Deciding to live in a senior housing community will be one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Depending on the type of senior housing you have chosen, there are both advantages and disadvantages of moving to senior housing. It can mean that you can live in a suitable and secure environment without being a burden on anyone, but you will have to live apart from your loved ones. There are a variety of senior apartment rentals around you, but you need to choose wisely.

Facilities
Check the facilities available in the community you are going to move to. Do they have elevators, smoke alarms, good quality food, handrails, handicapped access, guest accommodation, and salon services? You may or may not need all these facilities but you need to be aware of all this in advance. It is also necessary to know that these facilities will come at a price so pick those you really need.

Scout the location
This is one of the major things you need to evaluate. What kind of area is the community located in? Suburban or metropolitan. Find out if the community is licensed. Is the staff kind and friendly? Are visitors are allowed or not, are the residents comfortable? You shouldn’t be in for any big surprises when you move. Be prepared. Ask current residents what it’s like.

Design
Is the design of the community suitable for the elderly and disabled? Are the doors and floor compatible with wheelchairs? Are there elevators? These are some of the things that you need to consider.

Payment
Learn about your various payment options. The most common is private pay, where you pay all the amount from your pocket. But, if you are coming from low-income background your rent will be subsidized. You will have to pay only 30% of your income as rent. Also, try to find out if the apartments cover some policies such as long-term insurances.

Different levels of care have different costs, so get one that will perfectly cater to your needs.

Healthcare
With age, your health gradually declines. If you are suffering from some illness or disability then you need to be sure of the kind of medical aid you will be getting. Will emergency medical service be enough or do you need monitoring 24/7?

Day-To-Day Activities
What daily activities will be covered by the community? Meals, laundry, shopping, and transportation should all be taken into consideration while selecting a senior housing community. You also need to find out what kind of food is provided. Make sure that you get not only tasty but nutritious food as well.

Social Activities
Check if these communities hold programs and events. See if they have visits to museums, concerts and picnics to keep the residents occupied. Do they have facilities to keep pets? Get information about all these things as well.