According to The Century Foundation, 70% of Americans age 60 and older need assistance with at least one activity of daily living (ADL). Over half of older adults also require long-term services and support (LTSS). Individuals with LTSS requirements often need help with at least two ADLs.
If you have an older loved one in Knoxville who needs help with ADLs, moving them to an assisted living community may be in their best interest.
The best assisted living community in Knoxville can provide personal care services tailored to your loved ones’ needs. Their highly trained staff can help with ADLs like bathing, grooming, dressing, and medication management.
But how do you ensure the community you choose for your loved one is best for them?
Our team of experts here at Deane Hill Place has shared tips to help you get started, so please read on.
Apartment Features
The best Knoxville retirement homes have carefully planned layouts designed with residents’ possible limited mobility in mind. They also boast modern comfort, convenience, and safety features, making them more inviting and welcoming. For example, here at Deane Hill Place, our studio and one-bedroom apartments have:
- A heating and air conditioning system
- Closets and ample storage spaces
- Well-lit entryways
- Smoke detectors and a sprinkler system
- Carpeting
- A kitchenette with a refrigerator/freezer
Each apartment is just steps away from our community’s exceptional dining, relaxation, recreation, and socialization amenities.
Amenities and Services
When choosing a community offering elderly care in Knoxville, consider their on-site amenities and services, as these can impact your loved one’s overall enjoyment. At the very least, the one you pick should have the following:
- Weekly housekeeping and laundry services
- Apartment maintenance included
- Salon services
- Social, recreational, fitness, and wellness programs
Deane Hill Place is proud to provide all those and more. We also offer scheduled transportation services, which our residents can use for medical appointments. We even organize group excursions and outings as part of our fun and engaging community activities.
Attention to Nutrition
As people age, their nutritional needs also change, and things like living alone or having mobility issues can make it harder for them to eat healthily. Health conditions can also make it more challenging for them to cook and eat nutritious, delicious food. The longer this goes on, the more at risk they are for malnutrition.
According to WebMD, malnutrition in older adults can:
- Increase hospitalization risk
- Cause wounds not to heal well
- Weaken the immune system and muscles
- Lead to a decrease in bone mass
- Raise older adults’ risk of falling and experiencing fractures
The best senior living communities understand the harmful impacts of poor nutrition, so they emphasize healthy eating. For example, at Deane Hill Place, we have a talented culinary team experienced in whipping up nutritious and delicious senior-friendly meals. We also factor in and accommodate special dietary needs or restrictions.
Great Location
Location matters when choosing the best senior living community because it can impact how often you visit your loved one. If you and other close family members live in Knoxville, it would be best to stick to a community in town.
Another reason location matters is that it can influence the kind of social, recreational, and physical activities your loved one will be able to enjoy. For instance, if your elderly loved one loves being in nature, they’d appreciate living in a community with on-site green spaces and just a few minutes drive from parks.
Here are other location-related factors when choosing a senior living community in Knoxville:
- Police and fire departments
- Healthcare facilities and pharmacies
- Dining and shopping establishments
Our senior living community, Deane Hill Place, is in a prime location, just a few minutes drive from all the abovementioned services and amenities.
Welcomes Your Furry Family Member
According to American Humane, over half of adults 50 and older have at least one pet. The non-profit also notes how scientific research has shown that pet ownership can:
- Provide social and emotional support for seniors
- Reduce loneliness and distress
- Boost the overall quality of life
- Lower blood pressure
- Encourage people to stay physically active and socialize more
If your older loved one has a pet or wants one, consider this when choosing an assisted living community in Knoxville. Luckily, you won’t have to search far and wide, as Deane Hill Place welcomes our residents’ furry family members, too!
Transitional Care
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), mild forgetfulness (e.g., forgetting things occasionally) is a normal part of aging. For example, it’s not serious if your loved one occasionally forgets to pay a bill or where they put their wallet.
Some people also have mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which means they experience more memory-related issues than their same-age peers. They may only need help with some day-to-day tasks but can still care for themselves.
NIA says that while not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimer’s disease (AD), some do. AD, like all other types of dementia, isn’t a normal part of aging and often needs specialized care.
If your elderly loved one has minor and occasional memory issues, they may not need specialized memory care yet. They can still do well in a warm and caring environment that enriches their lives with social and physical activities, which the NIA says can help seniors deal with forgetfulness. However, choosing an assisted living community that offers transitional care would be best.
The good news is that the best Knoxville senior living communities offer memory care and assisted living options.
At Deane Hill Place, we specialize in both senior living options. By choosing our community, your loved one can stay longer in their apartment home while getting specialized memory care services.
Time to Tour the Best Assisted Living Community in Knoxville
Now that you’ve learned how to find and choose the best assisted living community in Knoxville, it’s time to visit and tour Deane Hill Place.
Deane Hill Place has provided high-quality senior care services in a compassionate and caring environment for many years. Our mission has always been to be a community where residents can thrive and live their golden years to the fullest.
Connect with us today to schedule a tour of our community. We look forward to giving your older loved one the attention, care, and support they need and deserve.
