Senior Living Options Have Never Been Better

It's a known fact that America's population is getting older. In fact, by the year 2030, there will be more of us over the age of 65 than there are children. Since the invention of modern transportation, the nuclear family is virtually a thing of the past. Whereas before you could rely on the younger members of the family to take care of the elderly, that's no longer the case, since families are spread from coast to coast and beyond. Fortunately, there are now retirement villages sprouting up in all corners of the country, each with their own amenities to keep you active and involved. But, as with any housing consideration, there are things to keep in mind when searching for senior living in NYC and the surrounding areas.

What to Consider

Housing for seniors differ greatly in levels of care and cost, so know going in exactly what you can afford for the long-term, and what you want. Do you want a high activity level where you can interact with others in the community or do you prefer a quieter lifestyle? Would you like to have a dining hall prepare most of your meals or do you want to create your own? Your non-negotiable list should include a high level of security and a staff that treats clients with dignity and respect. You want to be able to be offered the right amount of assistance while maintaining your independence as long as possible. Look for an expertly trained staff with a family atmosphere that can enhance the quality of your life.

What Else to Think About

Keep in mind that your needs will change as you age. Your senior living community should be flexible enough to offer a range of services that can expand as you need them. Recovery from surgery or illness may require an extra level of home care, or short term rehabilitation services. There may come a time when you or a loved one will need assisted living or dementia care, and the change in care will be less stressful if they can stay in the same familiar place. You want the community to be affiliated with a local hospital, and possibly have physicians that can see you without you leaving the community. Ease of use should be high on the list of considerations when choosing senior living in NYC.