Identify your needs. Sit down and come up with a list of exactly what you need. Include current issues that you are dealing with as well as issues that you may need to address in the future. For instance, your list may include things like living independently, getting assistance with tasks like grooming and getting dressed, taking medication properly, and creating a safe living environment. Identifying what you need can help you develop a better plan, both in terms of your finances and your living options.

Take a look at your finances. Identify how much money you have available for senior living. Keep in mind that a lot of the expenses that you are currently paying can be rolled into that amount. For instance, fees that you currently pay like utility bills, property taxes, and food expenses will usually be included in the cost of your care. Don't forget to look into the various forms of assistance that may be available. Find out if your insurance plan covers long-term care. If you are a veteran or a surviving spouse, you may be able to qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to explore all of your options.

Think about where you want to live. Choose the location of your care facility carefully. Think about whether you want to stay close to where you currently live or whether you want to move close to a hospital or medical center. Do you want to move closer to your children or grandchildren? Choosing the right location can make a big difference in your happiness and well-being.

Create a wish list. Start by writing down the essential features that you need in any community or facility suggest Senior Care Center. For instance, do you need a place that welcomes pets? Do you want to live somewhere that has a wellness program for residents? Along with the essentials, write down extra amenities that you would like the facility to have like an extra room where family members can stay, a gym where you can exercise, or a swimming pool.

Research your options online. Spend some time searching for communities that offer senior living in the location where you want to live. You should be able to find a lot of information about the available amenities and services on the website of each facility. You can also usually find a lot of great tips on managing the aging process and providing caregiver support on the sites, which may be useful. Write down a list of some of your favorite communities so that you can learn more about them or visit them in person.

Check reviews. If you find a community you are interested in, check reputable online sites like Angie's List, SeniorAdvisor.com, or Caring.com to read reviews from other people. This can provide you with greater insight into what each community is really like.

Look communities up on social media. Most modern retirement communities will have a Facebook page. Check the page to view photos, to read posts from other residents, and to learn more about what each community has to offer.

Talk to other people. One of the best ways to find a good retirement community is by talking to people who have already done research for themselves or for a loved one. You can also talk to your doctor or to someone else that you trust like a priest or clergy member. Reach out to everyone that you know to get ideas and information.

Begin contacting communities. After you create a list of communities that you want to learn more about, start reaching out to them. You can either contact them by phone or via email. Put together some questions ahead of time so that you can get the answers that you need. These initial calls can help whittle down your list even further, allowing you to identify which communities you want to see in person.

Go see the communities for yourself. Visiting a retirement community in person is one of the best ways to learn more about it. During your visit, pay attention to the interactions between staff members and residents. How does the community feel? Do the residents look happy and engaged or are they quiet and isolated? Are there visible assistive tools like grab bars in handrails? Is the facility itself clean and well-maintained? Does the decor look fresh and modern? Would you be happy living there? When you show up, do the staff members go out of their way to make you feel welcome? Think about bringing someone on your visit with you so that you have a second pair of eyes to help you observe the community. You can compare notes with each other after your visit.