Why Assisted Living Is A Wise Choice
Assisted Living: Making a Wise Choice
Whether you’re moving from your own home or from an independent living apartment, seniors transitioning into assisted living have many questions…and fears. There’s the physical stress of moving. Breaking the emotional ties to your home of many years. The worry about relying on others. A fear of the unknown. If that’s how you feel, you’re not alone.
The best time to move to assisted living is while your health is at its most optimal. That way you’ll have time to make a well-considered choice and settle into a community, taking the stress out of the change for you and your family. As you look at communities, keep an eye to the future, just in case your needs increase.
When you’re first starting your search, separate your must-haves from the nice-to-haves. What’s important to you?
Wellness
Your health should be priority one. An excellent assisted living community like Tiffany Springs Senior Living Community will collaborate with your personal physician, specialists, and family members to develop a unique care plan to fit your individual needs. If your health changes, the plan can be modified. You’ll also need trained, experienced staff watching out for you, alert to any warning signs. Your assisted living care team should include the expertise of:
- A medical director
- Licensed clinical nursing staff
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapists
Personal care
You might not need all of these now, but assisted living offers help with one or more of the following: bathing, dressing, mobility, incontinence, and medication reminders. You’ll want to find out if your community provides:
- Licensed nursing staff 24/7
- Personal care assistance available around the clock
- A call response system
Nutrition
If you’ve been having mobility issues, chances are you’re cutting corners with your diet. As your body ages, your ability to absorb nutrients lessens, making good food choices even more critical. In the long run, bad nutrition impacts your health putting you at higher risk for chronic diseases. For those reasons, Tiffany Springs Senior Living Community offers:
- Three meals prepared with fresh, locally sourced food
- A registered dietitian
- Allowances for special dietary needs
Fitness
As you tour a community, don’t miss visiting the workout areas. Even if you’re not a person who regularly exercises, having a fitness facility just steps away can change that. Our community accommodates seniors of all abilities with specially designed equipment. Look for:
- Roomy gyms with plenty of clean equipment
- Pool and Jacuzzi
- Walking trails
- Therapy gym, a big plus
Security
Feeling safe is one of the main reasons seniors decide to live in a retirement community. Make sure your assisted living community has:
- Front desk staff, 24-hour security, and after-hours controlled access
- Enclosed, gated courtyards
- Documented emergency plans and procedures
- Working call systems
- Modifications throughout for ease of mobility
Social Life
Senior living communities were built to combat loneliness. Whether you’re more outgoing or feel most at ease in a smaller group, you’ll find access to fellow residents and caring staff boosts your positive outlook and sense of well-being. Look for assisted living communities with:
- Cultural, social, and educational activities that interest you
- Common and outdoor areas with comfortable couches and casual eating
- Resident/Family interactive activity calendar with smartphone app
Services
One of the nicest advantages of assisted living is not having to worry about chores and repairs anymore. In a no buy-in community like ours, important services like these are covered in your monthly rent:
- Housekeeping, laundry, and linen service
- Onsite maintenance
- Concierge, valet, and transportation services
Amenities
Is the building designed well? Will you have easy access to:
- Game rooms
- Creative studios
- Gardens and outdoor spaces
Location
If you’ve been in the same neighborhood for years, target that area first. But if nothing appeals to you, expand your search to communities located near medical facilities, shopping, and entertainment.
Pets
Last in this list, but crucial for many: Can you bring your pet? And if so, are there outdoor areas to walk your dog or accessible grooming areas? We know how pet lovers feel. Tiffany Springs Senior Living Community has a dog park and a dog washing station for just that reason.
Your research may start online, but once you narrow your list, experience the community first hand by scheduling a tour. Not only will you find out if the photos and information live up to what you’ve seen in brochures and on the website, you’ll get a sense for the atmosphere.
We invite you to set up a personal tour of Tiffany Springs Senior Living Community’s assisted living apartments, amenities, and services any time.