There are countless aspects to consider when exploring West Chester personal care options. From the physical location and design to the social atmosphere, it’s important that your neighborhood feels warm and welcoming from the start.
After three decades of serving seniors, The Arbor Company has helped thousands of families find the right care for their loved ones and invested countless hours into helping individuals decide which senior living is right for their unique circumstances.
Read on to find out our top tips to consider when choosing a senior living community to fit your wants and needs.
Decide Which Level of Care Is Right For You
Before exploring West Chester personal care communities, talk with loved ones about the kind of care you need to be truly successful. If you need extra assistance with everyday tasks like cooking, bathing, and general mobility, personal care is likely the best option for you. If you are beginning to experience the onset of cognitive decline with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, then memory care may be or may soon be the best fit instead.
Tour the Neighborhood
The only way to truly experience daily life in a personal care community is to visit in-person. Most communities have a model apartment you can walk through and even allow you to schedule a tour online for added convenience. Since you will be spending a substantial amount of time in this neighborhood, it’s critical that you feel it’s a place that you belong and meets all of your needs.
Spend time strolling through the outside patios, dining room, and other shared living spaces. Although you can certainly showcase your sense of style in your personal apartment, it’s important that the look and feel of the rest of the neighborhood feels welcoming, too.
Take your time exploring each space. Consider the cleanliness, design, and available services and amenities. Notice the little details like decor and try sitting in various furniture to ensure it’s comfortable enough to meet or exceed your expectations. Peruse their social calendar; are there classes and events that sound appealing to you?
Sample a Meal
During your tour, be sure to schedule time to share a meal in the dining room. Most personal care communities have kitchens or kitchenettes within each apartment, but one of the biggest resident perks is the consistent availability of chef-prepared meals. Since this service is typically included in the monthly rate, it’s important that you find food you enjoy.
Some personal care communities have set menus for the week or the month, while others have more flexible options. Be sure to ask what’s available and ensure you like the food that’s being prepared. Remember, you’re searching for your new home so you’ll be eating in this dining room multiple times each day. Bon appétit!
Meet the Staff
By meeting the staff, you can quickly develop a feel for the kind of environment created in that West Chester personal care community. Since the staff will be the ones assisting you in various ways - through help with daily tasks, engagement activities, housekeeping services, and much more - it’s essential you feel safe and comfortable around them.
When spending time with staff, it’s also crucial that you ask any questions that are not fully answered on their website or your previous research. You may have a unique circumstance or simply want to hear about the neighborhood from their perspective. Whatever you’re wondering, be sure to talk with a team member about it during your tour or on the phone.
Chat With Residents
Reading reviews online can be insightful, but being able to hear someone’s thoughts and opinions in real time is invaluable. This opportunity also allows you to ask specific questions and receive immediate feedback as well.
When you spend time talking with other residents, imagine how you would feel living down the hall from them. Are these people you would enjoy spending time with? Do you feel like you belong here? It’s important to answer both of those questions with an undeniable “Yes!” before moving in.
We hope these tips help you feel more prepared when evaluating personal care communities in West Chester, PA. If you’re looking for a more in-depth look at how to find the right senior care for you, check out our free Evaluating Senior Living Options Checklist.
