As of 2020, over a quarter of all older adults in the United States lived alone. The percentage of these individuals living alone actually increases as they get older. That means some of the most vulnerable members of the nation potentially lack the support they need to thrive.
If you are unable to live with your senior family members, then it may be in their best interest to invest in senior living facilities. These senior communities offer some of the best care options for their residents. Services range from meal planning to medical attention.
Here’s your guide to senior living community amenities and the different home options available.
Assisted Living
The first main option you have when it comes to senior residences is an assisted living community. These are lower on the list when it comes to how much help your family member gets while they’re in their care.
For example, a person living in an assisted living community might need help with daily activities such as bathing or dressing. They will often have the option of receiving grocery deliveries or even getting meals cooked for them if necessary.
The core components of quality care include personalized care plans, mental health and emotional support, and accessibility.
A personalized care plan means that every resident is given as much or as little assistance as they need. That way, they can still feel some level of independence while also relying on caregivers for certain things.
Mental health and emotional support are crucial for any resident who lives away from their family or cannot get in touch with their old friends. They may begin to feel lonely or even resentful at needing daily assistance.
Accessibility and security ensure that your loved ones are safe at all times. They shouldn’t have to worry about a lack of ramps or support bars when they need them.
Memory Care
A more comprehensive form of senior community is memory care. Memory care units are meant to support individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. These individuals require a higher level of support that families aren’t always able to provide.
A memory care community provides a secure environment with structured routines. Staff members are specially trained to handle the unique challenges residents may provide.
There are also various activities offered to help promote healthy brain function and keep residents in a good mood.
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) stimulates active thinking, concentration, and memory for residents. Music and art therapy provide avenues for expression and communication. Even physical activity programs can contribute to cognitive activity.
Senior Living Community Amenities
The kinds of senior living services offered at your loved one’s retirement community will differ from one another. Some retirement community features include pools, while others have access to nearby golf courses.
At the very least, they should have health and wellness programs, social activities, and safety features similar to a gated community.
Health and Wellness Programs
Health and wellness is all about keeping residents active and healthy. Fitness classes, such as yoga or water aerobics, are some of the best amenities for seniors hoping to stay active and healthy. The residents may also choose to organize walking groups or participate in other recreational activities.
Dining Services
One of the most important parts of caring for a senior resident is their nutritional intake. Older individuals need to drink plenty of liquids, eat foods low in cholesterol and fat, and take in a lot of nutrients without extra calories.
If a resident does not like to cook for themselves at home as often, they may have access to a dining hall where meals are served. These should be well-balanced and take into account their dietary restrictions.
Social Activities
The goal of social engagement is to support a senior’s mental and emotional well-being. Retirement communities can promote socialization through book clubs, art classes, and group outings. These activities help residents stay active, get out of the house, and spend time with other residents.
When shopping around for a community, take into account the kind of activities your loved one likes to engage in.
Transportation Services
The amenities offered by your senior living community should include senior lifestyle enhancements, such as access to transportation.
Reliable transportation services are essential, especially if a resident is incapable of driving on their own for medical reasons. On top of that, they may not have access to a loved one who can drive them wherever they need to go.
Some senior living homes provide scheduled transportation to medical appointments, shopping centers, and local attractions. This helps them maintain their independence and attend important appointments.
Security Features
Common security features at retirement homes include emergency call systems, secure entryways, and well-lit areas. Staff members are trained to handle any emergency, although they won’t have advanced medical training. Despite this, they should know the basics, such as CPR and how to care for someone while waiting for emergency services.
Pet-Friendly Policies
Some senior living communities allow pets for those who already own furry friends or wish to adopt one in the future. These often come with designated pet areas to allow for their animals to run around and do their business.
Technology Integration
Modern senior living communities may integrate technology to enhance the daily lives of their residents. One of the most popular uses of this technology is to allow residents to have video calls with their loved ones.
Organizing this on their own may prove difficult, as the residents may not own the technology or know how to use it themselves. Even something like a computer lab can allow residents to access social media and utilize telehealth services.
Choose Your Senior Living Community Wisely
Senior living community amenities are all about providing a higher quality of life for a community’s residents. It helps them maintain a certain level of independence while also promoting a healthier lifestyle.
SummerHouse Vista Shores allows residents to take in the beautiful views of New Orleans, LA. We offer two separate living options in assisted living and memory care, both of which offer plentiful amenities and a vibrant social scene. Contact us today to learn more about our apartment home pricing and other details.
