You know your parents are getting older when they can no longer stay alone and need help. You want to find independent living, but nothing seems to work. None of the senior communities or assisted living facilities seem right for them. You want something in between and don’t know how to go about it. So, where do you find that perfect place they can call home?
Imagine this – your parents move from their house, which is too small for them now, into a lovely condominium in the city, one that has everything they need and gives them enough independence to feel free.
But wait, how do you find such a wonderful place? How do you know if the assisted living facility or senior community is good enough for your parents?
Here’s what you should look for in independent living for seniors:
1. Healthy, Nutritious Meals
An excellent independent living facility for seniors should have plenty of healthy and nutritious food options. Especially if your loved one is diabetic, their daily meals must contain low sugar and carbohydrates.
One important thing to look for is how the food is served. There are many places where the food is served buffet style, where germs can quickly spread. Make sure the site you select serves food on plates, with spoons and forks.
For beverages, make sure they have a wide selection of non-carbonated drinks. Carbonated beverages are not suitable for seniors' health, especially if they have stomach issues. I
If they serve lunch, check the menu and ensure it has the right amount of proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Not many seniors want to eat the same thing every day, so make sure the facility you choose has a wide selection of meal options.
2. Plenty of Engaging Activities
Another crucial aspect to look for in an independent living facility for seniors is the level of engagement it provides. Seniors like to have something to do. It keeps them mentally and physically active. It also gives them a feeling of purpose, like they are contributing to something.
So, check if the place offers plenty of engaging and stimulating activities for your parents. That way, your parents are less likely to feel bored or depressed. After all, engaging activities help them stay engaged and connected to the outside world.
Make sure the activities are suitable for your parents. If your parent has some cognitive issues, he/she might be unable to participate in certain activities. If possible, try to meet the staff members in charge of the exercises so you can learn more about their programs and their effectiveness.
3. Highly Trained Staff
Choosing an independent living facility for seniors is a huge decision. You want your parents to be safe and comfortable there—one way of knowing how safe a place is is by looking at its staff.
Ideally, a facility should employ staff members who are compassionate, caring, and friendly. Choose a place where the staff members know your loved ones by name. They should understand your parents' needs and provide them with the best care possible.
A good way of checking the staff’s level of engagement is by talking to current residents. Ask them what they think about the staff members. You can also ask the facility what training they have for their staff and what certifications they have.
4. Safety and Secure Environment
Another essential aspect to look for in an independent living facility for seniors is the level of security it provides. Check out the facility and see if it has enough security features.
An excellent independent living facility for seniors should have security features such as a gated entrance, an on-site security guard, and CCTV cameras.
5. Transportation Amenities
Transport is critical if your parent cannot drive or is not allowed to drive after getting their license revoked. Note that seniors often need to get to their doctor’s appointments, so an independent living facility for seniors should provide transportation to these appointments.
Make sure the place you select has a reliable transportation system and make sure it caters to your parents’ needs. For example, the facility should provide a private ride if your parent cannot use public transportation. Make sure the driver is responsible and reliable; the last thing you want is your parent to get lost or get behind schedule because of the transportation system.
6. Professional Nursing Care
If your loved ones need regular medical attention, like medication adjustments, you should ensure the facility has professional medical staff. This way, you’ll be sure that your parent is under the care of a registered and qualified nurse.
An excellent independent living facility for seniors should have a Registered Nurse on staff. By choosing a place with registered nurses on staff, you can be sure that your parent is getting the best and most accurate care possible.
In Conclusion
Finding a suitable independent living facility for your parents can be daunting. It can also be a very stressful process. The best way to find the right place for your loved ones is to read many reviews from people who have interacted with the facility.
Ideally, you want to find something that will suit your loved ones’ needs. You want to find a place where they can be happy and safe. If you can find a place that ticks all of these boxes, you can be sure it’s a suitable independent living facility for your parents.
Hopefully, the amenities listed above will give you an idea of what to look for when visiting different facilities. Now that you know what to look for in an independent living facility for seniors, finding the right place for your loved ones should be more accessible.
