Athens has seen steady gains in the number of retirees making their homes there in recent decades, and that’s expected to continue thanks to the city’s southern charm, cultural attractions, and convenient location. Many of them face an important question: How do I find the best senior living in Athens?
Because seniors bring different needs and expectations to their search for senior living, there isn’t a surefire “best option” for everyone. There are, however, a few characteristics of great senior living communities that can help guide anyone’s search.
Great People Make Great Senior Living Communities
There’s no denying that assisted living staff have a major impact on the overall quality of life of residents who live there. Engaging staff don’t just make residents feel welcomed, either. They’re also better able to identify cognitive changes, symptoms of depression, and other psychiatric disorders, which are among the most common contributors to diminished quality of life in assisted living residents, according to a study published in the Journals of Gerontology.
During visits to senior living communities in Athens, look for staff members who take the time to get to know you or your loved one on a personal level. Expect questions about background, preferences, needs, and concerns from communities that focus on providing the type of personalized care and attention that truly make senior living great.
Senior Living that Embraces Breakthroughs in Healthy Aging
Nearly 75 percent of seniors aged 65 to 74 don’t get exercise on a regular basis, which leads to obesity, poor management of chronic conditions, and additional medical costs, the National Council on Aging reports. Great senior living communities encourage residents to break free from that rut by embracing the latest breakthroughs in healthy aging.
Arbor Terrace of Athens, for example, has forged partnerships with local hospitals and universities to ensure that its wellness center is providing the best strategies in healthy aging that are available. Additionally, opportunities for rehabilitation and exercise classes for residents of varying ages and abilities will be abundantly available in the best senior living options.
Event Calendars Should be Brimming with Fun
Would you believe that socializing and spending time with friends can actually make seniors smarter? Well, the Journal of the American Public Health Association found that seniors with active social lives were at lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and they experienced less cognitive decline.
Senior living communities in Athens that engage residents with social events, games, spiritual journeying, community outings, and festive holiday parties can actually improve their mental health and wellbeing. Look for event calendars that are brimming with fun activities. And visit communities during a planned event to get a feel for what it’s like and how staff interact with residents.
Also, Athens is home to the University of Georgia, which offers a wide range of programs for retired individuals. From auditing classes to enjoying programming through its Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, look for senior living communities that encourage residents to get out and about.
The Quick Guide to Finding the Best Senior Living in Athens Wrap-up
Starting the search for senior living in Athens, like anywhere else, can be an overwhelming experience. Start out by gauging you or your loved one’s needs, expectations, and preferences. Doing so will help guide your search, and by looking for common traits of exceptional senior living along the way—great people, healthy aging practices, fun and engaging events—you’ll be able to narrow your search and find the best option. Contact Arbor Terrace of Athens to schedule an appointment or to learn more.
