What To Know When Choosing a Senior Living Community

When we think of a senior living community, we are likely to have an outdated vision of what they look like. Gone are the days of linoleum floors, fluorescent lighting, and other hospital-like decorations. Senior living communities in today’s age are nothing like what they used to be. In fact, senior living communities, whether assisted or independent, are focused on progressive approaches, meaning their facilities are set up similarly to community hotels to promote the overall emotional and physical health of their residents.

Today, there are endless choices for senior living communities that take this empowering approach. Although, narrowing down your options to a community that suits your needs best can be a daunting task. Balfour Senior Living’s expert staff have compiled a list of areas to focus on when researching an assisted or independent senior living community for yourself or your loved one. Read below for the seven main topics to ask about when searching and finding a community to book a tour for.

The Location

When considering an independent senior living community, it’s important to consider the location, just like any other real estate purchase. The location of the community can greatly impact the quality of life and how often your family comes to visit you.

Choose a location that fits your need best, for instance, a community close to a beloved city or neighborhood with strong connections or one that has a convenient commute for frequent visits. While you may not always find a community exactly in your preferred location, you can still make a decision based on how closely the location aligns with your requirements of you as well as your family. Balfour Senior Living has multiple locations in Michigan and Colorado.

The Living Options

It’s essential to assess whether the senior living community you’re considering will provide the necessary support for your loved one both currently and in the future. It’s important to keep in mind that different communities accommodate seniors in different ways. Varying communities offer various solutions for care in order to meet the unique needs of their residents. Familiarizing yourself with the available options will aid in making an informed decision. Here are a few living options you can inquire about:

1. Assisted Senior Living

Assisted senior living provides seniors with maintenance-free living but with the bonus of 24/7 access to caregivers for support and peace of mind. Many residents in assisted living require aid with some aspects of their daily routine, such as getting dressed, meal preparation, or personal grooming. These facilities cater to individuals who desire a blend of independence and assistance to enhance their quality of life. By having access to care and support at all times, residents can feel confident and secure in their daily routines.

2. Independent Senior Living

Independent senior living is designed for seniors who are looking to lead an active lifestyle, free from the responsibilities of home maintenance. These communities provide seniors with ample opportunity to pursue their interests and hobbies by offering them more time and freedom. Although independent senior living communities have staff available 24/7 for security and emergencies, they typically have fewer caregivers available on hand compared to other types of senior living. Independent living is an ideal choice for seniors who are looking for a sense of community and a low-maintenance lifestyle, while still maintaining their independence and privacy.

3. Memory Care

Memory care communities cater to individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. These facilities are equipped with specialized features and staffed by trained professionals to accommodate the unique needs and difficulties posed by these conditions. Memory care communities provide a secure and supportive environment for those with memory impairments to live comfortably and with dignity.

4. Skilled Nursing

Skilled nursing facilities provide round-the-clock medical care and assistance with activities of daily living for individuals who require a higher level of support. These facilities are staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and therapists, who provide medical treatment, rehabilitation services, and ongoing care for residents. They are ideal for seniors who need comprehensive medical attention, rehabilitation after an illness or injury, or long-term care.

Even if you choose one type of living option to begin with, many senior care communities often offer a continuum of care in case your needs change down the line, such as Balfour Senior Living.

The Costs

It’s crucial to evaluate the affordability of senior living in relation to your budget. Surprisingly, senior living communities can be more cost-effective than anticipated, especially in comparison to the expenses of in-home care. It’s essential to verify that the community’s fees align with your financial objectives.

Start by inquiring about the monthly costs and what services they include, as well as any potential additional expenses that could arise with an increase in care requirements. You can also look into ways to reduce costs by checking if the community accepts long-term care insurance or other benefits for senior living.

The Amenities

Moving into senior living means making use of the various benefits and facilities offered by the community, including opportunities for meeting new people and expanding your social circle. Studies show that seniors who experience loneliness or isolation are more prone to negative health consequences. The most significant advantage of senior living is the availability of friendly neighbors and staff.

Top-notch senior living communities foster connections between residents by offering a well-designed schedule of activities that cater to everyone’s interests. Request a copy of a senior living community’s activity calendar or look on their website to check for activities that would interest your loved one. This will help you gauge if the senior living community has an engaging program of events.

A few common activities and amenities to look for are fitness classes, spiritual programs, concerts, travel opportunities, volunteering, and social gatherings and events. These are usually indicators that the community focuses on the well-being of its residents.

The Staff

Whether you are looking for an assisted or independent senior living facility, it is vital to pay close attention to the team members who will be providing care for you or your loved one. These individuals will play a crucial role in ensuring that your daily needs are met and that you feel comfortable, safe, and well-cared for. In communities that provide assisted living or memory care, the quality of care is heavily dependent on the capabilities and expertise of the nursing staff.

To assess the quality of the staff, it’s essential to ask questions about their training and development. A community that values its caregivers and provides opportunities for them to receive comprehensive orientation and ongoing education is likely to have a well-informed and equipped team. This can translate to a higher level of care for you or your loved one and a greater peace of mind for you. Additionally, inquiring about the training and development opportunities can also demonstrate the community’s commitment to providing the best possible care to its residents.

The Meals

The task of cooking three meals a day can become overwhelming and tiring for many seniors. As you consider different senior living communities, it is important to research the dining options and plans that they offer.

Contrary to popular belief, the food served in senior living communities is often far from being bland or unappetizing. Most senior living communities take pride in serving delicious and diverse meals to their residents. To get a better understanding of the dining program, ask for their menu and look for a range of tasty and appealing options. The menu should be diverse and offer both classic dishes and new and exciting options that change with the seasons.

When you book a tour of a senior living facility and tour the dining room, take the opportunity to ask about the kitchen staff and their approach to serving residents. Balfour Senior Living offers fine dining and serves local and international cuisines such as Italian, Greek, and French. Our luxury dining rooms are welcoming and social, and provide a comfortable atmosphere. If your loved one requires a specialized menu or dining accommodations, we can also accommodate these needs.

Family Involvement

Senior living communities always encourage their residents to have their family members visit. The more family members are involved with the lives of their loved ones in senior living communities, the better it is for their overall well-being.

During your search, look to see if an assisted or independent senior living community hosts special events where family members are welcome. Ask them if their facility holds support groups for families and if they support family involvement during the process of coming up with a care plan.

Book A Tour Of Our Memory Care Or Assisted Or Independent Senior Living Facility

With our Life Enrichment program, multiple locations, 24-hour onsite caregiving staff, and culinary excellence, Balfour Senior Living can take care of all your needs. Book a tour of our memory care, assisted living facility, or independent living facility today.