As people grow older, it is normal to require additional help with activities of daily living such as using the restroom, getting dressed, medication management, and even preparing or eating meals. It does not mean that they are necessarily unable to do these actions by themselves, but maybe that they take too much time and effort doing it to the extent that they are unable to make time for activities they truly enjoy. This means that even older adults that are mentally sharp and fairly healthy may require some kind of support.
Assisted living communities fill this gap as they help to support individuals in living life with the greatest amount of independence. By providing assistance in areas like housekeeping, maintenance, and concierge services, older adults will be able to leverage amenities to live life to its fullest. Each community will differ depending on the location, provider, and even the type of senior living option that you are going for. This means that even if it has the most amenities and programs if the values are not aligned with you or your loved ones’ preferred lifestyle, it is unlikely that you will lead your best life during your stay. Therefore, it is important to note exactly what you need and want before committing to a long-term stay – here’s a guide to things you should look out for.
Retirement Community Team Members
The quality of the retirement community is highly intertwined with the quality of the team members that will support you and your loved ones. Especially if there is a need for specialized medical support, it is important that the team members’ level of expertise and skill set are able to meet the needs of the wide range of residents. It is therefore important to ask specific questions about how the team will meet the needs of those under their care.
Other things about the team that you should ask about cover things like shift scheduling, team members’ training, and how they interact with residents. One of the most important resources in an assisted living community is that they provide round-the-clock care – it is, therefore, important that you gain more understanding of how night shifts work, and what training the team members receive in order to upskill constantly.
Understanding Amenities
The types of amenities range between providers in terms of diversity, range, and associated costs. Basic services will include:
- Nutritional and diet guidance
- Safety and security features
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Three nutritious meals a day with options for catering to dietary restrictions
- Speech, occupational, and physical therapy
- Medication and glucose management
Other services like pet policies, dry cleaning, beauty services, and transportation are also generally offered, but at an additional cost or with a fee. When considering an assisted living community, it is therefore important to figure out what you or your loved one and whether or not it is included in the rent or available at an additional, affordable cost.
Enriching Activities
One of the biggest benefits of living in an assisted living community is having access to a wide variety of senior-specific activities, events, and programs. What this means is that other than considering the physical needs of you or your loved one, it is just important to ensure that the community will allow for pursuing hobbies that you are interested in.
