When starting the conversation with aging loved ones about their future health needs and the type of senior living community they would be most comfortable in, many factors come into play. Of course, the reputation of the community, the professionalism and compassion of the staff and the level of care provided are always top of mind. However, another important consideration is where the community is geographically located, and many seniors find themselves choosing a community in a different city, or even state, over their current location.
Assisted Living Communities: Why Location Matters
You know the mantra – location, location, location. It rings true in business, real estate and later in life, your senior living options. When searching for an assisted living community, the role its location plays is vital in a few ways, including:
Proximity to medical facilities. While you or your loved will receive 24-hour care and assistance as needed in the assisted living community, if an emergency situation were to arise, it’s important that there are nearby hospitals and medical facilities. When researching communities, be sure to ask how far away the local hospital is so you can rest assured any and all healthcare needs can be met in a timely manner.
Cost of living. The cost of living in some cities is simply higher than others, and this can have an impact on how affordable the senior living options in the area will be. Simply because an assisted living community in a suburb may cost less than one in a major metropolitan area, this doesn’t mean the level of care provided will be any less sufficient.
Closeness to family members. It’s common for family members to want their aging loved ones to be closer to them so they can enjoy more time together. This may mean moving to an assisted living community in a different city, or even a different state.
Amenities in the surrounding vicinity. Many seniors look to continue to expand their minds, bodies and souls upon retirement, and moving to an assisted living community that offers a variety of nearby amenities becomes key. Consider what you find most important, whether it’s having access to community wellness or fitness centers, courses at a local college, proximity to museums, nature trails, restaurants and so on.
Availability of assisted living communities in the area. Of course, it could simply be that your hometown or current city doesn’t have any senior living options at this time. Although some seniors may want to remain where they have put down their roots, this might not be possible if there’s no assisted living community in the area. This means researching options in different cities.
American Senior Communities offers comfortable assisted living apartments with a variety of amenities throughout our locations. Contact us today to request more information.
