Choosing an assisted living community for an aging parent or loved one is a life-changing decision. While it can be a difficult choice to make, moving to an assisted living community is often the best decision for a loved one’s health, safety, and well-being.
If you’re just beginning to look at assisted living communities, you might be feeling overwhelmed by options available. Your older loved one may also be wondering what to expect once they move in, especially if they haven’t visited a senior living community recently. To help guide your search, here is a closer look at some of the top things to expect in today’s assisted living communities.
Personalized care
Assisted living is designed for older adults who are mostly independent, but may need a little extra help or support with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, grooming, medication management, or mobility. In assisted living, residents receives the right level care and support they need to live as independently as possible.
Activities catered to residents’ interests
Many older adults fear they’ll be bored once they move to assisted living. The truth is, senior living has changed a lot in the last few decades, and today’s assisted living communities now have more activities than ever for residents to enjoy. Most assisted living communities have a team of activity coordinators who work with residents to organize activities and programs that cater to any interest. From book clubs and fitness classes to group outings to the theatre or orchestra, there’s no shortage of fun, engaging activities to find in assisted living.
Convenient Amenities
Today’s assisted living communities offer a wide variety of on-site amenities and services designed to make life easier for residents. Common amenities include housekeeping services, fitness centers, transportation services, pet-friendly spaces, and on-campus dining. Some communities even feature restaurants, beauty salons and barbershops conveniently located on the campus. When you tour local assisted living communities, be sure to ask to see a complete list of the services and amenities available.
Improved technology integration
Technology has transformed the way we live our daily lives, from how we connect with long-distance loved ones to how our medical records are managed. Now more than ever, modern assisted living communities are embracing cutting-edge technology to better serve their residents. Many assisted living communities provide flat-screen TVs in the common areas, access to computers, and high-speed Internet throughout the community. Some communities even offer classes on using the Internet, tablets and smartphones, and social media.
It’s important to remember that no two assisted living communities are exactly alike. As you begin to research and visit nearby assisted living communities, we encourage you to ask plenty of questions and take multiple tours to narrow down your choices.
