Where to Begin | 5 Easy Steps

The first time you explore senior living, it’s not unusual to stumble across more questions than anticipated. How do you know which community is the right fit? What level of care should you consider? Finding the best place to start comes down to discovering clarity. At Friendship Village of South Hills, we want you to find that critical clarity so you can feel confident in your senior living decisions. That’s why we’ve created a five-step guide designed to help you navigate the process, ask the right questions, and feel empowered as you move forward.

1.) Get to Know Your Senior Living Options

The first step in finding the right fit is understanding the senior living options available to you. Aging in place may seem to make the most sense, but you should consider the additional responsibilities, home maintenance needs, and potential need for outside help that may arise over time. If you wait until you need an alternative care option to consider a move, it may be too late to enjoy the secured access you deserve. Moving to a senior living community in Allegheny County, like Friendship Village of South Hills, gives you access to amenities that enhance your daily life, a built-in social network, and the right level of care for your needs, even as they may evolve. Whether you're looking for independent living near you, need assisted living, or want the confidence a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) can provide, knowing your options makes the right choice much easier.

A residential setting designed for older adults, offering amenities, social opportunities, and varying levels of care.

A licensed medical facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for individuals with serious health needs..

Care and assistance provided in a private home, ranging from basic support to more specific medical services.

A lifestyle-focused option for active seniors who want maintenance-free living with social and recreational opportunities.

A supportive living arrangement for those who need help with daily tasks like dressing, bathing, and medication management.

A community offering multiple levels of care, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing, allowing residents to call one place home no matter how their needs may change over time.

Age-restricted, low-maintenance housing options that may or may not include additional services.

A secure, specialized setting designed for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia that provides personalized support and care.

When Is the Right Time for Senior Living?

Truthfully, the right time looks different for everyone. Some people move as soon as they can, opting for an active lifestyle without the maintenance hassle of aging in place. Others may hold off until a greater care need arises. When you weigh your options, consider the benefits of moving earlier, when independent living is your best fit. This allows you to enjoy the full benefits of a life care plan and avoid paying market rate for higher levels of care later. No matter your current situation, looking to the future now gives you the most control over shaping it.

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2.) Consider Your Needs: Senior Living Lifestyle Options & Support

Let’s break down some available senior care options in Allegheny County. Some communities specialize in just one type of living, others offer a full continuum of care, allowing you to transition seamlessly from independent living to assisted living or skilled nursing. Communities that offer life care contracts provide unique stability amidst health and lifestyle changes that require additional support.

Understanding how much independence you want to maintain—and what level of assistance would enhance your quality of life—can help guide you toward the right senior living option. Discover the levels of care available at Friendship Village of South Hills in the sections below.

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Understanding Senior Lifestyle Options

How to Choose Between Independent and Assisted Living

The Difference Between Assisted Living and Independent Living

When Is It Time for Memory Care Services?

Independent Living

If there’s one thing our residents say most often after moving to independent living, it’s that they wish they had done it sooner. Independent living offers all the freedom of aging in place without any of the homeowner’s hassle.

Independent Living is ideal for those who:

Want to enjoy their retirement to the fullest in a resort-like setting.
Find joy in connecting with others, exploring new activities, and engaging with like-minded peers.
Prefer the security of a community that offers future care options.

Learn more about Independent Living

Assisted Living

Assisted living provides personalized care with daily activities, medication management, and tailored wellness programs. In our assisted living community, this service is available on a rental basis with no buy-in required. Residents enjoy the comfort of private housing with unfettered access to a dedicated care team, all within a setting designed to empower independence and enhance everyday living.

Assisted Living is ideal for those who:

Need help with daily tasks like dressing, bathing, or medication reminders.
Want to maintain independence with access to required help.
Prefer a community with enriching activities and social engagement.

Learn more about Assisted Living

Memory Care

Our memory care program offers a secure, thoughtfully designed setting for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Access to memory care does not require a Life Care agreement—families can explore this service on a rental basis. Residents enjoy private apartments with private bathrooms, along with personalized support tailored to their unique journey. Structured routines, meaningful engagement programs, and compassionate care professionals create a space where your loved one can feel safe, respected, and understood.

Memory Care is ideal for those who:

Have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
Require a secure setting with structured daily routines.
Benefit from memory-focused activities and therapies.

Learn more about Memory Care

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation services are often found in communities offering multiple levels of care. They provide expert therapy and recovery programs for individuals recovering from illness, surgery, or injury. With personalized physical, occupational, and speech therapy, these programs help residents regain strength and independence.

Rehabilitation is ideal for those who:

Are recovering from surgery, illness, or injury.
Need short-term therapy to regain mobility and strength.
Want expert rehabilitation services in a supportive environment.

Learn more about Rehabilitation

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Skilled Nursing

When you or a loved one needs more attentive care, a community that offers skilled nursing services with a reputation for compassionate care in a comfortable setting can make a big difference. Whether for long-term care or short-term recovery, you want skilled nursing that offers consistent, quality medical support tailored to your health needs.

Skilled Nursing is ideal for those who:

Require around-the-clock medical supervision.
Are managing chronic health conditions.
Need long-term or post-hospitalization care.

Learn more about Skilled Nursing

3.) Understand Your Investment: The Cost of Senior Living

Planning for senior living in the Pittsburgh area is about more than just comparing price tags. You need to understand the value of everything included in the contracts you examine—and what’s not included. Many are surprised to learn that moving to a senior living community near you can be a cost-effective alternative to homeownership when factoring in expenses like property taxes, utilities, maintenance, and in-home care.

The cost of senior living varies based on the level of care and residence type, but at Friendship Village of South Hills, your investment covers much more than a place to live. You can enjoy premium amenities and benefits, such as chef-driven culinary experiences, housekeeping, a dynamic social and event calendar, wellness programs, and priority access to on-site healthcare services.

4.) Explore Your Ideal Community: Amenities, Services, Peers

Retirement is your time, and where you live should reflect your standards, interests, and desires. Maybe you envision mornings spent in a state-of-the-art fitness center, afternoons engaged in creative workshops, and evenings filled with lively conversations over chef-prepared meals. Perhaps you crave quiet moments in beautifully landscaped courtyards, cultural outings, or wellness programs tailored to your goals.

An exceptional retirement community should celebrate your independence with an unmatched balance of privacy, connection, and service so you can craft your days exactly as you’ve imagined.