SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Selecting Senior Living
Choosing the ideal senior living community can be hard. Here’s a guide on what to look for.
ILLUSTRATION: ISTOCK.COM/ KEI_GOKEI
By Rylan Lee
The decision to move into a senior living community looks different for every person. Some may make the decision for themselves; others will make the decision for a family member or loved one. Some will want to retain their independence, while others will need a facility that can accommodate an ongoing progression of care. As Kim Yoder, senior programs and service coordinator at Avondale Senior Village, puts it: “It really is individualized, based on needs.” With a plethora of options, picking one place can be a daunting choice. To make the process a little easier, here are the core questions to ask. What Types of Care Are Offered? In many ways, moving into a senior living community is like any other move—an arduous process of choosing a good location, an interior that suits you and so on. But unlike other moves, the decision often has to factor in a need for assistance or medical care. According to Kristel Smith, director of marketing and sales at Parkside Senior Living, the types of care offered at a facility should be your first consideration. Generally speaking, there are four main categories of senior living accommodations: independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. Independent and assisted living are exactly what they sound like; memory care programs are for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and skilled nursing care is a type of assisted living that utilizes help from a registered nurse. Smith also cautions against the temptation to pick a place solely based on current needs. “It’s very important to look at a place that would accommodate all types of levels of care,” Smith explains. “It may not be important to them now, but down the road, that could be something that makes the difference as to whether or not they would stay in the community or have to find another place because their needs have progressed.” What Does the Social Calendar Look Like? Although care should be at the top of your list, picking a senior living facility is about so much more. A large draw to senior living OCTOBER 2019 COLUMBUS MONTHLY
147