Determining Your Needs and Wants in Senior Living

Photo for an article A list of items to consider as needs and wants to help choose the right senior living option.

Determining what you’re looking for in a senior living community can help make the search go more smoothly. You’ll feel more prepared going into your tour and will likely come away with confidence, knowing you’ve made the best decision for yourself or a loved one.

Creating a list of your senior living wants and needs can also keep you focused and on task. Use our curated chart as a guide to get you started.

Senior living is a major life decision

Deciding to move to a senior living community is a significant life decision. Like buying a home, choosing a partner, or following a career path, you’ll want to ensure you have weighed the pros and cons and considered your needs before making up your mind.

Senior living is no different. Each community will likely provide the basics: meals, accommodations, activities, and supportive care. Yet, it’s essential to dive deeper into exactly what you’re looking for in a senior living community.

Where do I begin with senior living >>

Determining your senior living needs and wants

Consider the following areas as you determine your wants and needs, but feel free to add your own.

FEATURES	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Accommodations
Personal laundry services	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Accessible spaces and lay-out	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Private bath	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Kitchenette	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Full kitchen	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Storage	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Housekeeping services	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Interior/exterior maintenance services	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Other:	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Lifestyle/Amenities
Delicious, home-cooked meals and snacks	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Outdoor spaces/walking paths	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Full calendar of activities, events, and outings	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Art classes/studio	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Access to spiritual programs	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Intergenerational activities	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Hair salon/spa	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Transportation services	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Pet-friendly	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Volunteer opportunities	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Other:	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Care Services/Wellness
24-hour onsite nursing team	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Onsite medical care (Doctors, physical/occupational therapy, dentist, podiatrist, etc.)	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Memory care program	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Individualized care plans	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Fitness center/equipment	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Exercise classes	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Other:	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Safety/Security
Front desk coverage	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Emergency preparedness plan	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE
Other:	NEEDS	WANTS	NOT SURE

Taking the next step: visiting communities

When you’ve completed your list of wants and needs, take the next step and set up tours of a few assisted living communities.

Be prepared with a list of questions to better understand how your loved one’s needs and preferences can be met. Ask about costs, availability, and care level options. Make sure you bring your checklist of wants and needs to mark off the boxes as you’re guided through the community.

Preparing ahead of time can give you confidence and peace of mind when choosing a community for yourself or a loved one.

Explore life at Frontida Assisted Living >>

Feel at Home at Frontida Assisted Living

Frontida Assisted Living values transparency and trust in each of our Wisconsin communities, and our team is ready to answer your questions, offer support, and provide resources to help you make a confident and informed decision for your future care.

Our compassionate team strives to create a sense of community and purpose for each resident through personalized programming, life-enriching activities, and special events.

Learn how we care for our residents:

Private suites, bedrooms, and companion rooms
Fully accessible bathrooms
Spacious living rooms and engaging indoor recreation areas
Cozy fireplaces and open-plan seating in living spaces
Beautifully maintained outdoor areas
Delicious, home-cooked meals and snacks
24-hour personal care and supervision
Comfortable spa and salon (in specific locations)
Dedicated memory care communities
Specialized behavioral health care communities
Housekeeping and laundry services
Individualized care plans
Life Enrichment Coordinators to plan and schedule meaningful activities for all residents
Nursing staff to oversee the health and wellness of each resident

We value honesty, trust, and open communication to build relationships with our residents and their loved ones. Together, we form a partnership to ensure your loved one lives a fulfilling life, feeling a sense of belonging and purpose.

When you’re ready, contact any of our 11 Frontida assisted living and memory care communities to gather more information, or to set up a personalized tour. We’re here for you whenever you need us.

We understand that transitioning into assisted care can be an emotional, stressful and often confusing journey. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping you and your family navigate the complex world of care. Download our free “Family Decision Toolkit” to learn more.

Lifestyle
Options

Every lifestyle we offer is tailored to meet our residents’ unique needs, with comfort and connection at the heart.

Assisted Living

We can make life a little easier. Our assisted living lifestyle offers the right amount of help with daily activities, so our residents can focus on doing what makes them happy.

Memory Care

In a caring, nurturing environment, everyone should feel understood and supported. Our memory care program honors everyone’s journey while creating meaningful opportunities for connection and engagement every day.

Behavioral Health

Mental health is of the utmost importance. We help our residents find peace of mind with our compassionate behavioral health approach—focused on providing dignity, understanding, and a supportive environment you can trust.

Your
Frontida Story

Communication with administrators has been open and transparent. And they have been very helpful in our design of a unique personalized care plan. I greatly appreciate that collaboration. The caregiving staff is top-notch. The dedication and care they bring to the residents is superb. They’ve earned my trust and gratitude.

– Todd F.

We are very pleased as a family with the care our mom is getting. Very impressed with the amount and quality of the activities you have for the residents. Keep up the good work!!!

– Ric H.

Frontida is a company that truly stands by their values, the leadership team has provided so much support allowing us to get better every day. I have worked here for over a year and can honestly say we have done a 180. The care of our residents comes first and it shows. We continually strive to be a great place to work and take pride in how we treat others. It has been a phenomenal experience becoming part of the Frontida team, and I am very excited to see what the future holds.

– Dennis P.

I have had a great experience working here and am looking forward to my future with Frontida. The management and ownership involvement is incredible! The level of dedication the company has to the care of our residents is refreshing. Frontida also truly cares about their staff and investing in their growth and success. I would definitely recommend Frontida to anyone looking for a rewarding career or a dedicated home for their loved one.

– Sam T.

Our family is grateful for the love and care Mom received over the last four years. It was never going to be easy, but knowing Mom was safe and genuinely cared for was a huge relief. Frontida was her home, and by extension, it was also ours. Thank you for making us always feel welcome.

– Resident’s Family

My brother-in-law is at Frontida. The experience so far was wonderful. The staff members are so caring and accommodating. They told me that for the first 30 days, they are going to be evaluating my brother-in-law. It’s only been two weeks, and they are meeting all of his needs, his cares, and addressing us for dealing with a loved one in an assisted living facility. My brother-in-law loves the food. It’s very homey-type meals. His room is beautiful. Their fun activities keep him entertained. It is a beautiful facility. It is very upbeat and proactive.

– Julie

– T.C.

My mother passed away at Frontida on 7-3-19. She had been there for a little over a year, she had dementia. My family and I recommend Frontida for those needing memory care. They have an amazing staff that provided the best possible care for mom. The staff is always cheerful and positive. They spend a lot of time interacting with the residents. They put our minds at ease, we knew mom was being well cared for. We are so very happy we chose Frontida.

– Pat

Beyond grateful for the exceptional care our mom has been receiving at Frontida. She’s happy to have made some new friends, enjoys the activities they do, and feels safe and well cared for. It’s not an easy decision to place a parent in the care of others, yet we’re confident she’s happy and well cared for, which puts our minds at ease.

– Jan Hartmann

Frontida was the best place for my mother the last year of her life. She was able to socialize and have friends to talk with and do activities with. The staff was exceptional with her and with all of our family. They did their best even with Covid lockdown to make sure we were able to talk with her and see her, even if it were just by FaceTime visits. Her last days there they were phenomenal in caring for her and keeping her as comfortable as possible with the help of Hospice. They allowed me to be with her while they cared for her that last week of her life, and I can’t imagine not being able to. I would highly recommend Frontida to anyone who has a loved one that needs care, as it’s a family atmosphere, where Angela and the staff are caring, understanding, good at listening and working with family members, as well as residents, and have fun activities for the residents.

– Judy Braker

I am so grateful to have such a wonderful home for me to place Don in. I’d love to have him with me but cannot believe how happy I am to have Frontida and the great staff to take care of him–and me too. Thank you so much!

– Mary

Thank you for all the extra things you do for the residents – for hanging in there during this bump in life and routines. We appreciate all you do – if there is anything we can do for you, please let us know! You are prayed over every day – that you all may stay healthy.

– Carey P. and Sandra O.

We just want to thank everyone for taking such great care of our mothers. During this very difficult time, it is reassuring to know they are loved and well taken care of. These pringles are just a small token for all you do and to let you all know how much we appreciate you!

– Pat S. and Diane B.

Thank You! Those words don’t cover how much we appreciate you all. Thank you for caring for our grandma so well. Thank you also for going above and beyond for our family during this extremely difficult time.

– Gina, Janna, and Pat

Your mission to build trust is what drew me in from the beginning when my siblings and I were looking for a memory care home for mom. In the short time she has been there you have shown so much care and love to her.

– Debbie Giles

Since coming to Frontida, my niece is talking more clearly, socializing, and doing activities that she wouldn’t do before.

– Resident’s Aunt

Frontida is a lovely home. I can see why people in the community speak so highly of Frontida Assisted Living!

– Barb W.

My cousin absolutely loves it at Frontida Assisted Living. She loves the people, loves the home, and really enjoys mingling with other residents.

– Resident’s Cousin

Work
With Us

Ready to make a difference? At Frontida, we value your skills and want to empower you to grow in a team built on trust and a shared purpose. Join us and help provide care that truly makes an impact right here in Wisconsin.

View Open Positions

Management Services

Navigating Every Stage
Together

Making informed decisions about senior living can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Take our quiz to explore your options and see if you’re ready for this next chapter.

Get
in Touch

We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re looking for a caring community or a trusted partner, we’re here to help. Let’s start a conversation about what we can do together.

Care, Connection, & Possibility—
Find Your New Beginning at Frontida

Find a Community