Senior living communities are growing increasingly popular for a variety of reasons. According to Forbes, there are an estimated one million seniors currently residing in senior living communities, which is anticipated to double before 2030. If you're considering senior care for yourself or a loved one, then here are some of the most important things to look for when deciding if a facility is right for your needs.

Regardless of how independent an elderly loved one may be, there's still a need for adequate medical care to be close by. When reviewing a senior facility, be sure to ask about the medical staff. There are a number of different types of facilities that don't have medical staff on-site but are on call. Depending on the level of health and fitness that you enjoy, having a physician on call could be sufficient for your needs. Conversely, if you have ongoing medical needs, a facility with an in-house medical team would likely be the better option.

Moving a loved one into a care center is usually a decision based on their long-term needs. Even if your parents are able to live independently, they may have other needs that aren't being met. Studies have shown social needs can be as important as medical ones. When your loved one is growing lonely from living alone, they deserve an independent facility that better meets their needs. If this is the case, then be sure to confirm that there's a robust activity schedule and a sufficient number of opportunities to socialize and build friendships.

No one wants to be cut off from their family. Ideally, the right home will also be in proximity to family. Maintaining strong family ties is also important as people age. When the independent facility is near enough, having weekly outings with family members can help to keep residents' spirits high, which also contributes to better health. Look for a facility that's near enough for family members to visit on a weekly or regular basis.

Specialty Care Services provides top-quality services to all of our residents. If you or a loved one are considering an independent living situation, then come and take a tour of ours. We're here to answer any questions that you may have about senior care and knowing which one is the right one. Contact us today to learn more.