Factors to Consider When Selecting a Senior Living Facility

Wisconsin comes in at number 17 in the list of US states with the oldest population. Approximately 18% of our state's residents are 65 or older, and thousands of people will need senior living options in the near future.

As demand for senior living increases, Wisconsin seniors may find an increasing number of communities to choose from. That said, choosing senior care isn't as simple as finding the closest or cheapest location.

We're here to share our top tips for navigating senior living options. Read on to learn how you and your family can make an informed choice and find the best community for your needs and desires.

Determining Your Budget

One of the most important factors for senior living is cost. A combination of base monthly costs and fees will cover most of your necessary expenses, from housing to dining to in-unit assistance.

It's useful to determine your budget before you start looking at guides to senior homes so you know which communities are in your price range.

Funding Senior Living

Covering the cost of senior living can mark a transition in the way you spend money or the assets you use. Sources of funding often include:

Life savings
Retirement funds (e.g., IRAs or pensions)
Funds from home or car sales
Long-term care insurance

When you're looking for ways to fund senior living, you may find it helpful to work with an estate planner. That way, you can account for all available assets.

Assessing Long-Term and Daily Needs

Moving into a senior living community is a great way to improve access to daily and long-term accommodations and support. Make sure that your community of choice can reasonably meet your needs and consider these factors.

Tiered Care Options

Many senior living communities offer tiered care options to accommodate the changing needs of residents.

For example, LakeHouse Manitowoc offers both respite care and assisted living. For our respite care residents, this means moving into a welcoming and familiar space should they need long-term assisted living in the future.

Assistance With ADLs

As residents age, they may experience changes in their physical health and abilities. This can impact the ability to fulfill activities of daily living (ADLs) like:

Cooking and eating
Cleaning
Bathing and grooming
Dressing

Though you may not need it yet, assistance with ADLs may support your physical and mental well-being in the future.

Medical Support

Basic medical support can be a huge benefit to seniors dealing with chronic conditions. For example, some communities offer medication management services. This entails helping residents stay on top of complicated medication schedules.

Transportation services can also provide substantial medical support. Make sure your community will help you get to and from doctor's appointments to support your current and changing needs.

Researching Available Amenities

Finding the right community for you isn't just about meeting practical needs. A community's culture is largely shaped by its amenities, and seniors deserve a lifestyle they enjoy. Here are a few of the senior living amenities you should look for in a community.

Dining Plans

Though some senior living apartments come with private kitchenettes, residents should feel encouraged to join the on-campus dining program. This may include the option of private or communal meals.

Dining plans can provide seniors with well-rounded nutrition while accommodating unique dietary needs. Communal dining can make mealtimes more enjoyable, allowing residents to break bread together.

Health and Wellness Programs

There are several benefits of physical fitness for seniors, including reduced risk of cardiovascular issues. An on-campus health and wellness program can make exercise more engaging by offering a diverse array of group classes.

Plus, senior health experts can ensure that classes accommodate the needs and abilities of residents. This makes exercise safer and easier to sustain.

Social Events

The latest research shows that not only does socializing improve senior mental health, but the benefits increase as a senior's social circle widens. This is one of the many areas where a senior living community can make a major difference.

Learn about a community's activity calendar while assessing your options. The more events and activities they plan, the more likely it is that their residents are active and engaged, forming a true community.

Factoring in Location

When you're transitioning to a senior living community, it's important to consider where you want to live. This could mean finding a community in your hometown or taking the opportunity to go somewhere new. Here are our top senior home selection tips for choosing the right location.

Proximity to Loved Ones

While the best senior living options cultivate a strong community, it's still beneficial to see close friends and family members often. Many seniors choose to move closer to loved ones when picking senior care.

If loved ones are spread out, look for a community that's easily accessible. Long-distance visitors can reach Manitowoc by bus or rail or fly to neighboring airports like Green Bay Airport.

Local Culture

This is an area where personal preference really comes into play. What kind of wider community culture would make you feel most fulfilled? While some may prefer a bustling city, others are looking for a quieter, more tranquil alternative.

Here in Manitowoc, we get the best of both worlds. Local shops and eateries offer endless entertainment, while nearby Lake Michigan creates a thriving natural landscape.

Nearby Healthcare

A defining factor in long-term health outcomes is access to professional healthcare. All seniors will benefit from a combination of preventative care and condition management.

While community staff members can support your physical and mental wellness, they can't take the place of trained medical professionals. Assess the regional healthcare options near your senior living community before making your choice.

Navigating Senior Living Options? Consider LakeHouse Manitowoc

As Wisconsin's population gets older, we're seeing more senior living communities open. Use this guide when navigating senior living options to find the best fit for your practical needs and desires.

If you're looking in the Manitowoc area, we believe that LakeHouse Manitowoc can check every box. Our staff goes above and beyond to provide physical and mental health support while planning group meals, social activities, and outings so the fun never stops.