In a consumer-driven society like ours, we always tend to equate new things with better things. However, there are many instances where that isn't true. From the well-made 1950's standing mixers to that three-hundred-year-old oak cabinet, sometimes it's more about quality than age. So which one is true for senior living communities? Are newer communities with exciting amenities truly better than their older counterparts? Or can you get the same quality, or better at an older more established community? Let's find out!
Trends in Senior Living
Newly-built senior living communities have a lot of shiny-new amenities to attract seniors and their families through their doors. From pubs and pools to art centers and daily activities, there are a lot of things to do and see in these new facilities. Many of these communities offer age-in-place living, where higher acuity teams come to you, as your needs increase. Resident's quarters are invariably private homes or apartments with multiple rooms and upscale fixtures. And these stylish communities often have more desirable locations, such as properties near golf courses or shopping centers with landscaped yards and public spaces. Finally, these communities have more innovation like integrated technology such as medication tracking and fall alert systems, that help keep residents safe. With all this in mind, it would be hard not to "buy new," right?
Established Senior Care
However, not everything about senior living can be easily bulleted on a brochure. For many seniors, their deciding factors rely on more nuanced merits of a community like the current residents, the quality of care, and the staff. Choosing an established community often means that the staff there is established as well. Experienced staff can increase the quality of care and stability in daily life. Plus, many senior living communities struggle to keep turnover down, an established community with low-turnover can at times signal a higher-quality community. Next, unlike an established community, a new community may not have an well-defined social environment. Residents may struggle with welcoming newcomers into the fold, being fairly new themselves.
Environment can be a factor in older facilities, as even if they have remodeled or updated, they will have older floorplans and architecture. Some older facilities still have shared rooms, something rarely seen in newer facilities. The architecture and design may not provide a lot of natural light or open spaces, which could be a potential deterrent for some. However, many older facilities replicate a more home-like feel verses a resort or hotel. If a prospective resident prefers this, it might be a perfect fit. Finally, regardless of their downfalls, older communities have a longer record to follow, from state surveys to online reviews. This makes it easier to spot trends, either negative or positive, to help you make an educated decision.
What’s Important to You
When it comes down to it, it really is about your personal preferences. There are plenty of older communities that offer amazing services and atmosphere. There are many new communities that have quality care. New or old, any community may have short-comings on care, service, or environment. So it is up to you to decide what is important to you! Do you like living in a brand new apartment, with daily tee times on the golf course? Or are you okay with dated décor if it means your nursing staff has been there for ten plus years and know senior care like the back of their hand? Finding the perfect senior living community is all about fit. List what is important to you and find the communities new or old that meet those criteria, then schedule tours to try them on for size! No matter the age, the perfect community for you will stand out from all the rest!