Many assisted living communities operate around the United States. Each offers a unique experience with different amenities and services. It can be tricky to know which will give you the best value for your retirement budget.
Whether you are looking for a facility for yourself or someone you love, it is important to consider the bigger picture before choosing a location. Older adults tend to have changing medical care needs. The lifestyle of someone in their 50s or 60s may be very different from someone who is over age 80.
Can the assisted living community you choose handle those changes? Do they offer what you or your loved one needs to live a happy, comfortable life?
Moving an elderly person can be a stressful process for them. It can trigger feelings of sadness or uncertainty. There can also be a physical toll for people who have health conditions. The longer a person has lived in a home, the harder it can be to leave.
When choosing a Michigan assisted living community, it is usually best to plan for the long term. You should find a place that will meet all the resident’s needs, so they are less likely to need to search for a new home later.
Woodhaven Retirement Community has a broad range of amenities with a small house concept for cozy residential living. Learn more about these common amenities then check out our website to see if we have what you or your loved one needs to thrive.
Multiple Levels of Care
You may notice different types of care mentioned when searching for retirement communities. These are available to accommodate people with different needs.
Some locations have independent living for seniors. These usually include individual rooms, apartments, or condos that are meant for living with minimal assistance. Others offer assisted living, which provides more care and services for residents that are available 24 hours a day.
Memory care is another option that is meant for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. These facilities are more secure and provide specialized services for patients with cognitive decline. Staff in a memory care facility are usually trained to support cognitive skills, sense of self, and a good quality of life.
Choosing a facility that offers multiple levels of care is convenient, especially if you are aware of a medical condition that you already have or are at risk of developing as you age.
A Welcoming Décor Style
The assisted living community should offer a welcoming décor style that makes you feel at home. Today’s facilities tend to offer a more comfortable environment. They choose furnishings and decorations that feel like a residence rather than a hospital.
Residents can typically decorate their rooms or apartments, but the facility will likely have communal spaces. You should request a tour so you can get a feel for whether the facility’s style matches your personality and expectations.
24-Hour Assistance Available
Seniors in assisted living need to have access to support every day. Accidents or problems can crop up at any time, even in the middle of the night. Make sure the facility you are looking at provides 24-hour assistance.
You should find out if staff members are available 24 hours a day. Also, ask how residents request help and what the average response time is during the day and night. A response time of approximately 5 to 10 minutes or less is usually ok.
Secure Location Built for Safety
Security and safety are a must at any retirement community. Find out what measures the facility has taken to protect the people living there. Most have cameras set up as well as locked doors. Entrances are usually monitored so unauthorized people can’t walk into the building without anyone noticing. Proper lighting inside and outside is also necessary.
The facility should have safety equipment installed in all areas, especially private rooms and communal spaces. These include things like railings, handrails, and non-slip steps. It should also be designed for people with varying mobility limitations.
For example, some residents may be able to walk, but may not be steady on their feet. There should not be any furniture or rugs in the way to cause them to trip.
Dining and Meal Service
Food costs are usually included in the fee for an assisted living community. Find out what the meal plan includes and ask about recipes. A good location will want to provide nutritious and delicious meals that residents love.
Some facilities will have on-site dining or shared dining rooms that let residents come in and socialize. Others may have transportation that will take residents to local restaurants and eateries for the occasional outing.
Active Events Calendar
One of the many benefits of moving into assisted living is the social experience. Seniors will live alongside their peers, creating opportunities for friendship. Social interaction helps prevent depression and loneliness, both of which can seriously lower a person’s quality of life.
Make sure the facility has an active events calendar. Most communities include things like group workouts, holiday dinners, birthday parties, craft sessions, book clubs, or even live music performances. Others may have seasonal activities like picnics and gardening classes during the summer.
Transportation for Off-Site Visits
Most assisted living communities have a lot of amenities located on-site, but it’s hard to account for everything a resident will need. Find out if transportation is provided for off-site visits. Many will make sure residents are able to visit their preferred doctors or explore local entertainment, shopping, or attractions.
Ask about assisted living group outings. Many senior communities take groups of residents to places for a fun day out. These are usually planned in advance and give residents another way to socialize.
Medication Management
Medication management can become difficult as a person ages. Find out if the assisted living community you are considering offers this service. Staff will provide all medications in the prescribed doses so that residents never miss a dose or take too much. It’s ideal for safety and to protect each person’s health.
Independent seniors may not need medication management right now, but it is something that might be required in their later years.
Housekeeping Service
Another great benefit that comes with assisted living is the lack of chores. All housekeeping should be handled by staff. This ensures that residents’ accommodations stay clean, tidy, and hygienic. It also frees up time to enjoy other things, like new friends or favorite hobbies.
Ask the facility how they handle housekeeping. How often are rooms cleaned? Who can residents call if there is a spill?
Learning more about assisted living will help you make an informed decision about where you or your loved one stays. Visit Woodhaven Retirement Community now to explore our amenities or to see photos of our luxurious accommodations.
