How to Choose a Senior Living Community

Choosing a senior living community is one of the most important decisions you will make for your family. This guide walks you through the process from start to finish.

Step 1: Understand the level of care needed. Use our free care assessment to determine whether your loved one needs independent living, assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing.

Step 2: Know your budget. Use our cost calculator to estimate costs in your area, then explore payment options including Medicaid, VA benefits, and long-term care insurance.

Step 3: Research and compare. Look at quality ratings, inspection reports, staffing levels, and reviews. Our facility search makes this easy with side-by-side comparisons.

Step 4: Visit in person. Tour at least 3 facilities. Visit at different times of day. Eat a meal there. Talk to residents and families. Use our tour checklist to evaluate each one.

Step 5: Ask the right questions. Our questions-to-ask guide covers everything from staffing ratios to discharge policies to hidden fees.