Wait Lists and Senior Living

In the last several months we have been asked more questions than normal about wait lists for senior living.   A few of the contributing factors are:

• More of us are getting older than ever before.
• The extreme demand for homes under $300,000.
• We are approaching the colder months of the year.

Whatever the reason, let us help you understand the reality about wait lists.

Do all Senior Living Communities Have Wait lists?   

New Buildings

There are new options around the Twin Cities.  Both continuum of care campuses and stand-alone independent living.  Some of these options still have openings if they opened during Covid.   The best units are taken in these building; larger units, corner units etc.   However, there may be still a lot of choice if you aren’t looking for the two bedroom and would settle for a one bedroom to get into a community of choice.

Existing Communities

Do you want a building that offers senior living where you can age in place?  Because of COVID, many of these options took a hit and have availability.  Census dropped to 70% early this year but now it has inclined especially in the last couple months.  Many communities are approaching 90 percent full with less choice in units.    You may need to wait list for a community and unit you desire.   If the community does have lower census you may find the larger unit you would desire.

Assisted Living vs Independent Living

Continuum of care options that have both independent living and assisted living more often have available assisted living we find than independent living.  There are various reasons for this that this article can cover.   Sometimes clients may choose to get into a community as an assisted living resident to get their community of choice and then become  change to independent living once that is available.

Wait Lists – How Do They Work?

Communities operate their wait lists all differently.  The best advice is to ask these questions:

• Is there a cost to wait list?
• Is it totally refundable?
• What if you decline a unit when offered? Do you stay on the list?
• How many times can you decline? Do you come off the list if you decline to take a unit multiple times?

We are happy at Choice Connections to simplify your search and educate you which specific communities have wait lists and how long they may be.