How to Choose the Right Senior Living Community for Your Needs
Since the CDC reports nearly 1.2 million licensed beds in senior housing communities across the US, choosing a community for your loved one to sleep can be challenging.
After all, they'll be doing far more than sleep there. Communities need to have amenities that keep cognition up and activities that boost quality of life.
Here, we'll talk about some things to keep in mind when choosing a senior living community. Read on to start evaluating senior communities to make an informed decision.
Choose the Right Type of Senior Living Community
Finding senior housing must begin with defining what type of care your loved one needs. There are three types of communities to consider when choosing senior housing.
The first, active independent senior living, is ideal for older adults who are still capable of caring for themselves. Residents control their own daily routines and make autonomous lifestyle choices to enhance their quality of life.
Those in an independent senior living community have the chance to meet new people within a vibrant community. They can personalize living spaces and attend dozens of different on-site calendar events.
This, combined with housekeeping and laundry services, makes it easy for residents to make the most of each day.
Assisted living is a common care option for seniors who need some additional help. Residents can get assistance with:
- Choosing outfits
- Getting dressed
- Personal hygiene tasks (e.g., brushing teeth and hair)
- Bathing and showering
- Medication management
- Moving around the community
- Planning and preparing meals
These tasks go hand-in-hand with the same housekeeping and laundry assistance that those in independent living get. Seniors get the care they need while remaining as self-sufficient as possible with unique care plans.
Memory care is a specialized type of assisted living that focuses on helping seniors with memory problems. Cognitive decline stems from many causes, including:
- Alzheimer's
- Dementia
- Parkinson's
If your loved one requires memory care, they'll get all of the benefits of assisted living. They'll also access features like:
- Highly trained care professionals who have specifically studied memory problems in seniors
- Nutrition and dining plans
- One-on-one enrichment activities
- Extra cognitive enhancement activities in group settings
- Enhanced safety and convenience features
Once you decide on the type of care your loved one needs, it's time to look for communities that can provide it.
Look for Local Senior Living
Older adults in Trinity, FL are more likely to feel comfortable in a local Trinity community. They'll be able to:
- Venture out into familiar surroundings
- Make appointments with current doctors
- See family and friends regularly
Local communities also make the transition easier by removing the most difficult parts of moving. Families won't need to cross city or state lines to find great care for their elderly loved ones.
Look for Online Information
At Discovery Village Trinity, we're already familiar with the reasons we stand out from other local communities. Resident testimonials comment on:
- Staff compassion and credentials
- A successful move-in process
- A new-looking, well-appointed building
- The fun activities and calendar events
- How the community feels like a family
However, you don't need to take our word for it. Reading online reviews and browsing forums makes it easier to make an informed decision about where your loved one should live.
Gather the information you need to feel confident about Discovery Village Trinity. Once you do, you can begin to talk with our professionals about why we stand out.
Finding Senior Housing Solutions With Community Tours
Scheduling a tour of our well-appointed community is the best way to begin talking with experts about your loved one's needs. Both possible new residents and their families can take these tours.
You'll see things like our:
- Resort-style apartment setups
- Various floor plan options
- Common areas and amenities
- Caregiver-to-resident interactions
- Dining area and chef-prepared meals
Prioritize apartment amenities like:
- Comfortable furniture
- Window treatments
- Ensuite kitchenettes
- HVAC services
Look for diverse community amenities like:
- TV lounges
- Game and card rooms
- Billiards rooms
- An indoor pool and clubhouse
- On-site bars and cafes
- A coffee shop
- Outdoor relaxation areas
- Gardens on community grounds
- Pet-friendly areas
Ask Essential Questions
Asking questions while touring helps families understand what sets our community apart from other senior care communities. Some things to ask include:
- What floor plans are available?
- What does your pet policy look like?
- What types of activities can residents enjoy daily?
- Can I see a copy of the activity calendar?
- How do you ensure senior health and wellness?
- What do visits from family and friends look like?
- Are overnight guests allowed, or are there set visiting hours?
- How much does monthly rent cost?
- What is included in the base rent cost?
- Are there any extra fees for additional amenities?
You'll be able to learn what features and amenities your loved one will get. You also will have more logistical information needed for a smooth financial transition.
Make sure that your older loved one also gets the chance to ask questions about the community. They're the person who will be moving in and deserve all the information needed to make an informed decision.
Ensure Personalized Care Plans
No two older adults have precisely the same care needs. It's important to choose a community that will listen to your loved one and evaluate their individual needs.
The best senior living communities have compassionate care professionals who sit down with new residents and their families. They listen to the things that the senior struggles with and get information on what they can do independently.
Then, they'll work with families to create a personally tailored care plan for the new resident. Over time as needs change, this plan will adapt to new needs. Good communities will keep families informed of changes and updates.
Implement Retirement Living Tips in Florida
Now that you know the ins and outs of finding senior housing solutions, it's time to find a community where parents or grandparents can thrive.
Discovery Village Trinity is the best senior living community in Florida because of our individually-tailored care plans and accessible, high-quality amenities.
Our community is designed with seniors and their unique needs in mind, so contact us to learn more about the supportive and engaging environment that we nurture.