The right assisted living community can enhance your loved one’s quality of life by offering services, amenities, and events that suit their needs and interests.

When choosing an assisted living community, consider:

• Your loved one’s needs
• Comparing options
• Costs and finances

You should also involve your loved one throughout the process. Even after moving to the new community, you should continue to evaluate how your loved one feels.

Define Your Needs & Priorities

The first step is to understand your loved one’s specific needs. It’s important to outline what matters most before you start your search. Key considerations might include:

• Level of Care: Does your loved one require help with daily activities like mobility, bathing, dressing, or medication management? Or are they primarily looking for a safe and engaging environment with minimal assistance?
• Social Opportunities: Are there recreational activities, events, and programs to foster interaction and engagement?
• Proximity: Is the community close enough to loved ones for regular friends and family visits?
• Budget: What is the monthly budget for living expenses? Be sure to assess what’s included in the pricing—such as meals, housekeeping, and utilities.

By clearly defining priorities upfront, you’ll be in a better position to narrow down the list of potential communities.

Research & Compare Communities

Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to research and compare communities. Start by creating a shortlist of communities in your preferred area. Resources like senior living directories, online reviews, and referrals from friends and healthcare professionals are great places to start.

When evaluating each option, pay attention to these factors:

• Staff and Expertise: Look for communities with experienced and compassionate staff. Explore community websites and videos to get a sense of their community, and read reviews to see how current residents and families feel about the care they receive.
• Living Spaces: Examine and consider the size and layout of apartments or rooms. You should also consider how much natural light gets in, as natural light can improve mood and mental health.
• Dining Options: Good nutrition is critical, so it’s important to understand the dining services offered. Can dietary restrictions or preferences be accommodated? Do they offer fresh, nutritious, and delicious meals?
• Amenities and Activities: Many assisted living communities offer a variety of amenities and activities, from libraries and bingo nights to scheduled outings and barbecues. Check the community’s program schedule to see if activities align with your loved one’s interests.

Make note of how each community aligns with your list of priorities. This will help you evaluate your options.

Schedule Visits

There’s no substitute for visiting a community in person. Scheduling a tour allows you to experience the environment firsthand, interact with staff, and ask important questions.

When touring potential communities, consider the following:

• Cleanliness and Atmosphere: Does the community look clean, welcoming, and well-maintained? Are the residents and staff friendly and happy?
• Staff Interaction: Observe how staff interact with residents. Do they treat them with respect and patience? You can also consider the staff-to-resident ratio.
• Safety Measures: Look for safety features like emergency call systems, grab bars, and secure pathways indoors and outdoors.
• Engagement: Are residents actively participating in programs and social activities during your visit?

Don’t hesitate to bring a list of questions to ask during the tour. Some important questions include:

• What kind of training do staff members receive?
• How are medical needs managed on-site?
• Are there visiting rules? How flexible is the schedule for family visits?
• What is the process for handling emergencies?
• Can I try the meals during the visit?

Taking detailed notes and comparing different communities after visiting them will help clarify which one feels like the best fit.

Understand Costs and Contracts

Assisted living costs vary widely depending on location, services, and amenities. It’s essential to understand exactly what you’re paying for and what’s included.

Ask for a breakdown of fees, including:

• Monthly rent
• Meal plans
• Utilities
• Care services
• Additional fees (such as transportation or special dietary needs)

It’s also important to ask how pricing might change over time. Are rate increases decided on annually? 

Study the contract carefully before signing, and don’t hesitate to involve an attorney to review the document if necessary.

Engage Your Loved One in the Process

When choosing an assisted living community for a loved one, it’s vital to include them in the decision-making process as much as possible. After all, this will be their home, and their preferences should be taken into account. Encourage them to ask questions, share their impressions, and voice any concerns.

By making them an active participant, you help them feel more empowered and more confident about the transition.

Evaluate Continuously After Moving

The process doesn’t end once the decision has been made. It’s important to evaluate whether your loved one remains happy and well-cared for after moving in. Regularly visit the community and communicate with staff to monitor how your loved one is adjusting to their new lifestyle.

Your Path to the Right Choice

Choosing an assisted living community is a significant decision, but with the right approach, it can lead to a safe, nurturing, and joyful environment for yourself or your loved one.

Norbella Senior Living in Savage offers an assisted living lifestyle that focuses on the resident. Our team is here to help your loved one through personalized care, social programming, and various services and amenities. is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your tour and see how we can support you and your loved one.