SeniorCare Organizational Systems, L.L.C.

Writing the Next Chapter

So you have decided that it might be time to look into senior living. The big question is what will the next chapter look like? The best news is that there are more options today then there have ever been. Gone are the days of putting mom or dad in “a home”. Today’s seniors participate actively in the decision making process about the future so it’s more important than ever to be educated about the possibilities that the next chapter holds.

Most of us don’t give much thought to senior living or to senior services in general until a need arises. It’s just one of those things that we know we might need someday, just not today! Unfortunately many people let a life or health crisis be the catalyst for making need based decisions rather than becoming educated ahead of time. We make hurried decisions based on limited knowledge because something has to be done today. In contrast to that type of crisis decision making, the savvy senior and their family plan ahead, shop around and make decisions that allow the next chapter to be a new beginning rather than the beginning of the end.

If you want to lift some of the burden of daily living and be able to concentrate on the things you enjoy, knowing that there is someone close by if you need assistance, then senior living may be a great choice for you. The social aspect of community living can be a great benefit especially when it is coupled with good care services provided by an experienced senior living company. If you are one of the savvy seniors planning ahead and considering senior living then there are some important things to consider. There is a saying in the senior living business that people don’t buy bricks and mortar, but rather people buy people. The obvious meaning is that in choosing a senior community you need to choose a community with people you can trust. First impressions are important, but when you visit a community, pay more attention to how it feels rather than just how it looks. Pay attention to activities. How much is really going on? Ask for a calendar and see if what is on the calendar is really happening. Every community claims to be active and vibrant but decide for your self based on how it feels. Every senior community has a personality and one size definitely doesn’t fit all.

Moving to a senior living community is a major decision and it is definitely a lifestyle change but if you choose wisely it may be the best decision you have ever made. The right community will enhance your life not limit your freedom. It will recognize your individuality and cater to your lifestyle.

In the Fresno/Madera area there are 110 licensed senior communities. With so many to choose from it’s hard to know how to begin the search. The old real estate adage of location, location, location is still true. Narrow your search by deciding the area you would like to live in first. Some things to keep in mind when deciding on an area are proximity to doctors and hospitals, nearby shopping and destinations of interest. When you have decided on the area you can either let your fingers do the walking and use the local yellow pages to find communities or if you have internet access you can go to the state licensing web site at ccld.ca.gov and put in the zip code of the area you desire and get a list of all the licensed communities in that area. Once you have your list, start with a phone call and ask the big question first. How much does it cost! Since communities usually have a base rate plus varying care fees, it is important to ask the base rate and then the maximum amount you would ever pay based on care needs. If the community isn’t willing to be up front with you then it might be best to check out some others first. If what you hear over the phone sounds like a place you might be interested in, then don’t be afraid to give them your contact information. Ask them to mail you information about the community or if you are really interested then set up a time to go and visit. It’s a great idea to tour a community and have lunch or dinner. You can sample the food and have a chance to talk to others about how they like living at that community. After all if you choose that community they will be your new neighbors. When you decide to tour a community you should set aside at least an hour or two so that you have plenty of time to get a good feel for how everyday life is. Make sure that you have a pad and paper with you so that you can jot down your likes and dislikes. Without notes it can be hard to remember who’s who from all of your tours. You should also plan on touring several communities so that you can compare what each one offers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask about staff to resident ratios and staff training. Do they have licensed nurses every day? Who supervises at night and on weekends? You should even ask if they have any specials. Sometimes communities will offer reduced rates on certain apartments or incentives to move in by a certain date. If you don’t ask you won’t know. So now you have narrowed down your search to one or two communities who fit your location, lifestyle, personality and future desires. The next step is to visit one more time. It’s best to just stop by unannounced just to make sure that you get the same good feelings and see the same positive atmosphere from your formal tour. If you do, then it’s time move ahead. Start writing the next chapter and enjoying everything that senior living has to offer.

Jim Stacy is Executive Director at Cottonwood Court Senior Living and has more than 15 years experience in senior living and is available to answer questions at 446-1266.