We all dream of living a healthy, active, independent lifestyle in our golden years. But for some seniors that lifestyle is only possible if they have a little help with tasks they used to take for granted, such as dressing and bathing. If that describes you or a loved one, it may be time to think about assisted living.
Here are some things to consider before making the move to an assisted living community.
Where Do You Want to Live?
- Do you want to stay near your current home so you can still socialize with your friends?
- Are you considering a move closer to your family so they can help care for you?
- Would you rather live in an urban environment or a more rural one?
Where Will You Feel Most at Home?
- Do you want a large assisted living community where there is always something going on?
- Would a smaller, more intimate community suit you better?
- How much space do you need?
- How many of your possessions do you think you will want to bring?
- Would you be comfortable sharing space with someone you don’t know very well or would you want a private room?
How Do You Want to Spend Your Free Time?
- What kind of games do you like to play?
- Do you want to start an exercise program?
- Do you like to swim?
- Do you enjoy activities like gardening and cooking?
- Do you drive, or do you need transportation to the places you want to go?
- Do you enjoy group outings?
When you’ve figured out what you are looking for in an assisted living community and narrowed down the list of those available in the area to where you think you may want to live, it’s time to pay some of them a visit.
- Drop by when they aren’t expecting you. See what it’s like on an average day.
- Bring a friend or relative for a second opinion.
- Is the community clean? Does it have a pleasant smell, or an unpleasant smell?
- Are groups of residents socializing in common areas, or are they all in their rooms?
- Do the caregivers introduce themselves and seem friendly?
- Ask how they bill for assisted living care. Are there different prices depending on what kind of help you need or is everything included in one price?
- Is there a dementia care neighborhood for residents who might someday need it?
- Visit during mealtimes so you can see what kind of food the residents eat. Make a reservation to join them for lunch so you can find out whether you like it.
Dacula, Georgia, a small town located just 45 minutes from Atlanta, has grown in popularity as a place to retire. It offers residents both the simplicity of living in a small town and the convenience of living close to a major city.
Many of the retirees who move to Dacula want an active, engaging lifestyle, without the hassles of homeownership. In the past several years, many senior living communities have opened in the area to meet their needs, including Arbor Terrace Hamilton Mill.
Arbor Terrace Hamilton Mill offers gourmet meals in luxurious surroundings, a full calendar of activities, a swimming pool, plenty of gathering spaces both inside and out, and much more. To find out for yourself whether you could feel at home here, call 770-999-0421 to arrange for a tour.
