Senior living apartments are houses within communities designed specifically with the needs of the elderly in mind. Choosing one is a life-changing decision, as one must try to meet one’s health, happiness, and safety needs. With several senior apartments across the country, the pressure to choose the right one can feel overwhelming. To ease this journey, one must steer clear of these six common mistakes while finding senior living apartments.

Not thinking about current and future support needs
When choosing a senior living community or apartment, one must consider their current and future care needs. This involves speaking to a doctor about one’s overall health and the progress of diseases or ailments in the future. This can help one find a living situation that is better suited to their needs. It will also reduce the risk of moving to a new facility or apartment as these evolve.

Ignoring the fine print
While senior living apartment contracts are generally straightforward, one must always pay attention to the fine print, as it may contain some confusing jargon. Ignoring this may cause one to miss out on details regarding price hikes, services, and more, resulting in overhead expenses. Since every senior community is different, one must always check the terms, services, and prices closely before moving in.

Overlooking healthcare services
While amenities and hygiene are important, one must also check the healthcare services offered. This helps ensure that one is well-cared for and has all the healthcare support they need in their senior living apartments.

Skipping the facility tour
Don’t get carried away based on the apartment or facility’s website. Visit the accommodation to get a better understanding of the living situation, cleanliness, rooms, food that is offered, and general upkeep. Talk to the staff to check their responsiveness and involvement. One may also speak to other residents in the area to ensure that the place is safe and vibrant to live in.

Focusing too much on proximity
One common mistake many families make when looking for a senior living apartment is overemphasizing the need for proximity. While it may be comforting to know that their loved ones are close by, they may miss out on the level of care, social activities, and security that another place may provide. Strike a balance between these factors to find a community that truly meets one’s needs.

Not being involved in the decision-making process
Often, seniors feel left out of the decision-making process or may choose not to participate as their families work to find a home or apartment for them. While it may not be possible for one to be included in every step of the process, one must communicate one’s preferences to the family or caretaker. One’s family must know about the type of place one would like to live in, activities one enjoys, if one prefers being in a city or somewhere quieter, etc. During the tour, seniors must interact with other residents and ask any questions they may have so they feel confident and supported as they transition into a senior apartment.