When your child is deciding on a college, there’s a mix of excitement, nerves, and big decisions about where they’ll thrive. Will they have the right support? Will they make friends? Will they feel at home?
Now, flip the script. When it’s time to choose an assisted living facility for yourself or a family member, the questions are eerily similar. Here’s why finding the right assisted living facility is a lot like choosing the perfect college—minus the frat parties (usually).
The Campus Tour: First Impressions Matter
“It wasn’t just about finding a place—it had to feel like home. Some communities felt cold and sterile, like hospitals. We wanted somewhere warm, welcoming—more like a nice hotel than a hospital.”
Just like you wouldn’t send your kid to a college without touring the campus, you shouldn’t choose an assisted living facility without visiting. When you step inside, take a look around:
- Does it feel welcoming?
- Are the residents engaged and active, or does it feel quiet and disconnected?
- How’s the staff? Friendly and helpful or rushing past like they’re avoiding eye contact?
Even the workers can help you weigh in on the community:
“I worked at a retirement community with every level of service—independent living, assisted living, memory care, and full-time nursing. It was a beautiful place, and residents were well cared for. I’d recommend it to anyone.”
The lesson? The vibe matters. You want a place where your loved one feels comfortable, just like a college freshman looking for their new home away from home.
Find Places to Tour by Using Google Maps, Not Just Google Search
Start by opening Google Maps and searching for the type of senior living you need (Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, etc.).
🔍 Why Maps? A regular Google search will overwhelm you with placement services and ads from marketing-heavy companies rather than the best local communities. With Maps, you can:
- Focus on locations within 30 minutes of the primary family member who will be visiting the most.
- Check proximity to preferred hospitals and doctors to avoid future logistical headaches.
- See actual reviews from real residents and families, not just polished marketing messages.
Dorm Life vs. Apartment Living: What’s the Right Fit?
“We were moving our kids into college dorms the same weekend we moved my mom into her independent living apartment. It felt surprisingly similar—your own space, a meal plan, activities, and a built-in community.”
Senior living comes in different levels, just like college housing:
- Memory Care (Specialized Programs, Like Honors College but for Cognitive Support) – Designed for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s, offering secure environments and trained staff for personalized care.
- Assisted Living (On-Campus Apartments with RAs on Call) – They maintain independence but have access to help with medication management, mobility, or daily tasks.
- Independent Living (The Freshman Dorms) – Your loved one has their own space but benefits from communal dining, social events, and a safety net if needed.
Just like you wouldn’t place an independent student in a school with rigid rules, finding the right balance of freedom and support in senior living is crucial.
Looking for guidance? Let us know if you’d like access to Primary Record’s Assisted Living Readiness Program to understand what level of care to anticipate—and stay organized and confident in every step of the decision-making process. Click here to send us a request!
The Meal Plan: It Better Be Good
“My mom eats lunch every day with her little group of friends. If she’s gone too long visiting my sisters, they tell her, ‘Don’t stay too long. We want you back!’”
Food is a big deal. Nobody wants mystery meat in college, and no one wants bland, mushy meals in assisted living. Ask about dining options, taste the food if you can, and see if residents actually enjoy mealtime.
Think of it like a college dining hall—does it offer variety, nutrition, and some level of customization? No one wants to eat sad food for years. You also want to understand how the community adapts to changing dietary needs. If your family member requires higher protein meals, softer textures for easier swallowing, or other modifications, what options are available? A good dining program should support their health and well-being at every stage.
💡 Did you know? After your tour, many communities welcome you to bring a family member to enjoy and experience a meal firsthand—before deciding. Don’t be afraid to take them up on it! Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to show your family member what the community is like and help erase those assumptions about what “senior living” looks like.
Social Scene & Activities: The Ultimate College Club Fair
“At first, we worried that my mom—an introvert—would just stay in her room. But she found a community, friends who care about her, and activities she enjoys. It’s been a great experience.”
College isn’t just about classes—it’s about making friends, finding hobbies, and staying engaged. Assisted living is no different. A good facility should offer activities that keep residents mentally and socially active.
- Are there game nights, fitness classes, guest speakers, or movie screenings?
- Do residents gather to chat, or does everyone stay in their rooms?
- Is there a sense of community and connection?
- Is there regular transportation to go shopping or do local activities?
💡 Did you know? You can experience a community event firsthand—ask the person giving your tour! Many communities welcome visitors to attend an activity, giving you a real sense of the social atmosphere and engagement opportunities available.
The Price Tag: Is It Worth the Investment?
“We had no idea what senior living actually cost. The paperwork, the contracts—it was overwhelming. Having that community liaison explain the financial side was a huge help.”
College tuition isn’t cheap, and neither is assisted living. Costs vary widely, so you have to weigh:
- What’s included in the base price? (Meals, housekeeping, transportation?)
- Are there extra fees for higher levels of care?
- Does the cost make sense for the quality of care and amenities?
Think of it like scholarships and financial aid—some communities offer financial assistance through state programs, often requiring guidance from an elder care lawyer to navigate the process. Others may come with luxury-level pricing, offering extra perks and amenities to justify the cost. Understanding your options upfront can help you find the best fit for your family member’s needs and budget.
📌 Want to break down the costs before making a decision? Sign up for Primary Record’s Assisted Living Readiness Program here to dive deeper into levels of care and the value of the price tag—so you can make the best choice confidently. Learn more from StoryPoint’s The Comprehensive Guide To The Cost Of Senior Living
Final Decision: Where Do You Feel at Home?
“At first, my dad was hesitant. But after moving in, he loved it—he made friends, stayed active, and had people who truly cared. It was the best decision we ever made.”
At the end of the day, whether it’s picking a college or an assisted living facility, it’s about finding the right fit.
- Does it feel like home?
- Will they make friends and enjoy their time there?
- Is there enough support without sacrificing independence?
So, How Do You Get Started?
Just like helping your kid research colleges, start with:
- Making a list of potential communities from a Google Maps search.
- Touring them in person (or virtually if needed). Most websites allow you to contact the community to schedule!
- Talking to other families in your community and the current residents (they’ll tell you the real deal).
- Looking at reviews and costs to see what makes sense.
Remember, this is about quality of life, not just care. The right assisted living facility should feel like an exciting new chapter—not an ending.
📌 Want a guide to simplify this process? Sign up for Primary Record’s Assisted Living Readiness Program to learn how to use Primary Record to stay organized and learn—so you can confidently make the best decision!
