We all want to live in a safe, homey, and happy place. But it’s important to know that some independent living communities could be better. One of the biggest red flags is when residents don’t feel like they can talk to the care team about concerns because they fear retaliation or losing privileges. It’s also not good if you feel like the team is trying too hard to keep you from making choices for yourself or doesn’t allow you any input into your plans regarding care options and resources available after moving into the community (such as assisted living). Here are some red flags that you should watch out for when looking at different independent living communities:
Bad Reviews
A good review should be from someone your age or older, and they should have been living in the community for a while. They should also come from people of different ethnicities and backgrounds and people with additional needs.
Look at reviews written by other residents with a similar background. If you’re an older woman, look at reviews written by older women; if you’re younger, look for reviews written by younger people.
No Community Involvement
One of the most important things to look for in an independent living community is whether or not the residents are involved in their local community. A bad independent living community will have no involvement with local events, not participate in local charities and businesses, and not support their economy.
If you see that your potential new place doesn’t have any ties to the area you’re moving from, this could be a sign that it’s not a good fit for you.
No Communication Policies
One of the most important parts of independent living is having the plan to deal with emergencies. Your loved one may need help getting to the hospital, or they could be acting out, such as refusing to take their medication. Having a plan in place will ensure that your loved one gets the care they need at a much higher rate, and you can rest assured that their safety is being taken care of by team members trained on how to handle these situations.
Another way for you and your family to feel good about an IL community is knowing that there’s someone who will reach out if anything happens during the night or if there’s any emergency coming up. This means that someone from the staff should always be able to contact you quickly if needed, even if it’s just because something isn’t right with your loved one and they need some extra attention or assistance.
The Staff Is Not Friendly Or Helpful
The care team should be friendly and helpful when you first walk into a new place. They should know the community well enough to answer your questions and be willing to help you with any problems that arise. The team should also make you feel welcome by introducing themselves, asking if they can assist you in any way, and showing genuine interest in getting to know who you are as an individual. If this doesn’t happen when you visit an Independent Living community, it might be a red flag.
The care team of a great Independent Living community will always be willing to listen closely to your concerns about living there—and then find ways for those concerns never to come true!
Conclusion
A good independent living community will care for all your needs, so you can focus on enjoying your golden years. It should also be a place where you feel comfortable and safe. If something doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to ask questions until you have all the information needed to make an informed decision about whether or not this community is right for your loved one—and if not, find another one that is!
