Sixteen years ago, I took my first step into senior living-reluctantly at first, but out of necessity. Since then, I’ve lived in eight different senior communities across Arkansas and California. Each move brought a new address, new neighbors, and a new way of life. Some places felt like home right away; others, I couldn’t wait to leave. But every stop along the way taught me something-about what works, what doesn’t, and what truly matters when choosing a place to spend your later years.