for your loved one?
Answer the questions below with yes or no to see if Memory Care is right for you or your loved one.
| Yes | No | |
| Are safety issues such as leaving the stove on or door unlocked becoming more common? | ||
| Is your loved one exhibiting behavior dangerous to himself or others? | ||
| Are medication errors becoming more frequent? | ||
| Are there personal care challenges such as forgetting to bathe? | ||
| Does your loved one seem depressed or isolated? | ||
| Do they have enough social stimulation? | ||
| Are they exposed to activities to strengthen cognitive functioning? |
Skilled Nursing
Skilled nursing communities offer 24-hour supervised care and have a licensed physician or nurse on site, as well as physical, speech and occupational therapists.
Services and amenities typically include:
- Comfortable private or semi-private rooms
- 24-hour care and assistance with activities of daily living
- Health monitoring and medication management
- Three daily meals
- Housekeeping and laundry service
- Exercise programs
- Social opportunities and activities
Is Skilled Nursing right for your loved one?
Answer the questions below with yes or no to see if Skilled Nursing is the right path for you or your loved one.
| Yes | No | |
| Is ongoing medical attention required? | ||
| Are chronic health conditions becoming worse or harder to manage? | ||
| Is there a need to dispense or monitor intravenous medications? | ||
| Is wound care needed? | ||
| Is your loved one recovering after surgery or a hospitalization? | ||
| Is your loved one bedridden or in a wheelchair? | ||
| Are there issues with incontinence? |
What’s better than finding a senior living community that offers just what you need right now? One that also offers the full continuum of care for your needs, now and down the road. That’s what you’ll find at Richfield Living — multiple types of care, all on one campus. That peace of mind is truly hard to find.
Are you wondering if it is time to get help and what option might be best?
