How to Start the Search for a Senior Living Community

How to Start the Search for a Senior Living Community

Monday, March 29, 2021


Whether you’re planning ahead or need to relocate to senior housing as soon as possible, it’s important to conduct your search carefully. Everyone has different needs as they age, so not every retirement community is right for you. Begin your search with these tips.

Know What Services You Need

Many terms are used to describe senior housing. They sound similar, but they provide different levels of care to older adults. Some of your options include:

  • Senior-only independent living
  • Senior-only independent living with services
  • Enriched living
  • Assisted living
  • Memory care units
  • Continuing care retirement communities
  • Skilled nursing facilities

At Parkwood Heights, our residents’ lifestyles fall within two categories—senior-only independent living with services and enriched living. Our independent living apartments, villas, and patio homes are designed for those who want to leave behind the stresses and demands of homeownership. They come with access to many in-demand services for one low monthly fee.

Enriched living provides a higher level of care with services such as case management, medication administration, personal care assistance, housekeeping and laundry, safety monitoring, and more. Two levels of enriched living are available to fit your changing needs.

Parkwood Heights offers consultative services as a courtesy to older adults and their families. Our goal is to help you determine the proper level of care you need, both now and in the future.

Compare Costs and Amenities

Once you determine what lifestyle is right for you, it’s time to consider the cost of your new living arrangements. This chart can help you compare the cost of your current situation with senior living options at Parkwood Heights. Keep in mind that Parkwood Heights’ all-inclusive pricing covers housing, utilities, landscaping and snow removal, two hot meals per day, grocery delivery, activities and entertainment, and much more.

Consider the Location

The real estate mantra “location, location, location” also applies when looking for senior housing. As you explore the options, ask yourself these questions:

  • Are you looking for a quiet neighborhood or something close to the action? Parkwood Heights is located in the charming town of Macedon near Victor Road and W Main Street. It’s away from the hustle and bustle of city life, yet downtown Rochester is just 20 miles to the northwest.
  • Do you want to live near a major medical center, pharmacy, or your doctor’s office? Our community is within five minutes of several family doctors and medical centers.
  • Is the location convenient for family and friends to visit? For instance, if the facility isn’t in your hometown, are there hotels nearby? Our onsite guest suite eliminates the need for out-of-town visitors to book a hotel.
  • Is it important to you to have gardens and places to walk nearby? The Parkwood Heights grounds include a creek side park, scenic pond, several gardens, and plenty of places to walk. Residents and guests can access these public areas at any time.

Create a List of Must-Haves and Would-Likes

What amenities can you not live without? For instance, if you have a pet, you need to find a community that allows animals. (Parkwood Heights has pet-friendly residences available.) If you refuse to scrape snow off your car, a garage is a must. (Our apartments have garages for available to rent and our villas and patio homes have attached garages.)

You should also compile a wish list of features that would be nice but aren’t deal-breakers. For instance, perhaps an onsite library, arts and crafts studio, fitness room, hair salon, and spa would appeal to you. (Parkwood Heights offers all of these amenities and much more.)

Visit the Website

You can find out a lot about a senior living community online before visiting in person. Learn more about the services and amenities, view photo galleries, enquire about floor plans, and even take virtual video tours. It’s also wise to explore the community’s history and mission to help you learn if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle and values.

Read Reviews and Ask Around

Resident testimonials grant an insider’s look at what it’s like to live in a particular community. Also, consider asking friends, family, and neighbors about their experiences with different senior living options in the area. You might hear about an opportunity you hadn’t run across on your own.

Visit Various Communities

Pick out your top few favorites to tour in person. Here’s what to watch for while you’re there:

  • Are you greeted promptly and in a friendly manner?
  • How do staff members interact with residents?
  • What is the overall mood within the community?
  • Are the common areas clean?
  • Is the landscape well-maintained?
  • Does it feel like a place you could call home?

Make Your Selection

Once you complete your research, you should feel confident choosing a senior living community. Involve your family in the decision so everyone can weigh in with their advice and points of view.

We hope to see you at Parkwood Heights, Macedon’s premier source for independent and enriched senior living! If you still have questions about whether our services are right for you, please contact us at (315) 986-9100 for more information.

Quick Info Request

Use this form to request information about Parkwood Heights Senior Living Community

Bev Breen
Bev Breen / Resident

Our servers are wonderful!

Dolores
Dolores / Resident

I moved to Parkwood Heights in 2005 because I wanted to live closer to my daughter. The activities department was the deciding factor. I enjoy having so many activities and events to choose from. Also, when calculating my expenses to live in my home or to live at Parkwood, the decision was made easier because the cost was about the same.

Elenore Bulau
Elenore Bulau / Resident

I have no qualms about saying the management staff is excellent – always friendly and will drop everything to listen to you.

Helen Lund
Helen Lund / Resident

The maintenance guys are so friendly and take care of our requests promptly

J. Bieler
J. Bieler / Resident

The drivers are super caring people who always do a good job

Jeannette M.
Jeannette M. / Resident

There is a great variety of activities and the staff are willing to do anything!

Ken and Bev Keyes
Ken and Bev Keyes / Family

Ken and I just want to let you know how much we appreciated having our Uncle in the Enriched Program at Parkwood Heights. His apartment was bright and inviting and the care he received by all the staff was wonderful. He could be independent, as well as cared for in relation to his needs. No matter what the day brought, the staff would tell us they loved their jobs and would always have a smile and a hug for everyone, helping to make each day a better day for those around them.

Norma
Norma / Resident

I've been living at Parkwood Heights since November of 2000. I am so happy here ~ the people are so nice and there is so much to do. If I didn't like it here I'd be a fool.

Rosa
Rosa / Family

Here it is just a little over two weeks since we moved Bruce into Parkwood. I just wanted to tell you how pleased we are with Bruce’s transition and acclimation to Parkwood Heights. The entire staff and residents have been so very welcoming, helpful, and supportive.I see a remarkable difference in Bruce’s energy, health, and his avenues of interest….. We owe this to the eager and affirmative attention everyone at Parkwood has given Bruce over these past two weeks…Oh my gosh, I can’t tell you how relieved, rested, and encouraged I feel since Bruce has joined the Parkwood community….

 

  

 

Tom & Donna
Tom & Donna / Family

On January 19th we moved mom from Florida to New York. We were pleased with Parkwood Heights, from staff to the lovely facility. It was a difficult move for mom at the age of 97 as well as us with the arrangements. From day one, all of our questions were answered and we were guided through the move as easily as possible.

Tom and Nancy
Tom and Nancy / Villa Residents

We had been looking around for about 2 years ... we knew that we wanted a spacious villa ... we came to Parkwood because we wanted to do things and they had just what we were looking for. There are so many activities to choose from, places to go and people to visit with. We love it here.