How to Prioritize Your Needs When Choosing a Senior Apartment
When it comes to senior living, it’s not about choosing “more”—it’s about choosing what matters most.
Whether you’re downsizing from a long-time family home or simply looking for a change, finding the right senior living apartment starts with knowing your priorities.
Residents at John Knox Village often tell us their priorities changed once they discover what the community has to offer.
A senior living apartment’s size and layout may not be as important if you consider these three steps in your search for a new home.
Step 1: Consider Lifestyle Amenities
People considering a senior living community truly focus on the “community” and the “living.” In other words, many want to spend as much time engaging their minds, staying active, and sharing their lives with the new friends they’ll meet.
As you explore different communities, think beyond your apartment. How would you spend a typical day in that community? If you don’t want your days to be routine, will the community provide options to try new things? Will you have trouble finding activities you enjoy, or will you have trouble choosing between so many options? Are there a variety of scheduled events throughout the day? Are there opportunities to volunteer, take walks and hang out with fellow residents over a card game?
You can answer these questions by surveying the amenities available on campus to residents. Examples may include fitness centers, swimming pools, bowling alley, golf course, pickleball courts, movie theater, dog park, walking trails, art studio, woodworking shop, gardening area, and libraries.
Look for a schedule of daily, weekly or monthly events, also. Does a community have wellness classes, learning opportunities, and special events to keep you engaged and offer fellowship opportunities?
We almost forgot to mention the food. How many dining options does the campus have, and do you get a credit or discount to eat at the community’s restaurants?
Step 2: Plan for the Future
Does the community support residents as needs change? Can you relocate to an assisted living space within the community if and when you need more help with day-to-day living? What happens if one spouse remains independent, but the other needs advanced care: Will they both have to move from the community to stay close together?
Check for other on-campus care resources, such as onsite ambulance with trained EMS, memory care support, skilled nursing, and onsite medical clinics.
Step 3: Stay Open to Trade-Offs
Think about previous times you looked for a new home. Maybe you gave up a little square footage to live in a quality school district. Perhaps you went a little over budget because the neighborhood was too perfect to pass up. Did you compromise on some of the physical must-haves because a great house was available that was close to work, school, a park, and a grocery store?
If a senior living community can support an active lifestyle and your potential future care needs, perhaps the square footage and that extra bedroom won’t be as important.
Rarely does any home check every single box. Flexibility is encouraged. Survey the entire campus in addition to your actual living space and consider your long-term future as well.
About John Knox Village
John Knox Village is a leader in senior care in Lee’s Summit and the greater Kansas City region. The community boasts a diverse range of living options from free-standing homes and apartment homes to villas. With more than 700,000 square feet of common space across the beautiful campus, you’ll find more opportunities and experiences right outside your door.
If you’re exploring senior living options in Lee’s Summit or the Kansas City area, we’d love to show you all that John Knox Village has to offer. Contact us today or call (816) 251-8000 to schedule a visit.
