What to Look for When Researching Senior Living Communities
Senior living communities are safe and supportive communities for seniors to get the most out of their retirement years. Many seniors consider such communities when they can no longer live comfortably and safely on their own. Sometimes, their families also take the lead on planning.
Whether you’re exploring senior living communities for yourself or a family member, here are a few helpful research tips:
Available Care Programs
All senior living communities are different. Some offer one or two living options to help seniors at a specific life stage. Others cater to multiple seniors across several living programs.
Think about what you or your loved one needs to get the most out of every day while feeling supported. Many of the most highly regarded communities offer Memory Care, Assisted Living, and Independent Living to help as many seniors as possible during their retirement years.
Services Offered
Most seniors know what they need help with to feel like they’re getting the most out of every day. You might be struggling with housekeeping, home maintenance, or preparing meals and snacks. You might also find it increasingly difficult to maintain personal hygiene and grooming.
Once you know where you’re struggling, you may find it easier to research the most appropriate senior living communities. Many standout communities with dedicated care teams offer a variety of convenient services across multiple living programs, including:
- Housekeeping
- Apartment maintenance and repairs
- Linen and laundry services
- Daily living assistance (dressing, grooming, hygiene, and more)
- Medication management
- Scheduled transportation
Accommodation Options
You might be more than comfortable in your own home, but that doesn’t mean it fulfills all your requirements. You may find more desirable and suitable accommodations in a highly-regarded senior living community.
Many communities have purpose-built senior living apartments and studios for their residents across all living programs. Most have safety-equipped bathrooms, comfortable bedroom areas, and safety features like pull cords and pendants. In Assisted Living and Independent Living, you may also have your own kitchenette for meals and snacks.
Meals and Snacks
We all deserve to eat delicious food that nourishes our bodies and makes us happy. Don’t expect less than the best when choosing your preferred senior living community to call home. Ask about what meal times look like and whether residents cook their own meals or they’re provided.
You can also question ingredient quality and freshness to be sure that you or your loved one will be served nutritious, delicious, and visually appealing meals.
Socialization Opportunities
Many seniors can feel isolated as they get older, especially if they’re not as social or mobile as they used to be. If they experience transport limitations, attending special events, activities, and hobbies isn’t always easy.
That’s why learning about specific communities’ socialization opportunities can be important. The more activities, classes, and events you can participate in, the more friends you can make, and the more socially fulfilled you may feel.
Safety
Safety can be a significant factor in why many seniors start exploring senior living communities. Families can also get involved, realizing their loved one is at risk of falls or other serious incidents. Don’t be afraid to factor community safety into your decision.
Ask about safety features, policies, and measures each community has in place, such as safety rails, wheelchair accessibility, and emergency call systems.
Learn More About The Westmore Senior Living
There can be much to consider before choosing where to live your retirement years. Once you’ve considered these factors above, you may have a far smaller list of options to choose from.
Why not schedule a tour of The Westmore Senior Living? Our vibrant community in Westworth Village could be the safe, secure, and welcoming home you’ve been looking for. Book your visit today.