With over 30,000 senior living communities in the US, it can be daunting to choose the right option for your loved one.
There’s also the cost of assisted living to think about. On average, an American senior living community comes in at $4,500 per month, which works out to be $54,000 per year. If you’re on a budget, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the prospect of spending so much money on your loved one’s retirement.
Fortunately, there are affordable senior living communities available, you just need to know what to look for. In today’s post, we’re going to help you find budget senior living in Lexington by telling you what you should prioritize in your search.
The highest priority is getting your loved one the care they need. Keep reading, and we’ll help you do that as affordably as possible.
Determine Your Needs
Before actually searching for senior housing in Lexington, you must assess your loved one’s needs. There are a few different types of senior living communities; choosing one will depend on your loved one’s current health.
An independent living community is the best choice for healthy seniors who want to live a simpler, low-maintenance lifestyle. In these communities, they’ll be surrounded by other seniors in a community that values socialization and leisure.
If your loved one is dealing with age-related health issues, they benefit from assisted living. These communities have staff on site 24/7 to assist with the diverse needs of their residents. Some might need help with dressing and bathing, while others might need help with mobility.
Assisted living with memory care is best for those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, which affects 7 million American seniors. The staff in these communities are specially trained to handle the complex challenges that cognitive decline presents. The community itself is safe and secure to prevent injuries and wandering.
By choosing the right type of senior living, you’ll get the most for your money, regardless of your budget restrictions.
Create a Budget
You’ll also need to look at your finances before starting your search. Knowing that the average cost is around $4,500 per month, you can figure out what you can afford monthly. There will be affordable options, but you have to know what you’re working with.
Great communities will understand the financial restrictions of some residents. They may help by offering customizable services so you can opt out of the things you don’t need to save money.
Another thing is to look into benefits and insurance. These things can supplement your income to make senior living more affordable.
Look at Reviews
Every search should start on Google. Type “senior care Lexington KY” into the search bar, and you’ll see all of the options nearby.
Location is very important for the senior living transition. It’s an overwhelming change for any senior, so the closer the community is to friends and family who can visit your loved one, the easier it’ll be.
When looking at the options, you can separate the best from the rest with reviews from loved ones of current and former residents. These give you detailed information about staff, amenities, and the quality of care in each community.
Choose 3-5 communities with amazing reputations and contact them to schedule tours.
Tour Communities
It’s essential to tour assisted living communities to see them with your own eyes. You’d never buy a house without going to see it first and the same is true of assisted living. Your loved one needs to look at the apartments, common areas, and grounds to figure out if it’s right for them.
Before your tour, come up with a list of questions to ask the guide. Asking about things like staff training and levels of care is always crucial, especially if your loved one requires memory care. Don’t hesitate to speak to some of the staff members to get a sense of their care and compassion for residents.
You may also want to ask about accessibility features, individual care plans, and accessibility features in the community. Find out how often medical professionals are on-site for appointments and check-ups.
Of course, you’ll have concerns unique to your loved one. Don’t leave a tour without having your questions answered.
Look Into Amenities
While you’re visiting the community, look into the amenities and activities on offer. In many ways, these are the things that can make your decision easier.
Every assisted living community has unique amenities for its residents to enjoy. Some emphasize entertainment with game rooms and televisions while others emphasize health with fitness centers and pools.
…And Activities
The activity calendar will also tell you a lot about the community’s level of engagement. A good community will have daily activities centered around the health and wellness of its residents.
For example, you might see daily yoga classes or running clubs. Physical health is important for seniors. They need at least 150 minutes per week of aerobic activity to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
Socialization is just as important. Many seniors feel socially isolated, which can lead to depression and anxiety. A good community will use its activity calendar to give residents every opportunity to socialize with their peers and build lasting relationships.
Dining Options
The other side of senior health is nutrition. Seniors need to get their daily vitamins and nutrients to remain healthy. At the same time, even though they may have kitchens in their rooms, they may not be equipped to cook every day.
A good assisted living community will provide in-house dining. The restaurant should have a rotating menu of healthy and tasty dishes that prioritize the dietary needs of residents.
Affordable Senior Living Communities Are Here
It may seem like affordable senior living communities are a myth, but they’re not. By knowing exactly what to prioritize in senior living, your loved one can have an affordable retirement in Lexington.
At Preston Greens Senior Living, we’re among the top low-cost senior communities in the state. When you choose our services, your loved one will have everything they need without breaking the bank. Schedule a tour with us today to see for yourself.
