As our population ages, apartment complexes built exclusively for seniors have become more common. These apartments are designed for retirees who don’t need much space, don’t want to care for a lawn, and don’t want the noise that comes with living near children.
And though those complexes are good places to live, a true senior living community provides a sense of belonging that goes beyond living near people your own age.
Before you get started on your search for senior living, here are a few things you should know.
1. There are many different types of senior living communities.
Some are small, with a dozen or so residents, while others can house 100 or more. Some may remind you of a fancy hotel, while others give off a homey feel. Some are high rises in urban communities, while others, in suburban areas, are more spread out and have larger outdoor space.
2. Senior living communities offer different levels of care.
Independent living is for seniors who can take care of themselves but want the security that comes with living in a community where assistance is available, just in case. Assisted living is for seniors who need help with some of the activities of daily living, like bathing or dressing.
Dementia care neighborhoods within many assisted living communities are designed for residents with dementia. Many Arbor Terrace communities, including Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek, also have a Bridges program specially designed to serve residents with a recent dementia diagnosis who don’t need to move to the dementia care neighborhood.
3. Senior living communities are all about keeping residents safe and healthy.
Safety is of the utmost importance. The lobby should have someone greeting visitors, and nighttime access should be limited. There should be outdoor security cameras, as well as smoke alarms and sprinklers in the rooms.
To prevent residents from falling, communities have elevators to reach upper floors, as well as grab bars in the restrooms.
There is usually a nurse on location and a doctor on call in case of an emergency. Staff members dispense medications for residents who aren’t able to remember to take them.
4. The range of amenities offered will vary, even among similar communities.
Though all senior living communities offer activities, there is a wide range of what’s offered, and how often. Make sure a community you’re interested in offers things you like to do.
Some communities have large outdoor living spaces and beautiful gardens. Others might have porches with rocking chairs.
The larger communities often have space for on-site beauty salons and exercise rooms. Some of the newer ones even have swimming pools.
5. In order to get a good sense of the place, you’ll have to see it for yourself.
Start with referrals from friends or your healthcare providers. Do internet research, read the glossy brochures. But before you make a final decision, go visit in person.
You want to find a community where you feel welcome as soon as you walk in the door. One where both the staff and the residents are warm and friendly. A place where you feel at home.
If you are looking for senior living in Suwanee, Georgia, you may want to consider Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek. They know that their community is more than a place to live. It’s about providing services to help seniors live their best lives possible in their golden years. To find out more, call 770-999-9577.
