Senior living communities have come a long way from the last century. Today, they’re more like resorts than the “old folks’ homes” of the past. But as the bar is raised, it’s important to know what questions to ask during a senior living search. To help make the right choice the first time, here are several key questions to ask during a senior living search.
4 questions to ask in your senior living search
#1: What levels of care are available?
One of the most important questions many seniors want answered during their senior living search concerns the different levels of care offered at each community. While some communities offer only independent living, others like The Timbers on Blackwell Creek offer assisted living, memory care and respite care so residents can move to a higher level of care when the time comes. As noted in the health.usnews.com article, “What Are the Levels of Senior Living?,” while independent living fosters an active and independent lifestyle, top assisted living communities also emphasize independence but with daily assistance with personal hygiene, mobility and medication management.
Memory care also considers independence important but within the safety and security of an environment designed to help seniors with dementia enjoy life to the fullest. When the senior living search includes memory care be sure to ask if staff can provide all the help a loved one needs with self-care as well as different therapies and activities designed to keep them engaged. Also important is the level of communication the memory care community provides with families and doctors so changes and problems can be addressed quickly and effectively.
#2: What apartment choices are offered?
Moving from a family home to a senior living community often means downsizing to a smaller home so it’s essential to ask about housing options during the senior living search. In assisted living and memory care the convenience of apartments rather than stand-alone units allows staff to provide each resident with care quickly so they never have to worry about getting help when they need it.
At The Timbers on Blackwell Creek, assisted living and memory care residents can choose from a shared or private apartment with either a studio or a flex studio floor plan, and assisted living residents can also opt for a beautiful two-bedroom suite that is perfect for couples. Each is designed to be totally accessible and all have lovely 10-foot ceilings that provide a feeling of openness. For a look at what to expect from the best during a senior living search, check out the seniorlivingfacilities.com article, “The Importance of Accessibility in Senior Living.”
#3: What services are included?
Unlike some senior living communities, our cost does not increase as the level of care increases. Residents should be able to move from one level of care to the next without paying more. As described in the ncoa.org article, “Senior Living Communities: Options, Pricing, and Differences,” independent living services generally include all maintenance and repair indoors and outdoors, housekeeping, meal plans, and local transportation. Step up a level to assisted living and services also include daily assistance with personal hygiene like bathing and dressing, mobility assistance and medication management. In memory care, services also include 24/7/365 security, hands-on help getting to meals and activities, daily therapies designed to improve quality of life, and constant oversight and evaluation by trained staff.
#4: What amenities are included?
Amenities vary across different senior living communities so they should be included in the senior living search as well. Most offer daily calendars of activities that range from exercise classes to games to events and excursions to local restaurants and shopping. Since luxury senior living communities like The Timbers on Blackwell Creek aspire to the highest standards, amenities also include beautiful community gathering places, a craft room for working on projects and hobbies, a game room and library, and multiple dining options like formal dining rooms, bistros and coffee bars. Other common amenities to include on the senior living search checklist include theaters, exercise/therapy rooms, outdoor areas to walk or relax and enjoy nature, and on-site hair salons and barber shops. For a more in-depth look at what amenities could be included, check out theseniorlist.com article, “Senior Retirement Communities: A Guide to 55+ Living.”
No thorough senior living search is complete without the opportunity to tour each senior living community on the shortlist. For more information about The Timbers on Blackwell Creek, download your brochure and speak to an advisor.
