Smiling elderly couple standing by a pond in a scenic garden setting.

Getting Started

Ready to explore senior living? We’re here to help you through the process. There’s a lot to consider, so let’s get started!

Contact Our Team

Choose Your Path

Whether you’re here for a loved one or here for yourself, each path below is designed to guide you through thoughtful decision-making. No matter the journey, you’re not alone, and we’re here to help every step of the way.

Take the Right Steps

Transitioning to senior living is a significant life change that requires careful thought and planning. Each step below plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being and happiness of your loved one.

1. Assess Needs

Begin by understanding your loved one’s current situation. Consider their health, mobility, social needs, and safety concerns. Are they seeking independence with some support or do they require more specialized care?

2. Assess Finances

Helping a loved one transition to a senior living community involves understanding costs and planning ahead. Investigate funding options such as insurance, veterans’ benefits, or Medicaid. Discuss financial considerations with other family members as needed.

3. Have the Conversation

Empower your loved one by including them in the decision-making process whenever possible. Take their preferences into account to ensure they feel valued and heard during this major life transition.

4. Make the Move

Start by creating a checklist to organize downsizing, packing, and important paperwork. Coordinate with the community to ensure a smooth transition. On moving day, focus on providing emotional support and reassurance. A positive and patient approach can help ease anxieties and make the experience more comfortable for your loved one.

5. Support the Transition

Moving into a senior living community can be an emotional process. Be present to provide reassurance and encouragement. Help loved ones set up their new space with personal touches to make it feel like home.

Take the Right Steps

Transitioning to senior living is a significant life change that requires careful thought and planning. Each step below plays a vital role in ensuring your well-being and happiness.

1. Understand Your Needs

Take a moment to reflect on what you need and want in this next phase of life. Are you looking for independent living or assisted living? Think about your current health, lifestyle, and goals for the future.

2. Assess Your Finances

Understanding the cost of senior living is essential. Research pricing structures and whether communities accept long-term care insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. Investigate funding options such as veterans’ benefits. Consider consulting with a financial advisor to explore options.

3. Prioritize Your Comfort and Well-Being

Your comfort, safety, and happiness should be at the heart of your decision. Look for a community that offers a safe environment, engaging activities, and compassionate staff. Make sure the community feels like home.

4. Making the Move

Transitioning to a senior living community can feel overwhelming but also exciting. Work with the community’s transition specialists, enlist the help of friends or family, and give yourself time to settle in and make new connections.

FAQs

If you are ready for a carefree lifestyle with no home maintenance worries, an array of top amenities and services always available, a robust calendar of daily activities, and restaurant-style dining every day, then a senior living community could be perfect for you. Senior living communities offer a supportive environment where you can enjoy your passions, explore new hobbies, and feel secure knowing that assistance is available if ever needed.

Yes! Every LifeSpire of Virginia community is pet-friendly, but individual policies vary. Check with the community of interest about its specific pet guidelines, including size restrictions, etc.

There are a number of strategies that can help you adjust to your new home. First, take your time. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed in the beginning, so be patient with yourself. Get involved in activities and embrace new opportunities. Work on building relationships with your new neighbors and stay connected to family and friends. You can also reach out to staff who are dedicated to helping new residents adjust. Establishing a daily routine can create a sense of stability and familiarity. Having a set schedule for meals, activities, and relaxation time can help you feel more settled.

Every LifeSpire of Virginia community is a Life Plan community, which means you can seamlessly transition to advanced levels of care on campus at a predictable cost, knowing you’ll be compassionately served by a team you trust in a community you know.

Still Have Questions?

Resources for Families

News & Blog | August 15, 2025

Supporting team members through education

2025 Employee Education Fund Scholarships At LifeSpire of Virginia, we are committed to caring for our residents and our dedicated team members. One…

LifeSpire Continues to Break Ground in Aging Services

Since 1946, LifeSpire of Virginia has been committed to shaping the future of aging services with innovation, compassion, and community at its core…

Why Gifting Stock Is One of the Smartest Ways to Give Back

Turn Your Stock Gains Into Something Amazing For donors like you seeking to make a lasting difference, a gift of appreciated stock is a smart choice…

LifeSpire Experiences

The Glebe is, quite frankly, amazing. Not only are the apartments and cottages lovely, but the food is first class, and the available activities make me think I’m on a cruise or at a resort!

Resident of the Glebe

Lynne B.

Each staff member has been so gracious in accommodating and catering to all of our requests, and each went above and beyond in service. This was always done with a smile, with respect, and with understanding.

Residents of Lakewood

Tricia and Jim J.

The care that you and the Summit staff have provided to my mother is nothing short of exceptional; you have all hit the ball WAY out of the park … Thank you again for all you do. You have set the gold standard for assisted care.

Family Member of Resident at The Summit

Newton G.

Write a Review