Decoding the Essential Features of Assisted Living for Seniors
After decades of working hard and caring for your family and others, your senior loved one deserves all the benefits of a happy retirement. One way for them to embrace their golden years with grace and happiness is to be in the care of a local assisted living community.
In the U.S. alone, assisted living communities provide senior care solutions to almost a million residents daily. Most residents and their family members are happy and satisfied with the care provided by these communities.
But what are the essential features of senior assisted living communities that make them ideal elderly housing options?
This guide explores the top answers to that question, so please read on.
Proximity to Family and Friends
Being close to family and friends is crucial when deciding where to retire. That's because your senior loved one will likely want to see you, your other family members, and friends often.
Indeed, most people in the U.S. value being close to and living near family, according to a Gallup survey. Living in a community close to family is at least somewhat important to three in four adults. For one-third of people, such a living arrangement is "very important."
So, when choosing assisted senior living options, factor in a community's location. If regular visits are crucial to you and your senior loved one, consider one you can easily visit.
Suppose you live in or near Prairie Village, KS. In that case, consider a top-rated community like Addington Place of Prairie Village.
On-Site Care and Support Services
Most assisted living residents don't need 24-hour skilled nursing care services. However, they often require some help with Activities of Daily Living (ADL), while others also need memory care.
Most types of assisted living communities provide supportive services for ADL, including:
- Personal hygiene, such as bathing
- Grooming and dressing
- Medication management
- Eating
- Weekly housekeeping
If your senior loved one has memory impairments, such as dementia or Alzheimer's, please choose a community that provides memory care services. These communities have professional and knowledgeable caregivers trained for memory-related issues. They provide tailored care plans for each resident's cognitive and physical stimulation needs.
Quality Dining
Aging causes changes in one's nutritional and dietary needs. For example, the body absorbs nutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin B12 less effectively. The need for calories also decreases in older people.
The good news is that assisted living communities provide quality dining programs. They have culinary teams that craft healthy, delicious meals. They base and tailor these on the residents' specific nutritional needs.
Residents can enjoy their meals in a warm, inviting, restaurant-style atmosphere. They can eat with their friends, which helps them stay socially active. They can also opt for in-room dining if they want quality time alone.
Daily Social and Physical Activities
Social and physical activities promote healthier aging and let seniors connect with others. They also help older adults lead an active lifestyle, which research says may provide the following benefits:
- A lower likelihood of developing diseases like heart disease, dementia, and stroke
- A happier, longer life
- Improvements in thinking abilities
Assisted living communities like Addington Place of Prairie Village offer many daily activities. These include educational classes, games like mahjong, and outings at local landmarks and restaurants. Fitness programs and art and music therapy are also available.
The best communities also have beautiful outdoor spaces like courtyards and walking paths. Residents can enjoy fresh air and nature in a safe and secure environment.
Pet-Friendliness
Does your older loved one have a pet or want one?
If so, look for a pet-friendly assisted living community for your loved one. Addington Place of Prairie Village is a perfect example, as it welcomes pets like cats and dogs.
Living with a pet can benefit your loved one since pets provide emotional and social support. Studies have shown that they can help reduce loneliness and improve the quality of life of older adults. They also give owners more opportunities to exercise and engage in outdoor activities.
Chauffeured Transportation
Chauffeured transportation helps older adults safely travel to and fro the community. They may need this service when they need to do some grocery shopping or attend medical check-ups. They may also wish to do some sightseeing or visit their family and friends outside the community.
Residents can enjoy even more freedom to live in the moment with a chauffeur. They can also worry less about driving challenges and risks, as an expert driver will do it on their behalf.
Private and Secure Home-Like Setting
Even if your loved one doesn't require help with ADL, it's still crucial for them to live in a private, safe, and secure environment.
You can expect all those at Addington Place of Prairie Village, which offers the following apartment options:
- One-bedroom apartment
- One-bedroom deluxe apartment
- Suite apartment
- Deluxe suite apartment
All apartments feature spacious closets, non-slip flooring, proper lighting, grab bars, and handrails. The community also has a 24/7 security and emergency call system that highly trained certified caregivers monitor. Entrances and outdoor spaces are also secure, giving residents and their families more peace of mind.
Each apartment has amenities and services that make it feel like a home away from home. These include a refrigerator/freezer, kitchenette, microwave, air conditioning, cable, and window treatments. Wi-Fi is also available, so your loved one can surf the net, stay in touch with you and their friends on social media, or play brain-boosting online games.
Consider These Essential Features of Senior Assisted Living Communities
A location near family and friends, on-site care services, quality dining, and daily activities are all essential features of senior assisted living communities. They also make residents feel welcome, safe, and secure in a home-like setting.
Addington Place of Prairie Village is proud to offer all those features (and more!). We also cater to residents who need memory or respite care. Our highly trained staff will care for your loved one with expertise and compassion.
So, if you're ready to help your loved one transition to assisted living, call us today! We look forward to sharing how our community's first-class services and amenities can help them enjoy their golden years.