These 12 tips from the Americans Senior Housing Association can help you get started:

1. Know What You Need. Make an objective list of necessary services and support, both current and anticipated. Maintaining independence, getting help with bathing and dressing, managing medication, maximizing safety – knowing upfront what’s needed can help define budget and choice.

2. Establish a Budget. How much can you spend on senior living each month? Many homeowner expenses will be included in monthly fees – meals, utilities, and taxes, for example. As you’re planning, be mindful of other resources that can help, such as long-term care insurance or the Aid & Attendance benefit for veterans and their surviving spouses. Don’t overlook any resources that can help.

3. Determine a Location. The real estate mantra – location, location, location – applies. Is it meaningful to stay close to the current neighborhood? Is proximity to a major medical center most important? Is the location vital for the sake of adult children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren? Which location is “it”?

4. List Desires. Your must-have list should include whatever is non-negotiable in making this move – a community that accepts pets or offers a comprehensive wellness program, for instance. Create a “wish list” with everything hoped for, such as an on-site guest suite for visitors, a fitness center, or an in-house branch of a favorite bank.

5. Visit Websites. A community’s website should describe services and amenities, the continuum of care available, and life enrichment programs. Some communities also provide general information about successful aging, caregiver support, and senior living. Make a list of the communities you’d like to know more about – or visit.

6. Read Online Reviews.  Check Caring.com, SeniorAdvisor.com, and other sites for reviews by residents and families concerning the communities you’re interested in.

7. Don’t Forget About Facebook. Check out the community’s Facebook page. Read the comments. Look at the photos. See what you can learn about lifestyle, residents, activities, programs – even the quality of dining.

8. Ask Around. Anyone who’s been through the process – for themselves or on behalf of a loved one – may offer helpful insights. Talk to a trusted family physician, clergy member, friends, family, and colleagues. You may discover ideas you haven’t thought about and information you need to know.

9. Make Preliminary Contact. Shorten a long list of potential communities by phoning or emailing. Prepare questions based on needs, desires, and budget. Figure out which communities will be important to visit in person.

10. Go Visit. An in-person visit pays huge dividends. Watch for: How residents and staff interact. The mood of the community. Are residents actively engaged, sitting quietly, or out of sight? Do you see handrails, grab bars, and emergency call systems for safety? Is it clean and up to date? Are you greeted promptly and with friendliness? Most of all, see if a place feels like it could be home. Ask questions, take notes, and consider bringing along a friend or relative so you can compare notes.

11. Review and Revisit.  Schedule a new round of visits to your top prospects. Return to each community at a different time than your last visit – even consider visiting evenings and weekends. See what it’s like when senior management isn’t on site.

12. Consult an Attorney. Mistakes here can be expensive, both financially and emotionally. Retirement community contracts can be long and complicated. So make sure you understand the ins and outs before you sign anything. Get a professional on your side.