By Dr. Carol McKinley, President and CEO, Simpson
A “silver tsunami” is hitting senior housing, affecting demand and creating the need to start planning earlier than previous generations. As a wave of baby boomers reaches retirement age, senior housing is in high demand. If you are looking for a community for yourself or a family member, you may be wondering how to compare different options to find one that is right for you.
When my parents moved to a senior living community, I leaned on my friends, family, and colleagues for advice. Now, as the president and CEO of Simpson, which includes three Life Plan Communities, I am asked many of the same questions I once had.
These conversations reinforce how emotional this decision can be. My advice is to start early and do research before you find yourself in an urgent situation where time and emotion can cloud decision-making.
Factors such as location, convenience for connecting with family and friends, amenities, and cost all come into play when making this decision. It’s a decision that should be made thoughtfully, rather than under pressure.
Choosing a senior living community is one of the most important decisions older adults and their families will make. It is best approached with intention rather than urgency. As seniors approach this phase of life, I encourage them not to wait too long so that they can enjoy the lifestyles offered.
My parents waited far too long and were chronically ill when they finally moved to an apartment. The move was too much, and they really did not transition well. Make the move while you still have the energy to make new friends and enjoy learning new activities.
Be practical. Know what's what.
The following are practical things seniors and families should look for in 2026 when choosing a community, including what is changing in senior living right now.
First, some terminology:
What is a “silver tsunami?”
It is a phrase first coined in the 1980s as a metaphor for the massive demographic shift of our rapidly aging population. It is driven by the majority of baby boomers reaching retirement age and living longer. This creates significant impacts on healthcare, economies, housing, and the workforce.
Person-Directed Care
Tailors services to each resident’s individual needs and preferences. At Simpson, this includes fostering a sense of home rather than a clinical atmosphere, reflecting a broader industry shift toward Life Plan Communities.
Life Plan or Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Offer seniors a continuum of care on one campus, allowing residents to age in place as needs change. They provide active, independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing support and in-home care. Benefits include maintenance-free living, social engagement, and proactive planning for health needs.
Independent Living
Often features individual apartments or cottages within a senior living community and is a good option for seniors interested in self-directed, community living.
Assisted Living
Offers more support when living alone becomes isolating or unsafe. Assisted living combines independence with help.
Skilled Nursing
Focuses on those needing intensive medical support and ongoing medical monitoring, treatment, or rehabilitation that cannot be safely managed at home or at a lower level of care. Skilled nursing has shifted toward more comfortable, home-like environments that combine medical care with rehabilitation.
Memory Care
Is geared towards those with memory impairment and offers “neighborhoods” with secure, close-knit settings that provide compassionate care to enable self-sufficiency and dignity. A structured program combines opportunities for life enrichment and assistance with the tasks of daily living.
If a move is not triggered by a health crisis, it is important to consider personal preferences in advance. Planning ahead allows seniors to define what independence and support mean to them. Consider whether you want a single floor layout, whether you are downsizing or upsizing, what amenities are important, and how close you want to be to care.
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Questions to ask of a senior community
Financial
What are the entrance and monthly fees, what do they cover, and how have they increased over time?
What costs apply if I need higher levels of care, and are there tax benefits tied to the fees?
Is the community financially stable, and what happens if my funds are depleted?
Housing and Lifestyle
What housing options are available, what amenities are included, and are pets allowed?
What is daily life like, including dining plans, meals, transportation, and social activities?
What is the waitlist timeline, and are customizations or renovations permitted?
Healthcare and Care Levels
What levels of care are offered, and are they provided on-site with guaranteed access?
How do assessments and transitions between care levels work?
What medical staffing is available, including round-the-clock coverage and care ratios?
Contracts and Policies
What type of contract is offered, and what services does it include?
What are the terms for termination, outside caregivers, guests, and visitation?
How are situations handled when couples require different care levels?
Community Reputation and Operations
How long has the community operated?
What do residents' and staff members’ experiences indicate about quality and turnover?
Is the organization nonprofit or for-profit, and are financial disclosures available?
Safety and Emergencies
How are medical and non-medical emergencies handled?
What safety systems exist in residences and across the campus?
What security measures and disaster preparedness plans are in place?
Long-Term Planning and Legal
What eligibility requirements apply, including age and medical screening?
Should legal or financial advisors review the agreement?
What happens to the entrance fee in the event of death?
Many seniors often relocate when health limitations make living alone risky or difficult. A Life Plan Community offers care-supported environments with safety features and easier access to medical care, reducing the risk of accidents and supporting health needs. Features that reduce fall risk, like bathroom design, lighting, and mobility, can make a big difference in daily life.
The one thing you should remember
By starting the conversation early, understanding the options available, and asking the right questions, seniors can retain control over their choices and align their move with long-term goals for lifestyle, care, and peace of mind.
Taking the time now to plan thoughtfully can lead to a smoother transition, greater confidence, and a living environment that truly supports well-being in the years ahead.
Author: Dr. Carol McKinley is president and CEO of Simpson, a Pennsylvania regional retirement system, with three communities in the region (Simpson House, Jenner’s Pond, and Simpson Meadows). A noted expert in elder care, she has received the Paul P. Haas Lifetime Achievement Award from LeadingAge Pennsylvania.
