“Choosing the right senior living community for yourself or a loved one is a deeply personal decision,” says Barbara A. Keller, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Peter Becker Community.
“There are so many senior living options available today, and most people don’t realize that the choices are practically endless,” she says. “Finding a community that can meet your basic health and living needs is easy, since that’s pretty much table stakes for any community these days. It’s important to look beyond the basics and ask questions that will help determine if a community is right for you personally, and how it will improve quality of life.”
Many of today’s seniors are choosing to move into senior living while they’re still active, independent, and healthy. “People are starting to realize the benefits of moving before they have to move,” Barb explains. “Moving into a community when you’re still relatively young means you no longer have to deal with the chores and hassle of homeownership and can instead really enjoy everything that retirement has to offer.”
If you’re beginning your search for a senior living community for your retirement years, here are 12 questions to ask yourself and potential communities to help you find the right fit.
Questions To Ask Yourself Before Researching Senior Living Communities
1. What kind of community do you want to live in?
Do you prefer to be surrounded by vibrant activity, or would you feel more comfortable in a serene, intimate space? Are you interested in a community that provides a continuum of care throughout your life so you don’t need to move if your health needs change? Or do you want to meet your current needs and make future decisions when the time comes?
2. What floor plan and living arrangements best suit your needs?
What types of living arrangements do senior living communities offer? Think about the ideal floor plan for your lifestyle. Do you need extra space for guests, hobbies or storage? If so, a patio home or cottage would be suitable.
Or would a smaller, easier-to-manage apartment space feel more comfortable? Evaluate the kinds of spaces available in each community to ensure they fit your vision for your future home.
3. Where do you want to live?
Do you want to stay in a familiar, convenient area, perhaps in Harleysville where Peter Becker Community is located, so that you can continue enjoying your current lifestyle with fewer responsibilities? The proximity to Philadelphia or Allentown is ideal! Or would you rather be closer to family, friends or a completely new location where the climate, city size or environment better suit your retirement plans?
4. What sort of lifestyle are you looking for?
Consider the lifestyle you’d like now and may want in the future. Some prefer a vibrant, social community full of social events, clubs, and exciting opportunities to pursue hobbies – old and new. Others enjoy the flexibility to explore independently or the option to engage at their own pace. Look for a community that matches your interests in services, events, and overall energy level.
5. What kind of social life do you want?
What’s the average resident’s age? Are there opportunities for both couples and singles? Is it easy to form friendships and connect with other residents? Social life can be a driving factor for moving into senior living, so consider a community where you’re surrounded by people who inspire and connect with you.
Visiting a community is a great way to see how residents live firsthand. Peter Becker Community offers countless ways to share moments with others and build meaningful friendships, on your terms.
6. What are your health care needs now and in the future?
Consider your current health and any foreseeable needs as you age. Are there communities that can support both Residential Living and a continuum of care that includes Personal Care, Assisted Living, and Memory Care? Communities like Peter Becker, which provide various types of care, offer peace of mind as they adapt to your or your loved one’s changing health needs without disrupting your everyday lifestyle.
Questions To Ask Senior Living Communities
1. What’s provided in the monthly rent?
Monthly fees can vary widely by community. Some offer all-inclusive packages that cover amenities, services, and care, while others provide an à la carte approach. Be sure to ask for a detailed cost breakdown to make accurate comparisons.
2. What dining options are available?
Food plays a major role in daily satisfaction. Ask about the variety, quality, and flexibility of dining options. Are meals included in monthly payments, and if so, how many? Are there set meal plans?
Is there a chef preparing nutritious and tasty options, and are there multiple dining venues to enjoy? At Peter Becker Community, residents enjoy fresh, chef-prepared meals in a variety of dining rooms designed to suit both casual and formal dining needs.
3. What transportation options are available?
Explore what transportation options are provided. Are there shuttles or other scheduled services? Can you keep a personal car if you prefer to drive yourself? It’s also helpful to know about proximity to public transportation, air travel, and other travel services for convenience.
4. What emergency and non-emergency assistance is available?
Does the community offer on-call assistance or emergency alarm systems? Are nurses, house physicians or other medical staff members on-site 24/7 to help administer medication? Understanding what support is available during emergencies is essential, and it’s reassuring to know a team is nearby should you need it.
5. What are the contract details?
Senior living communities vary in contract options, ranging from rental agreements to Life Plan contracts with long-term benefits. Review the specifics carefully with a financial advisor to ensure clarity on long-term costs and commitments. Peter Becker Community offers a Type C Fee-for-Service contract, a flexible option for those looking to save money until they absolutely need to pay for care.
6. Does the community accept long-term care insurance?
Don’t be afraid to ask whether the community accepts long-term care insurance to help cover costs. Some communities accommodate this type of coverage, which can provide significant financial assistance.
Peter Becker Community Is Here for You
At Peter Becker Community, we’re dedicated to helping you find the best possible fit for your needs, lifestyle, and goals. Each day, we celebrate your individuality, whether you’re here as a full-time resident or temporarily in our Health Care Center. As a Continuing Care Retirement Community, we offer a setting that empowers active independence, supported by a continuum of care that adapts with you, allowing you to focus on enjoying retirement rather than worrying about what the future might hold.
As a not-for-profit, we’re committed to your well-being, investing exclusively in services and amenities that benefit our residents. With comprehensive services – from Residential Living to Skilled Nursing and compassionate Memory Care – you’ll find peace of mind in our well-rounded community that supports every step of your journey. Here, you’ll spend more time enjoying life with fewer worries, surrounded by a vibrant community that values connection, choice, and quality of life.
For more information about our services or to schedule a personal visit to our Continuing Care Retirement Community in Montgomery County, please call us at (215) 720-1087. We’d love to start the conversation about your future at Peter Becker Community.