How to Compare Senior Living Communities: A Checklist

When making a senior living comparison, the best place to start is by deciding what’s important to you. Make a list of your goals. You may also want to consider what living options you’ll need in the future — such as long-term senior care — and choose a community that offers both. Once you make a decision, you don’t want to have to move again if your health needs change. When you’re ready to explore your senior living options in Southeastern Connecticut, this retirement community checklist can help you find a lifestyle that matches your goals for the future.

Tips for Choosing a Retirement Community

Community and Location: The community type, business model, longevity, reputation, views, and nearby attractions may influence your decision. To help, here are some questions for you to consider:

• How long has the community been a part of the area? What is their reputation?
• Is the community a for-profit or nonprofit organization?
• Is it locally operated or part of a regional or national chain?
• If it’s part of a chain, is it a well-respected name you trust? (Check reviews of the brand, not just the individual community.)
• Is it close to shopping, restaurants, medical centers, and other services?
• Is it a Life Plan Community? Do they offer higher levels of care on-site?
• What is the cost range, and is there an entrance fee?

Available Services and Amenities: Life Plan Communities have a variety of services and amenities and provide day trips, happy hours, clubs, educational lectures, classes, and shopping excursions. Questions to ask:

• What services and amenities are included in the price?
• Are there classes, clubs, and educational programs to help develop new hobbies?
• Is there an active residents’ council, and what role does it play?
• Are there evening events such as movie nights and local outings?
• Are media and computer rooms available?
• Are religious services offered on-site or nearby?
• Is there a barbershop and beauty salon on-site or nearby?
• Does the activities director tailor programs to resident preferences?
• Can friends and family join activities?
• Are any activities resident-led, and can you participate in planning?
• Do activity options vary weekly?

At Vista Point at Fairview, we’ll offer:

• Housekeeping and maintenance
• Transportation for medical and social activities
• Professional staff and security
• Recreational, fitness, and leisure programming
• Dining venues: brick-oven pizzeria, café, restaurant, marketplace, and more
• Bar with full liquor license and local brews
• River view decks
• Fitness center
• Golf simulator
• Salon
• Art studio
• Walking trails
• Tennis
• Pickleball
• Dog run
• Lifelong learning and experiences
• Group and personal fitness classes
• Yoga, meditation, and spirituality
• Educational classes and clubs
• Performing arts, music, and dance
• Volunteering opportunities
• Gardening

Housing Options: Some senior living communities consist of one building with apartments and common spaces, while others have a campus-style layout. Questions to ask:

• Does the community offer a variety of housing options?
• What floor plans are available?
• Will there be adequate storage in the unit, or is additional space available?
• Will windows offer views of gardens, green space or water?
• Are pets allowed, and if so, are there restrictions?
• Are there rules about maintenance and decorating?

Dining: Since you’ll be eating two to three times a day, food is a key factor. Be sure to ask:

• Is there a meal plan, and how flexible is it?
• Which meals are provided?
• Can friends and family join you for meals? Is there an extra cost?
• Are there multiple dining venues (sit-down restaurant, grab-and-go, bistro)?
• Is there a private or community dining room for events?
• Does the culinary team cater to dietary needs like low-sodium or diabetic diets?
• Are vegetarian and vegan options available?
• Is there an on-staff nutritionist or dietitian?

Health and Wellness: Fitness is crucial for staying active. Many senior communities offer wellness centers and walking trails, as well as classes and clinics. Questions to ask:

• Is there a gym or fitness center?
• What recreation facilities are available?
• Are there tennis courts or pickleball courts?
• Is golf or another sport you enjoy offered?

Safety and Security: One major benefit of senior living is peace of mind while traveling. Here’s what to consider:

• Is there an emergency alert system?
• Are there plans in place for power outages, natural disasters, or health emergencies?
• Is staff available 24/7, or is there just an emergency call system?
• Are medical services available around the clock? (e.g., can staff administer IVs or is a hospital visit required?)
• Are nurses on staff? Is a doctor on call?

Community Transportation: Most older adults plan to keep their car, so you’ll want to check on the community’s policies. Or, if you’re tired of traffic or parking hassles, check for transportation services.

• If I keep my car, how many parking spaces are included? Are there extra fees? Are there EV charging stations available?
• What types of parking are available: outdoor, carport, garage?
• Is transportation to medical appointments provided?
• Are there regular trips to stores and activities? How often and where?
• Are drivers specially licensed for group transport?

Choosing a Retirement Community? Consider Vista Point

To learn more about the only nonprofit Life Plan Community in the area that combines an amazing lifestyle with stunning waterfront views, call (860) 968-VIEW (8439) or contact us here.