The COVID-19 pandemic has put a halt on many everyday activities, from graduations and religious services to family parties and concerts. But one thing that shouldn’t be put on hold is the search for senior living. Whether you’re looking for yourself or a family member, the process requires careful consideration. So, it’s never too soon to begin.
Finding the right place to call home—whether in assisted living or an independent community—is complicated and takes time. Putting off the research, visits, and financial considerations will only make things more stressful should an unexpected health emergency arise and demand an urgent need for housing.
In addition, many of the best senior living communities have long waiting lists. Finding senior housing is expected to become even more competitive as the last of the Baby Boomer generation reaches age 65. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, older Americans are expected to make up 21 percent of the population by 2030, up from 15 percent in 2019. The senior population of South Carolina alone is expected to double by that time, to 1.8 million people.
How to Start Your Senior Living Search
The first step in looking for suitable senior housing is to assess your short-term and long-term needs. Some things to take into account are access to health care, and whether you’ll need help with cooking, cleaning, transportation, and personal care. In addition to your needs, it’s also important to consider your wants. For example, are planned social events and activities important to you? What about on-site exercise facilities? Do you want to be close to family or friends, or forge new relationships?
Many seniors opt for a retirement community like Cumberland Village. We offer different levels of care, from independent homes and apartments to assisted living and skilled nursing care. These communities allow independent living residents to make the transition to assisted living with ease.
Once you’ve documented your needs and wants, it’s time to begin the search. There are hundreds of choices, so a good place to start is your local agency on aging. For example, the South Carolina Department of Aging has a searchable database that lets you sort housing prospects by services and location. Once you’ve made a short list, you can obtain information from each on about floor plans, community events and amenities, and even resident testimonials. Comparing living conditions, costs, and other details can be time consuming, so plan accordingly. A downloadable checklist is available from AARP, so you’ll know which questions to ask.
It’s ideal to schedule several visits to each location over the course of a few weeks. If you’re not able to visit due to COVID-19 restrictions, ask for a virtual visit using technology such as FaceTime or Zoom. Although our lives may feel as though they are on pause right now, with online video, there’s no reason to postpone the search for senior living.
Find Your New Senior Living Apartment at Cumberland Village
Many senior living residences, including Cumberland Village, also have per-recorded virtual tours available on their websites or YouTube. These let you see apartments and patio homes, as well as learn all about special events and other offerings. Although COVID-19 has left much uncertainty in our world, one thing that hasn’t changed is the need for a place to call home. Reach out to us today at (803) 373-1056 to learn more about our community.
