Making the choice to transition to a senior living community is difficult. It’s never easy to leave the things you know behind and live somewhere else.
The good news is there are a variety of senior living options available today, and it’s a great choice for many older adults. If you are wondering how to pick a senior living community that’s right for you or a loved one, there are several factors to consider.
Here are some senior living community tips to consider.
Location
In real estate, location always matters. This is true when you’re considering senior living options as well. When choosing senior living, consider where you or your loved one wants to live in retirement.
Some seniors want to be near family. Others want a warm, coastal climate or a bustling, walkable city area. The cost of living, entertainment options, and population are factors for senior living selection.
Amenities and Activities
Many older adults who enter senior living communities are still active. They’re interested in amenities like fitness centers and social activities.
Taking a tour of a senior living community is a good way to see what all they have to offer. Some senior living communities have salon services, housekeeping, movies, a garden area, and more.
Consider the activities you or your loved one have an interest in as you choose the best options in senior living.
Comfort and Security
It’s important to consider the level of care and services you need now and may need in the future. Although you want to maintain a high level of independence now, you may want to consider a community that offers memory care or additional assisted living services, too.
Some senior living communities offer care at varying levels of need. These senior communities are designed to meet the individual needs of the residents.
A quality senior living staff should ensure residents receive comfort, care, and safety. The guidelines for a senior living community should include measures such as staff training, secure access, and a low staff-to-patient ratio.
A Social Network
Social isolation can be a major issue for seniors. It a common reason older adults opt to live in senior living communities. Social interraction is fundamantal for good mental health.
Senior living communities are often a good option for seniors who lack companionship and support. Many senior living communities do a wonderful job of keeping residents active and engaging with others.
Regular activities can help improve a senior’s quality of life. Senior living can provide a wonderful solution for older adults who live alone, providing genuine support in a welcoming community.
Nutritious Meals
Many seniors face a time in life when planning and cooking meals become a difficult chore. They may not be able to get out and shop or have someone to shop, plan, or cook for them.
Seniors may begin skipping meals or forgetting to eat regularly. Their nurtition and health may suffer as a result. Quality nutrition is essential for good health.
Senior living communities understand the importance of nutrition for seniors and provide balanced, delicious meals each day. Mealtime becomes an enjoyable time of day full of laughter and conversation with friends.
A Community Setting
The transition to senior living is a big step for any senior. Moving to a lovely, peaceful setting can make the move easier.
A quality senior living community provides a warm, loving environment for residents. Seniors experience the comforts of home among a community of friends.
They get to enjoy their independence and receive the personalized care they need to live their best lives. It’s good to know that your loved one will be safe and comfortable in their new surroundings.
Individualized Care
Every senior adult in a senior living community is different. They have many different care needs and varying levels of independence.
A quality senior living staff considers the needs of each resident and the best ways to meet those needs. The goal is to offer the support a senior needs to thrive in the senior living community.
Types of individualized care residents can receive include:
- Help with meals
- Assistance with medication
- Personal hygiene
- Behavior monitoring
The staff focuses on providing personalized care and providing additional assistance if or when the need arises.
Fitness and Wellness
Older adults who get little to no physical activity can decline in health faster than those who exercise regularly. Physical activity keeps seniors active and benefits their muscles and bones.
Regular exercise can improve balance and reduce the likelihood of falling. It helps seniors improve their cognitive function and stay healthier longer. From swimming to walking to aerobics, there’s so much you can do as an older adult to stay fit and healthy.
Exercise and group activities can strengthen relationships and provide a fun way to socialize.
Reputation
It’s important to do your research about senior living communities in your area. They are not all alike. They may offer different levels of care, services, and amenities.
The prices for senior living communities can vary depending on the specific care needs of the individual and the services provided. Many senior living communities include the costs of housekeeping, utilities, and fitness activities in their monthly rates, but this isn’t always the case.
Be sure to do your research, talk to people, and read reviews before making a final decision. A quality senior living community should have staff who are willing to answer your questions and find the right level of care services for you.
Consider Your Senior Living Options
The decision to move a family member to a senior living community is difficult for everyone involved. Consider senior living options as you follow these guidelines for a senior living community.
Think about the needs of your loved one, the lifestyle they’re accustomed to, and the amenities they need when making a final decision. A quality senior living staff will evaluate your loved one’s health and physical abilities before offering individualized care services.
At Greenwood Place, our dedicated team members will do all we can to ensure your loved one receives the best care possible.
Contact Greenwood Place Assisted Living and Memory Care today to learn more.
