Choosing a senior living community for your loved one is a tremendous undertaking. You aren’t just finding them somewhere to live; you are choosing a community where they can age in place, make new connections, and live a full, engaging life despite any challenges they may have in their later years.
Many caregivers are hesitant to choose a senior living facility because of how medical and impersonal it feels. On the other hand, senior living communities offer welcoming, beautiful living spaces with amenities, activities, events, and support from professional staff that keep residents happy and safe. Consider these six factors before deciding on a senior living community for your loved one.
1- Location
The location of a community will impact the level of access a resident has to restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and even healthcare. Consider the community’s distance to local hospitals, doctor’s offices, and any specialists your loved one needs.
You can also consider the distance to your home to make visits easier. Many residents feel happier knowing that their family is close by.
Also consider the location’s access to parks, restaurants, shops, and entertainment. The neighborhood is really an extension of the community, so it’s important to feel comfortable and safe in the area.
2- Medical Support
Senior living communities have varying levels of medical care. Some only offer assisted living accommodations while others have a specialized staff who can provide ongoing support and memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Having access to trained caregivers and nurses can give you confidence as you choose the right home for your loved one. And if you are looking for a community to live in yourself, you may have greater peace of mind knowing there is a trained staff who will be able to accommodate any medical needs you have going forward.
3- Staff
The staff at any senior living community should make you feel happy and welcome from the first meeting. They will go above and beyond to offer education, support, and guidance to ensure that the community is the best fit for you and your loved one.
Consider the staff that residents interact with on a daily basis; is there a custodial staff, security, dining staff, and resident attendants? Are there caretakers who provide assistance with mobility, dressing, or eating?
You should never feel like “just another number” at a senior living community. You and your loved one deserve to be treated with care, compassion, respect, and dignity.
4- Amenities
Amenities are what make a community stand out. Because so many seniors in assisted living facilities cannot commute on their own, they need to have easy access to entertainment and resources on their property.
Look for a community that gives access to great amenities at the cost of rent; this can include parks, a garden, a BBQ area, a pool, a gym, a salon and barber shop, a movie theater, and more.
5- Community Feeling
Another important consideration is how you and your loved one feel in the community. The atmosphere should be peaceful, inviting, and welcoming. Examine the condition of the property and communal spaces, as well as the interactions between staff and residents. You want your loved one to feel at home here.
6- Apartment Styles
Senior living spaces should be comfortable and cozy, and feature safety features that help prevent falls and injury. Look for assistive accommodations such as walk-in or roll-in showers, grab rails by the toilet, and touch-activated stoves. Consider the condition of the apartment and whether it suits your loved one’s style, and ensure that it offers room for personalization so they can make the space feel like home.
