Senior Living

Determining Your Needs and Wants in Senior Living

Determining Your Needs and Wants in Senior Living

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Determining what you’re looking for in a senior living community can help make the search go more smoothly. You’ll feel more prepared going into your tour and will likely come away with confidence, knowing you’ve made the best decision for yourself or a loved one.

Creating a list of your senior living wants and needs can also keep you focused and on task. Use our curated chart as a guide to get you started.

Senior living is a major life decision

Deciding to move to a senior living community is a significant life decision. Like buying a home, choosing a partner, or following a career path, you’ll want to ensure you have weighed the pros and cons and considered your needs before making up your mind.

Senior living is no different. Each community will likely provide the basics: meals, accommodations, activities, and supportive care. Yet, it’s essential to dive deeper into exactly what you’re looking for in a senior living community.

Where do I begin with senior living >>

Determining your senior living needs and wants

Consider the following areas as you determine your wants and needs, but feel free to add your own.

FEATURES

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Accommodations

 

 

 

Personal laundry services

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Accessible spaces and lay-out

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Private bath

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Kitchenette

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Full kitchen

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Storage

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Housekeeping services

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Interior/exterior maintenance services

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Other:

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Lifestyle/Amenities

 

 

 

Delicious, home-cooked meals and snacks

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Outdoor spaces/walking paths

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Full calendar of activities, events, and outings

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Art classes/studio

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Access to spiritual programs

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Intergenerational activities

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Hair salon/spa

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Transportation services

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Pet-friendly

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Volunteer opportunities

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Other:

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Care Services/Wellness

 

 

 

24-hour onsite nursing team

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Onsite medical care (Doctors, physical/occupational therapy, dentist, podiatrist, etc.)

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Memory care program

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Individualized care plans

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Fitness center/equipment

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Exercise classes

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Other:

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Safety/Security

 

 

 

Front desk coverage

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Emergency preparedness plan

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Other:

NEEDS

WANTS

NOT SURE

Taking the next step: visiting communities

When you’ve completed your list of wants and needs, take the next step and set up tours of a few assisted living communities.  

Be prepared with a list of questions to better understand how your loved one’s needs and preferences can be met. Ask about costs, availability, and care level options. Make sure you bring your checklist of wants and needs to mark off the boxes as you’re guided through the community.

Preparing ahead of time can give you confidence and peace of mind when choosing a community for yourself or a loved one.

Explore life at Frontida Assisted Living >>

Feel at Home at Frontida Assisted Living  

Frontida Assisted Living values transparency and trust in each of our Wisconsin communities, and our team is ready to answer your questions, offer support, and provide resources to help you make a confident and informed decision for your future care.  

Our compassionate team strives to create a sense of community and purpose for each resident through personalized programming, life-enriching activities, and special events.    

Learn how we care for our residents:   

  • Private suites, bedrooms, and companion rooms   
  • Fully accessible bathrooms   
  • Spacious living rooms and engaging indoor recreation areas   
  • Cozy fireplaces and open-plan seating in living spaces   
  • Beautifully maintained outdoor areas   
  • Delicious, home-cooked meals and snacks   
  • 24-hour personal care and supervision   
  • Comfortable spa and salon (in specific locations)   
  • Dedicated memory care communities   
  • Specialized behavioral health care communities   
  • Housekeeping and laundry services   
  • Individualized care plans   
  • Life Enrichment Coordinators to plan and schedule meaningful activities for all residents   
  • Nursing staff to oversee the health and wellness of each resident   

We value honesty, trust, and open communication to build relationships with our residents and their loved ones. Together, we form a partnership to ensure your loved one lives a fulfilling life, feeling a sense of belonging and purpose.   

When you’re ready, contact any of our 11 Frontida assisted living and memory care communities to gather more information, or to set up a personalized tour. We’re here for you whenever you need us. 

We understand that transitioning into assisted care can be an emotional, stressful and often confusing journey. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping you and your family navigate the complex world of care. Download our free “Family Decision Toolkit” to learn more.   

Rachel Potente
• 3 min read