Looking
for the perfect senior housing community is no small task. It doesn't
have to be a complicated chore, though. It can be an exciting
opportunity to discover your ideal next home. The right home is not
only a place to live but also your own haven from the outside world.
Ask yourself these questions when considering your senior housing
options.
Where
Do You Most Want to Live?
Location
is a prime consideration. Whether you want to live close to good
restaurants or need to be closer to your grown children, where a
housing structure is located can help you come to a decision. The
location of a place can also reveal other things about it such as how
safe you'll feel in your home and how difficult it may be to get to
the airport if you travel often.
What
Are Your Personal Priorities?
Before
you check out your housing options in person, take a few days or even
weeks to consider what you most need to find in a home. Think about
the things that you wouldn't want to live without and what aspects of
a home will most improve your quality of life.
Some
things that may be important to you in a senior home include:
Next,
set aside time to write down your priorities, so you can refer to the
list when you go to open houses or showings of senior homes.
What
is the History of the Living Community?
Don't
be afraid to ask about the history of a home you're considering. You
can tell a lot from a senior living community that has a long history
of helping residents live fulfilling lives with a high standard of
living. On the other hand, a new community may have a lot of modern
amenities that older buildings lack. Either way, knowing the history
can impact your choice.
What
Are the Overall Costs?
Find
out what your total monthly costs will be. If different apartment
types are available, find out what the price differences are. Ask
about which utilities, if any, are included. Even if utilities aren't
included, the property manager may be able to give you a general idea
of how much more utilities will be for the month. Ask about any other
fees or charges.
How
Will You Be Able to Get Around?
Consider
how easy it will be to get around town from your new home. If you
will need public transportation, it may be extremely important to
find a place that's close to bus stops or other public transportation
options. Even if you don't have any mobility problems, consider the
future if you plan to stay in your new home for many years to come.
Which
Amenities Are Available to the Community?
Special
amenities can add a lot to your quality of life. For example, if a
housing community has an onsite, complimentary fitness room, it can
be a lot easier to exercise and stay in shape. If the place has a
common area where you can socialize with other residents, you may
more easily make new friends. Carefully consider how any amenities at
each place can enrich your life.
Who
Are the Neighbors?
You
won't exactly have the chance to get to know your neighbors when you
are checking out your housing options. However, you may be able to
meet a couple of residents while you're there. You may even ask the
property manager about the neighbors. Talking to other people in the
community can help you gain insights into what it's like to live
there.
Are
There Any Community Rules You Would Have Trouble Following?
Always
get information about the community rules when you're checking out a
home. If there are any community rules that would be difficult for
you to follow, it might be better to move on. The rules of a home are
typically made for very good reasons and are intended to help all the
residents live in harmony. Resisting them can just make you and
others miserable.
What
Are the Specifics of the Contract?
It's
okay to talk about the contract in the early stages of considering a
home. Knowing what will be expected can help you discern whether
you're prepared to sign a contract and live in the housing community.
For example, if you only plan to stay in a place for six months, a
contract that requires you to live in the home for a year will
probably be an instant deal-breaker.
Finally,
make a list of your own questions and concerns before going to check
out senior living homes. Contact Robert
Cottingham Property Management Company
to
see economically efficient apartment options. We offer high-quality,
affordable senior housing to fit a variety of lifestyles and budgets.
