As people get older, it can provide peace of mind to choose a senior living community that will help them to maintain their independence for as long as possible, while at the same time maintaining their safety and wellbeing. It’s a good idea to start thinking about potential senior living communities as early as possible, as you’ll want to allow yourself the opportunity to choose the one that feels right for you.

What to look for in a senior living community

According to Brightview Senior Living, some of the most common reasons for choosing a senior living community are access to care, assistance, daily programs, socialization, quality meals, and safety/security. These are the factors that make up the quality of life for the person living in the community, and that provides peace of mind for the family, too.

Access to care

One of the reasons that are often the most pressing when people are choosing a senior living community is access to care. As we age it’s common to develop health conditions or begin to have problems with mobility which means that we need regular care to help to keep us healthy and maintain our independence. It’s important that the care provided in a senior living community is professional, and respects the independence and overall wellbeing of the people in the community at the same time. Residents should know that help is on hand, but it shouldn’t be the defining factor of their day.

Assistance

Another great way that a good senior living community helps its residents to maintain their independence and quality of life is to provide assistance with tasks where needed. For example, a resident might need help with transportation to meet friends or attend social events, or they might need help keeping their home clean and in good repair. It’s important to find a community where understanding what assistance will improve residents quality of life is a priority.

Daily programs

Giving older adults daily programs of events that they can engage with helps them to feel part of a community, gives them the opportunity to engage and have fun, and also allows them to build a positive daily routine. Building a daily routine is essential for maintaining a sense of safety, and can also be beneficial for maintaining memory.

Quality meals

What we feed ourselves is one of the most important ways that we can look after ourselves. As people age they burn fewer calories, so typically they need to eat less, which makes it all the more important that the food they eat is highly nutrient-dense. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains and lean sources of protein is highly beneficial. Food isn’t all about nutrition though, it’s there to be enjoyed! It’s important that senior living communities provide a varied menu so that residents can continue to enjoy mealtimes, and have agency over what they are eating.

Safety and security

Finally, it’s essential that residents of senior living communities are safe. Accommodations and communal areas should be designed with mobility and safety in mind, particularly in memory care communities.

Shift Frequency © 2021 – How to Choose a
Senior Living Community