In the past, senior living was viewed as a last-minute decision for families when their loved ones could no longer care for themselves at home. This has skewed the perception of senior living as a necessity rather than a lifestyle choice. Today though, many communities offer more than extended personal care, from a social community for older adults to a maintenance-free way of life. Shifting how people think of senior living starts with education. By adding an online resource library to your website, potential residents and their families begin to see your company as a source of support.

Senior Living Resources for Families and Loved Ones

With millions of Baby Boomers reaching retirement age over the next decade, this tech-savvy generation is already researching senior living options. In the past, resources have been aimed specifically at the adult children of seniors who are considering the move based on the need for advanced care. Baby Boomers and seniors preparing to enter care communities now have Internet access and the ability to do their own research. 

Online resource libraries provide your communities with the ability to educate and communicate with both tech-savvy seniors and their adult children. This turning point provides the senior living industry with a unique opportunity to change the perception of senior living from necessity to a lifestyle choice, while still communicating to both mindsets. 

What Types of Resources to Include

Your online resource library should focus on educating your audience on various aspects of senior living. Adding Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) pages drives potential residents and their children to an area of your website where they know common answers can be found, which adds authority. One of the primary concerns families have when researching senior living is cost. Providing a Cost of Living Calculator to help potential residents and their families determine the true cost of senior living. Additionally, information on How to Get the Most Out of Veterans Benefits would be a helpful article to include in the Financial Services section of your library. 

Depending on the type of care community, the content in an online resource library will vary. If the community focuses on memory care, include articles about different approaches to care, information about Alzheimer’s, and the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

Add articles about the Day in the Life of a Resident and the Impact of Senior Living on Health and Happiness to paint the picture of senior living as a lifestyle choice. Searchers, whether potential residents themselves or their families, want insight into what life will be like at your community and the benefits this lifestyle provides. 

Top 5 Resources to Include in Your Library

Your online resource library will help educate potential residents and their families about senior living in general as well as about your community. Finding the right fit provides everyone involved with a sense of relief. Resources that speak to the necessity of senior living, as well as the lifestyle choice aspect help searchers determine the right path for themselves or their loved one. Include the following resources in your online library as a jumping-off point: 

  1. Starting the Senior Living Conversation — Many adult children want to know how to approach the idea of moving to senior living with their loved one. This important resource should be included in any online senior living resource library. 
  2. How to Choose a Senior Living Community — Provide an overview of what to look for in a senior living community. This article should discuss the balance between care, finances, and lifestyle.
  3. Understanding Senior Living Care Options — Educate your audience on the difference between all of the types of senior living including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care.
  4. Financial Planning — This section can include cost comparisons, monthly breakdown of expenses, and long-term costs. Expand this section by including information on how veterans’ benefits can be used for senior living. 
  5. What You Need to Know Before Moving into Your New Home — Guide residents along their journey by providing move-in checklists, FAQs, and additional information about transitioning to life in a senior living community. 

Become a Trusted Resource For Your Audience

Adding an online resource library to your senior living website helps establish your company as a trusted, educational resource in the industry. Guide potential residents and their families through the process of transitioning to a senior living community. Your resource library should help answer common questions and provide educational information. This information helps you speak to the necessity of senior living and eases the conversation to senior living as a lifestyle option. A variety of resources that speak to both mindsets help establish your company as a trusted resource in the industry. 

Keep up with the latest trends by downloading G5’s Senior Living State of Digital Marketing Report.