By Brian Burger
Our lives are filled with big decisions. For seniors, there’s one decision that’s nearly universal: should I consider moving to a senior living community?
Everyone approaches this decision differently — some rely on discussions with family and friends, while others prefer quiet reflection.
No matter how you go about it, though, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to start.
Knowing what to look for and what questions to ask can provide confidence and clarity when making this important decision. Beginning your search early gives you the freedom to make choices on your own terms and timeline.
Taking that first step into exploring senior communities can feel intimidating. If you just want to gather information, I absolutely encourage you to do so. Seeing communities in person helps take away a lot of the mystery, and it gives you the chance to ask all the questions you need.
What should you look for when touring a senior living community?
One of the most important factors to consider is location. Are you close to family, friends, shopping and medical services? While you can determine a location’s convenience by looking at a map, experiencing it in person will help you get a feel for the environment — whether it’s a bustling city, a quiet rural area or something in between. What is the layout like? Does the atmosphere feel right to you?
Senior communities come in various shapes and sizes. At St. Ann’s Community at Cherry Ridge, our 41-acre campus provides a spacious, natural setting that allows for more activity and independence. On the other hand, communities like St. Ann’s Community at Chapel Oaks are designed so residents can enjoy dining and activities without having to step outside. With indoor connections to the club-style community center, you can get to your morning yoga class without even needing a winter coat!
When we planned our Cherry Ridge Campus, we put a lot of thought into the setting. It’s truly a unique community for the area—with woods, ponds, and beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy, in addition to the amenities you’d expect from a senior living community.
Beyond location and layout, it’s important to consider the extra services a community offers. Does it provide transportation, on-site medical care, shopping trips, entertainment, and activities? What safety features are in place? Independent living communities can offer a wide range of services, and every community is different, so doing early research is essential.
A good question to ask is: What can this community do to help me stay comfortable and happy without sacrificing my independence? For example, our transportation services allow residents to continue driving if they choose, but on a snowy Rochester day, they can opt for a warm, comfortable ride from our team of drivers instead of venturing out on their own.
Most importantly, I encourage you to think about your future needs when choosing a community. Life can take unexpected turns, and those changes can feel overwhelming if you aren’t prepared. That’s why I always recommend finding a community that offers a full continuum of care.
A full continuum of care means that, in addition to independent living, a community provides higher levels of support, such as assisted living and skilled nursing care. If your needs change, you won’t have to leave the community you’ve grown to love. Plus, as an established resident, you’ll have priority access to other levels of care.
Choosing a community like St. Ann’s with a full continuum of care allows you to maintain control over your future. You’re not just selecting a home for today; you’re making a plan that ensures you have support when you need it.
For seniors, having a solid plan in place is one of the most empowering steps they can take. In the Rochester area, there are many senior living options available. Staying ahead of the game and narrowing down your choices early gives you the advantage of making these important decisions on your own terms.
It all starts with a simple phone call. Whether you’re planning a move next week, five years from now, or just gathering information, I’m here to help. Assisting people with these decisions is not just my job—it’s my pleasure.
Brian Burger is a marketing representative for St. Ann’s Community at Cherry Ridge in Webster. Contact him at bburger@mystanns.com or 585-697-6702, or visit www.stannscommunity.com.