There are many reasons that seniors decide to move to assisted living, from needing daily help with ADLs to desiring to live in a community of friends. Assisted living and memory care facilities may vary in the amenities that they offer, but most residences today do provide a full range of needed services. As seniors grow older, physical and cognitive capabilities may decrease, making daily assistance a necessity. Assisted living communities provide a full spectrum of services intended to support senior adults and help them to maintain the best possible quality of life.
If you are personally looking for a new place to live, or you are seeking information for a family member or loved one, here is a list of the amenities you can expect at assisted living facilities.
- Personalized, Custom Care: Each assisted living resident has unique preferences and requirements, so it is vital that the assisted living facility provides personalized services to meet those needs. From dietary preferences to medication management, the staff should be aware and responsive to the individual needs of each senior in their care.
- Medication Management: Many senior adults have multiple prescribed medications that they take every day, and it can be difficult to effectively manage them all by themselves. Assisted living residences should have a protocol in place to guarantee that senior residents receive the proper medication at the prescribed times. Personnel should be adequately trained to administer medications accurately and safely.
- 24-Hour Support and Availability: Emergencies can occur at any hour of the day or night, and it is critical that staff are available to help residents at all times. Families should confirm that there is some type of emergency call system in place that seniors can use to alert the staff if assistance is required.
- Assistance with ADLs (Activities of Daily Living): Trained staff in assisted living communities should be able to provide assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, and grooming, to those who need help.
- Healthy and Nutritious Meals: Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining good health, especially for seniors. The assisted living residence should provide healthy meals that meet the nutrition and dietary needs of each individual. They should also offer several menu options each day to accommodate various tastes and preferences so that seniors will want to eat.
- Housekeeping Services: Assisted living residents and their families do not have to be concerned with maintaining their rooms or apartment. The facility should provide housekeeping and laundry services to ensure their space is safe, clean, and comfortable.
- Social Activities: Assisted living residents should be given as many opportunities to socialize as possible. Participating in enjoyable activities with peers is an essential part of maintaining mental health. The residence should provide a wide variety of options and amenities for socializing to meet unique needs and abilities – such as excursions and outings, educational classes, movies, special events and parties, fitness classes, and interest groups to keep residents engaged and active.
- Health and Wellness Programs: Staying as healthy and fit as possible is vital as we grow older. The assisted living community should offer health and wellness programs to encourage seniors to participate in good health initiatives. This may include exercise classes, counseling sessions, or health education events.
- Transportation Services: Isolation is often caused by a senior’s inability to drive any longer. The assisted living community solves this problem by offering transportation services for residents to attend doctor’s appointments, run errands, or participate in social activities with their friends.
When choosing an assisted living residence in The Villages, it’s important to research and understand the services and amenities that are available to provide a safe and fulfilling lifestyle for your loved one. A Banyan Residence invites you to tour our facility and experience the difference we offer to seniors.