Selecting the right community for your loved one is more than just visiting a community and meeting the people who work there. You need to ask the right questions and make sure you feel a connection with the people you meet. You need to "see" your loved one fitting in to the community. We have developed a guide to help guide you through this important decision. Click here to access our Senior Living Resource Guide.

Senior Living is about opening up a new life and creating new opportunities for friendships. It means living in a caring environment that is engaging and helps your loved one stay independent and achieve a higher level of physical, mental and emotional wellness.

Senior Living costs vary based upon the area of the country you reside. Most communities typically have established room and board monthly rates that include most utilities, scheduled transportation, a meal program, laundry and housekeeping services, as well as a daily activities program and access to a wellness nurse. Additional care services are provided based upon your loved ones needs. Some communities also assess a one time community or move-in fee, as well as a refundable security deposit usually equal to one month's rent. Since every community establishes care service fees differently, be sure to ask for a clear explanation of how the fees and costs are calculated.

senior living provides a safe environment for your loved one enabling them to maintain their independence. senior living communities provide residents help with their activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing, meal preparation, house keeping and medication management.

In addition, they offer a wide variety of recreational and socialization activities daily to keep your loved one involved, happy and mentally stimulated.

Too often our loved ones are afraid that by moving into an senior living community they will be giving up their independence. The best way to help your loved one understand how much independence they will continue to have is to let them experience an senior living community. Many of your local communities will cover a short-term stay, called Respite.

It often helps to explain to your loved one that you may not always be accessible and by living in an senior living community there will be someone available to them 24 hours a day. In case of an emergency, they will receive the care they need immediately enabling them to continue to do what they want to do when they want to do it.

Most important, involve your loved one in the decision. Visit several senior living communities yourself, decide which ones will appeal to your love the most, and arrange for a tour with your loved one. Many staff senior living communities are very skilled at helping your loved understand the benefits of living within this safe environment.