5 Things to Look for in a Seniors Residence
(Photo : 5 Things to Look for in a Seniors Residence)

In many ways, finding the right seniors' residence for your loved one can feel like an overwhelming task, especially with so many options out there. When it comes down to it, you want to make sure that the seniors' residence you ultimately end up choosing matches their lifestyle and also offers services that meet their needs such as memory care . To help with this, ask yourself these 5 simple questions:

1. What Types of Activities Do They Offer?

Physical and mental activity are two of the most important factors to overall well-being. When you're choosing a seniors' residence, make sure that they offer physical and mental activities that your parent or loved one will enjoy. 

Physical activities that some residences offer include:

  • Chair yoga

  • Gardening

  • Group hikes

Meanwhile, activities that stimulate the mind should also be high on the priority list, including:

  • Group art therapy

  • Boardgame nights

  • Music concerts

Factors like the location of the residence, their resources, and who their activity director is will affect the types of activities that a residence can offer. Make sure that their offerings match your loved one's interests. 

2. What Are Their Amenities?

Make sure that the seniors residence includes amenities that free up seniors' time and allows them to maximize their downtime and leisure. Many assisted living retirement homes offer laundry and room cleaning services, as well as top-tier dining options. This means that your mother or father won't have to worry about spending an entire day on laundry, or having to lug groceries back and forth to cook their own meals. Instead, the staff members at the residence will take care of all that, leaving them with more time to enjoy their hobbies. 

When it comes down to it, you want to make sure that the seniors' residence you ultimately end up choosing matches their lifestyle.

3. Are They Pet Friendly?

Whether your loved one is a pet owner, or is hoping to have a pet in the future, check to make sure that the senior residence is pet-friendly. Having to give up a pet when transitioning to a new home can be absolutely devastating, so be sure that the residence you choose takes pet relationships seriously. With pets offering so many mental health benefits to seniors, many senior residences will not only allow for residents to bring a pet (free of charge), but they may also offer pet therapy for those who don't have a dog or cat of their own. 

4. What Are the Other Residents Like?

Residents will likely find themselves interacting with the staff and other residents on-site on a daily basis, so make sure that your mom or dad has a chance to meet these people before committing to a move.

When you visit the seniors' residence, spend a day there speaking to staff members. Have lunch at the residence's restaurant with your loved one, and try to strike up a conversation with the diners. Not only will this help you determine if mom or dad will be living with people they can connect with, but you'll also be doing their mental health a favor too; studies have shown that it's especially important for seniors to stay connected with the people around them in order to maintain their mental health

5. Is the Residence Designed with Accessibility in Mind?

Accessibility is a key factor in ensuring that seniors can keep their autonomy. When choosing a retirement residence, make sure that they're designed with accessibility in mind. Simple things to look for include:

  • Wide, shallow steps to make stair navigation easier

  • Multiple ramps for those who are unable to use stairs

  • Wide doorways to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs

While your parent may currently have no mobility issues, it's important to plan for the future. Living in a seniors' community is a long-term decision, so look for one that will allow them to be as independent as possible as they age in place. 

By answering these 5 questions, you'll be guaranteeing that your parent or loved one is settling in the right place, which will ensure peace of mind for both of you.

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