6 Things to Look for in a Senior Living Community
When choosing the right senior living community, there are many factors that both the potential resident and their loved ones need to take into consideration like weight loss.
Some of the most significant benefits of moving to a retirement home include the many amenities available and the extra assistance for daily tasks and emergency medical needs. Therefore, when seeking out the right community for yourself or your loved one, you want to ensure you choose a new home that provides a good level of care while also offering comforts that make life easier.
Below, we’ve gathered a list of things to look out for when touring your potential retirement community to ensure it checks all the right boxes, so keep reading to learn more.
If you have a loved one considering moving into a retirement community, click this page to learn more about the options available in St. Catherines, ON.
- Friendly and helpful staff
One of the most important aspects of a retirement home’s environment is how the staff interact with the residents and each other. When you tour the retirement home, take note of their behaviour- are they friendly? Do they offer assistance to residents willingly? Also, do they look as if they enjoy their work?
It’s essential for family members of those moving into retirement to note how helpful the staff was during the tour and consultation process of selecting the right home. You want to be sure you’ll have an easy time getting a hold of community staff and that they will do their best to ensure a smooth transition for the person moving in.
- A full activity calendar
While those moving into senior living communities often seek a low-key, easy-going lifestyle, it’s still important for them to have access to amenities, events and activities to keep busy throughout the day.
Many retirement communities focus on providing a full roster of events and activities that get all residents involved, such as game nights, fitness classes, live entertainment and other fun and active pastimes.
A full activity calendar ensures that you or your loved one will have regular opportunities to socialize, pick up a new skill, perfect an old one, enjoy the culture and continue living life to the fullest.
It’s recommended that you take a moment to examine the events calendar for each retirement home you scope out and consider whether the place provides activities and entertainment you’re likely to enjoy.
- A delicious and diverse menu
Seniors who have spent their adult years cooking for themselves may find it difficult to switch to cuisine someone else prepares. Therefore, ensuring that the communities you’re exploring can provide meals you or your loved one will enjoy is essential.
Good retirement homes generally provide high-quality meals and diverse menu options, allowing residents to try foods from different cultures and regions. They will also try to accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences as requested.
If you eat a strict diet or have food sensitivities, examine the food offerings of each home you visit and prioritize those with the most suitable options. You can also speak to the staff at each retirement community for more details regarding dietary needs.
- Good reviews and reputation
Choosing a retirement community is a long-term commitment, so knowing your chosen community’s reputation and noting any positive or negative reviews is essential.
For example, a home with a high turnaround for residents may be a concern, especially if reviews state a history of mistreatment, a lack of comfort or difficulty settling in. You should ask many detailed questions when touring the grounds to gauge the overall atmosphere.
Also, note how the retirement home responds to reviews on websites like Google or Indeed. If the company tends to reply negatively, that can say a lot about how the retirement home is managed.
- Access to emergency healthcare services
As older persons continue to age, they may experience more health problems that can be a cause for concern. In this case, they must have access to medical services should an emergency arise.
The best retirement homes offer emergency response 24/7 in case such issues arise. Also, depending on the category of retirement home you’re considering (i.e., assisted living), other base-level medical care should be provided, such as administration of medication and hygiene assistance.
- Wellness programs and resources
We want our older loved ones to age gracefully, and by prioritizing their health and wellness, they can enjoy much longer lives in the comfort of their new home. Therefore, when touring your chosen retirement homes, look at the wellness programs and resources available for the residents.
Fitness classes, walking groups, outdoor activities, therapy sessions and other similar offerings will give you or your loved one more chances to stay physically active, keep your mind sharp and positively impact your mental health.
Conclusion
There are many things to consider when selecting the right retirement community, not just when it comes to practical components but also in retaining the comforts of home and a healthy lifestyle.
The next time you tour retirement home grounds, inquire about the different amenities and services offered and take note of the atmosphere. By following these guidelines, we’re sure you and your loved one will find the right retirement home for your needs.