If you are a senior citizen, you might be thinking about moving to an independent living community. In such a place, you can still live independently in your own apartment or room, but cooking, cleaning, and other services are taken care of by community staff. Here are some things to ensure you look for when making a decision about which community is a good fit for you.

Check Out Activities

One of the best reasons to seek out an independent living community is to interact with other people your age. In fact, people who are socially, mentally, and physically active might be at less risk for dementia.

When you visit any community, make sure you find time to ask about the social activities that take place. What field trips do they take? What events are held? You can even head down to the activity center to get an idea of what the atmosphere is like on a day-to-day basis.

Look at the Menu

One important thing to keep in mind is what the menu is like in a community. You need to be sure you'll like the food you will be served at meals. You should be able to get a copy of the day's menu when you visit, but try to find out what kinds of meals are served overall. If you have a special diet, ask whether your needs can be accommodated.

Ask for a Copy of the Floor Plan

Every independent living community offers a number of floor plans to choose from. Getting a copy of each type of plan available can give you an idea of which community provides the most living space.

You can also use the floor plans to determine what you can bring along from your current home. For instance, if you aren't sure whether your upright piano or entertainment center will fit in your new place, having a detailed floor plan can give you the information you need to make decisions about what to do with some of your larger belongings.

Ask about Assisted Living Assistance

You might be independent today, but it is important to realize that as you get older, your needs might start to change. To make sure you don't have to make multiple moves as you age, be sure to choose a community that provides assisted living services and has a nurse and other health providers in the community at all times. If you should ever need those services, they will be there.

Now that you know some things you should keep in mind when looking for the right independent living community, begin your search. Talk with residents and staff members in different communities, such as Brooke View, to determine which community is best for you.