When families are considering the move to senior living, our goal is to make the process as simple as possible. We know this decision isn't one that families take lightly, and this journey is different for everyone. By starting the conversation early, families can choose the senior living community that is the best fit for them ahead of time. But this phase requires research, so we want to make sure your mind is at peace and all your concerns are addressed. Here are five of the most common concerns we've heard from helping thousands of families throughout over 20 years in the industry:
Concern: Senior living is expensive, and the prices keep getting higher.
Answer: Senior living is one of the largest investments most people will make. It is comparable to purchasing a home or planning for college. Imagine almost every element of daily life being provided (food, housing, care, housekeeping, socialization, and activities). The cost of senior living can also vary depending on the amount of care an individual needs. These different levels of support are called level of care charges. The total cost for Assisted Living or Memory Care includes the base rent of the suite of their choice in addition to the level of care established by an assessment with our Resident Care Director.
Regarding rising prices, the senior living industry rates increase nationally at an average rate of 5-7% each year. At Commonwealth Senior Living, we traditionally stay between a 3-5% annual increase, depending on the cost of living, market conditions, and geographic locations. We pride ourselves on proposing the bare minimum annual increases to provide for raises for associates, updates to the community, amenities, and programs our residents and families value most. We often hear from families concerned about their funds running out, which is understandable. This helpful article can provide guidance to how long finances will last and what happens when they are running low.
Concern: My loved one will be bored without us being able to visit each day.
Answer: Our communities offer residents the opportunity to enjoy an engaging lifestyle while aging in place. This means that while their care needs may change, their home, hobbies, and interests don't have to. We have award-winning programming such as our Expressions Program which gives our residents the opportunity to draw out meaningful self-expression through art when their verbal or other communication skills become compromised. TSOLife is a communication tool we use for families to stay connected with our residents and the Resident Programs Team. Through TSOLife, messages can be sent, pictures uploaded, and music or videos can be shared. Check out a sample activity schedule at the community nearest you.
Concern: I've had a bad experience with a skilled nursing facility in the past and am worried that senior living will be similar.
Answer:
Typically, when individuals hear the term "senior living," they lump all care options into the same category based on their experience. Within senior living, there are three care levels: Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. The points below are a few of the major differences between senior living and skilled nursing facilities.
Commonwealth Senior Living:
| Skilled Nursing Facilities:
Learn more about the differences in level of care at Commonwealth Senior Living versus skilled nursing facilities here. |
Concern: We believe it's time for Mom to move, but we're not sure how to agree before she must.
Answer: You may have already attempted to speak with your loved one about the possibility of moving to senior living. Sometimes those conversations can be frustrating, and it may seem easier to avoid it all together but doing so can lead to bigger challenges in the future. One impactful way to approach the topic with your loved one is to focus on building a plan rather than jumping into action. This can give everyone the power of choice and the feeling that they're in charge of their future. Here is a helpful post to help them begin thinking about designing their future.
Selecting the right senior living community involves asking many questions, much like any big decision in life. As you compare your options and evaluate them more closely, it's important to ask the right questions and ensure you find a community that meets your needs and preferences. It might be helpful to visit multiple communities and talk to current residents to make an informed decision. Take a look at our Checklist for Visiting Communities linked below and have a list of additional questions prepared to ask.