How to Choose the Best Assisted Living for Your Loved One
/Reaching advanced age is a gift that allows someone to reflect on a life full of experiences while enjoying new ones. The free time of retirement and the wisdom of a life well lived create the perfect opportunity for self-discovery, learning new skills and getting the most out of every day. However, aging also presents unfavorable changes in physical ability, mobility and mental acuity. Watching your aging parent or loved one experience these changes can be upsetting or even frightening. Fortunately, the right assisted living community can help them manage their changing needs so that they can enjoy their golden years in the way they deserve.
Assisted living is a level of senior care that provides an aging person support with mobility and activities of daily living such as dressing, eating, grooming, hygiene and taking medication. However, unlike common depictions of “nursing homes” in film and television, qualified assisted living communities create vibrant, active, joy-filled lifestyles by providing support only where it is needed. This allows residents to live as independently as possible knowing that their needs will be met. If you are researching assisted living for your parent or loved one and need some guidance in selecting the best option, here are a few things to look for.
24-Hour Licensed Staffing
Assisted living can only maximize a resident’s independence if their various needs can be met as they arise. This requires that trained and licensed staff be present around the clock. Some communities might not have licensed aides working overnight shifts; this means that the night staff may not be equipped to provide the level of care that every resident needs. 24-hour licensed staffing ensures peace of mind for both residents and their families.
A Variety of Amenities
A robust variety of amenities helps contribute to a well-balanced and engaging life in assisted living. Amenities can go a long way in making every day of retirement more fulfilling and idyllic. For example, an in-home gym is often considered a rare luxury for those living at home, so look for a community with on-site fitness rooms. This creates an opportunity for a healthy and active lifestyle with the convenience and privacy of a fitness space that is not open to the public. Other amenities to look for might include a sundry shop, onsite chiropractors or massage therapists, a complimentary coffee bar or a library.
Engaging Programming
Staying engaged in assisted living is important for a happy life, so be sure to seek an assisted living community with a full calendar of recreational, social and educational activities. These diverse offerings encourage healthy aging and make every day feel new and different. If you take a tour of the community, be sure to ask both staff and residents alike about the activities they offer.
