How to Start Your Search for a Senior Living Community
It’s a new year with new beginnings, and for some, it’s also the perfect time to go shopping for a new neighborhood. Choosing a senior living community in Virginia Beach is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for the next chapter of your life. There’s a lot to consider, because where you decide to move can have an impact on your health and happiness, as well as your finances, your social life and your family.
At Atlantic Shores, we understand the complexity of the many layers involved in choosing a retirement community, and we’re here to help you compare the options so you can make the right choice for you. Here are some four important factors to consider as you compare senior living options:
Assess Your Current and Future Needs
Before you start your search for a senior living community, it helps to have a clear picture of your current and future needs. Spend time visualizing what you want for the future and prioritizing the features that matter most to you. Explore the benefits of a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) with a maintenance-free lifestyle with the peace of mind of having senior care on campus, if you need it. Learn more about an all-inclusive plan at Atlantic Shores that protects your health and future finances.
Determine Your Budget
For most people, the cost of living in a retirement community in Virginia Beach is an important consideration. Setting a budget for housing, health care and other expenses in retirement can be like trying to hit a moving target. However, choosing a community with predictable costs for the future can help remove some of the financial uncertainty. When you consider the upfront costs as well as the ongoing monthly fees, you may be surprised by the affordability and value of choosing a CCRC. Use our Cost Comparison Calculator to help you understand the costs of our senior living community versus aging at home.
Select Your Ideal Location and Lifestyle
Choosing the best location for your future home depends on your priorities: Is it important to find a location close to your old neighborhood or close to your family? Are you interested in moving to a destination where friends and family would love to visit? Are you looking for a community in a scenic location and/or one that’s close to the attractions of a metropolitan area? What are your must-haves in a community (pet-friendly apartments, spacious floor plans, variety of dining options, etc.)? And most importantly, does the community accommodate your lifestyle? Explore the amenities and activities offered by a community, and see how this matches up with your goals and interests.
Review Ratings and Testimonials
You can learn a lot about a community by reading resident testimonials and visiting their website and Facebook page. Doing a bit of online research can also help you gain insights on quality ratings and customer satisfaction. We encourage you to learn more about award-winning retirement living in Virginia Beach at Atlantic Shores, where you’ll find an exceptional senior living experience centered on freedom, dignity and security.
Visit (and Revisit) the Community
As you conduct your search, it’s important to take a tour, either in-person or virtually, to get a closer look at the communities you’re considering. Ask questions on your tour and seek out conversations with staff members and residents to get a sense for the community culture. Don’t hesitate to visit multiple times to get a full picture of what life is like in a community, and bring your family and friends with you for additional perspective.
Live Your Way at Atlantic Shores
At Atlantic Shores, residents love our remarkable lifestyle and spacious homes situated on our 100-acre waterfront campus in Virginia Beach, VA. We believe this is your time to shine, and we’re here to help you follow your passions and find what inspires you in retirement. Come see what’s possible and schedule your personal tour of our beautiful community.