Did you know that there are over 800,000 Americans residing in assisted living communities?
Senior community living can be a fantastic choice for many people. Not only will they have 24/7 help, but they can also keep their independence and even achieve a better quality of life.
Senior communities have to be able to attract people by being as supportive and valuable as they can. Usually, they can offer a far better lifestyle for people, meaning they can enjoy life well into old age.
It’s not uncommon for them to offer an array of daily activities or outside trips. They also usually offer in-house fitness facilities and sometimes even salons and cafes.
But deciding whether to move into a senior living complex is a big decision. It shouldn’t be taken lightly as, after all, this is somewhere to enjoy the golden years of retirement.
In this article, we’re going to give you tips on how to find the best senior community to live in. We’ll take you through what makes a great senior living community and how to filter out the bad ones.
Read on for more information.
1. Understand Their Needs
Before you take Mom or Dad around some communities in your area, you first need to be clear on the level of care they’ll need.
For example, some facilities may just offer assisted living which is ideal for those who need a bit of help with everyday tasks. Others can offer this, plus specialized help such as memory care.
This is for individuals who are suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.
This conversation may be difficult to have, but it’s essential that you do it. It’s common for people to be stubborn and they may deny needing specialized care.
If this occurs or you feel like you need support, ask your doctor to give their opinion and support. This will take the pressure off you, and you won’t be considered the ‘bad guy.’
2. Ask About Amenities
As we’ve mentioned before, one of the major benefits of these communities is the available amenities. In fact, besides care, amenities can be a major factor for people when choosing where to live.
It can be similar to choosing a hotel for your vacation. If the hotel offers a swimming pool, gym, salon, restaurant, free airport transfers, etc then you’re going to feel looked after. You’ll have lots to do, and everything is close by.
This is the same for residential communities.
When touring one you like, take note of all the amenities available and ask staff for details. Remember to also ask about laundry services and housekeeping as these are vital.
A place with great amenities will keep your Mom or Dad entertained and reduce the risk of isolation. This is, of course, important for their wellbeing and mental health.
3. Make Sure It’s Clean
Pictures of these places will show it off in a good light and give you a good impression. But you should pay close attention to the cleanliness of the place when you go for a tour.
It’s likely the reception area will be spotless, but you should look at rooms and communal areas. It’s also worth looking out for cleaning staff and asking about hygiene controls.
Poor hygiene and cleanliness is a serious problem as elderly people are more susceptible to illnesses. The last thing you want is for Mom or Dad to become ill.
4. Ask About Safety and Security
These are two factors that should be highly prioritized.
Elderly people can feel vulnerable due to limited mobility. It’s common for them to suffer falls and have accidents. If Mom or Dad were to suffer from a fall, how would they get help? Who would know they’ve fallen?
These are things you should keep in mind as you tour the facility. You should also see if the place has been adapted in any way. For example, are there ramps or stairs? Are there handrails on the walls?
If there’s not, you should ask why not and whether they can be fitted. You should also ask what happens when situations like this occur and what do they do to prevent them?
The next thing you should ask about is security. When you arrive, you should feel safe.
The first thing to look for is outer security. Can anyone walk onto the premises or is it gated? Could you walk in the building or did you need to be let in by staff?
Once inside, take note of how many cameras you can see, and how many doors and windows are unlocked.
We advise you to ask the staff about security as well. Not only regarding keeping unwanted people out, but for keeping residents inside. This applies to those who suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia as they could be hurt by wondering outside.
If you don’t feel the residence prioritizes safety and security, don’t consider it.
How To Choose Senior Community Living Places
We hope you have enjoyed reading our article and that these tips can be beneficial to you. Choosing a senior community living residence is something that takes time and consideration.
These tips are a guide to help you choose the best place for Mom or Dad. Remember to be observant when touring and don’t be afraid to ask difficult questions. After all, you should feel at ease knowing they’re safe.
Finally, if you want to view our complex in Sarasota Florida, schedule a tour with us today.
