It can be extremely complicated to search for a new home due to the numerous factors that play a role, and when you are looking for senior living communities, things get that much more complex. After all, you need to find a good balance between assistive care and independent living. As you embark on the journey of looking for senior living accommodations, here are four qualities to look for.
Location
You will want to locate a facility that is nearby so that it will be easy for friends and family to visit regularly. Talk to the administration about curfews and visiting hours. In addition, you will want to ensure that the community is close to a grocery store, doctors' offices, and other necessities. Some facilities offer weekly group outings for appointments and shopping, but it is always ideal if these necessities can be accessed individually with ease.
Social Activities
Socialization is key to improved quality of life, and it can help boost memory, mood, and overall health. Many senior communities will offer social events to ensure the residents remain active and to help introduce new residents to the rest of the community. So, look for a community that has a variety of classes and activities like art, history, yoga, dancing, music, and more. If religion and spirituality is of importance to your loved one, find out of the facility has scripture study, prayer groups, or other religion-based groups or activities.
Safety Considerations
When choosing a retirement community for a senior loved one, safety is of utmost importance. When an aging loved one is living independently, they are at risk of choking, falling, and a number of other hazards. In a senior living community, the staff should be available around-the-clock in the event of an emergency and there should be an on-duty guard and surveillance cameras for the safety and security of the residents. You should also look for ramps, grab bars, wide elevators, and automatic doors since these can help in the prevention of accidents.
Facilities
You should never choose a community without taking a tour of the entire grounds first. During the tour, keep an eye out to ensure that everything looks like it is well-kept, clean, and comfortable. The common areas should be warm and inviting with amenities like a courtyard, living area, laundry room, and dining room. Find out about dining options and whether meal plans are available, even if this particular form of assistance is not needed at this point in time, as it may be in the future. Don't forget to inquire about the amenities in the individual living quarters like a bathroom, kitchenette, etc.
For more information, contact senior living communities in your area to start scheduling tours.