At Vista at Simi Valley, we recognize that aging is never easy. It brings challenges that demand care and attention. As a family member seeking Simi Valley senior living options for a loved one, you might be unsure of what to expect during your search. While you might have chosen assisted living for your aging loved one, the type of senior living isn’t the only consideration that needs your attention, as there are many other factors to evaluate before making a final choice. Below, we uncover what a senior and their families can expect when searching for senior living for the first time.
During The Planning And Decision-Making Phase
Early planning is key when finding the proper care option for your loved one. You’re looking for the best senior living option in Simi Valley. Therefore, you need to be actively involved in the research process. Well-known senior living communities experience high demand for occupancy, resulting in rooms being filled quickly. As a result, their waiting lists can last from several months to several years. Be proactive about determining your loved one’s care, financial, location, and lifestyle needs.
Tour Communities
Brochures and website details provide a brief overview of the community, but they never show you the complete picture. To truly understand whether a community is the right fit, visiting in person is essential. For that, touring communities is recommended. Look for a community that feels comfortable, clean, and safe. Observe how the staff interacts with the residents and whether they see happy and engaged living in the community.
Ask Detailed Questions
As mentioned earlier, touring the community presents an excellent opportunity to gain a detailed understanding of the community. Think of it as a chance to interview the staff and leadership to see how well it meets your loved one’s needs. Inquire about the financial commitments, like monthly fees, entrance fees, and additional costs that you will be charged. Ask about their healthcare facilities to better understand their ability to handle your loved one’s current and potential health needs.
Investigate Care Options
Every care setting operates differently. While every assisted living community offers assistance with daily living activities (ADLs) and provides specific amenities and services, their exact offerings vary significantly. From the level of care available to their decision-making process and the charged cost, numerous differences exist among all the options. It’s best to compare what each community provides to make an informed decision that aligns with your loved one’s needs.
Check For Amenities
The kind of amenities available at senior living is what defines residents’ living experience. These amenities are classified as daily convenience, health and wellness, and social and recreational activities. Based on your loved one’s individual needs and personal preferences, you must select a community option that offers the amenities they actually need. If they have mobility issues, consider communities that provide transportation, housekeeping services, and fitness centers.
After The Move-In
Now that you have planned for the first half of your loved one’s new life journey, it’s time to help your loved one adjust to their new environment. The time it takes every senior to adjust to their new place varies from individual to individual. Typically, it takes around 3 to 6 months for a senior to fully adapt to the new environment. Here’s a brief of what your loved one needs to do and how you can help them with it.
Personalize The New Home
Your loved one’s new home should reflect their personality, character, and identity. It must feel like their own space, yet not feel like a distinctive place. Bring cherished belongings, photos, and decor to make it feel like home. Bring familiar and treasured items to the community and help them personalize it as per their aspirations. Use hanging pictures to let them keep you in their thoughts.
Embracing The Social Opportunities
Typically, senior living communities offer a range of activities and events that boost social interaction. For welcoming new residents, they host orientation events that allow residents’ loved ones to attend. Orientation gatherings for new residents are a great way to meet others and feel welcomed. Encourage your loved one to socialize with peers.
Settling In Patiently
Adjusting to a new place takes time. As previously mentioned, it typically takes around 3-6 months for a senior to fully adapt to their new surroundings, although the actual time varies from person to person. Be gentle with yourself and open up at a pace that feels natural to you. Explore as you settle into your new place and establish new routines to become more comfortable.
Stay Connected
Moving to a senior living community never means losing connections with family and friends. You must maintain contact with them through regular visits and phone calls. Schedule in-person visits monthly or bi-monthly, or set up virtual meetups to stay connected.
Take Help From The Staff
Never hesitate to reach out to the staff for any help you may need. From seeking help with setting up your room to learning how to use technology, you can ask for guidance on anything you need.
Vista at Simi Valley—Providing Personalized, Compassionate Care & Support To Seniors
At Vista at Simi Valley, we understand the importance of providing seniors with access to the proper care and support as they enter their golden years. Before you begin exploring senior living options in Simi Valley, you need to know what to expect during your search to find a suitable choice.
If you’re looking for a trusted senior living community, Vista at Simi Valley is here for you. Choosing Vista means embracing a fresh chapter, one filled with comfort, connection, and renewed independence. We’re dedicated to helping seniors live with joy, dignity, and purpose every day. Contact us today to learn more about our amenities and services.
