Essential Amenities to Seek in an Assisted Living Community in Crawfordsville, IN
Few things cause as much worry and preoccupation as a big life decision. It takes time to choose a college, make a critical career decision, or decide when to start a family.
Those big decisions pop up throughout life, even in our senior years. When the time comes to choose assisted living, you want to make the right one.
You want a community that offers the top features of assisted living so that you can enjoy your retirement. Here is what to look for in an assisted living community in Crawfordville, IN.
Health Support
While assisted living doesn't offer full-time medical professionals, it should have a care team to help you look after your health.
That might mean helping arrange hospital visits, including transportation there and back, or helping administer medication. The best-assisted living teams should also have the proper training for emergency procedures, including first aid and how to raise the alarm.
A look inside an assisted living community's residences should help you spot some systems in place, like alarms in bathrooms.
Since care teams get to know residents, they can help identify potential issues that need support and examination from a healthcare professional.
Nutrition-Led Dining
All assisted living communities will offer dining. But you should aim to look for one that puts nutrition and health at the heart of their dining experience.
Sound nutrition is the foundation of our health and vital for seniors at risk of health issues.
An assisted living team can create a personalized meal plan for each resident optimized for their nutritional needs, carefully balancing macros, vitamins, and minerals.
They can also ensure the meal plan caters to tastes and preferences, like vegan or Kosher. An experienced team will also ensure that the meal plan caters to specific diets, like a low-sugar meal plan for those with diabetes.
Physical Fitness
Physical health is vital to seniors. It helps them stay strong and flexible and minimizes health complications or the risk of injuries. The top assisted living communities provide a range of activities to help residents stay in peak shape.
For some in the community, that might be a yoga class to help with flexibility and mental health, whereas others might prefer a gentle walk outdoors. Others may prefer a more active lifestyle, with a high-impact class or access to a gym.
It's essential to cater to all preferences. Check they have activities suitable for those with disabilities. Furthermore, assisted living communities that offer memory care may provide tailored fitness classes for those with cognitive problems like dementia.
Social Activities
Assisted living communities should be sociable and lively destinations where residents can form friendships and participate in group activities. Look for a community that offers many of these events.
You may find some small group activities like art classes or reading groups. There should also be bigger events and outings to help residents explore and enjoy cultural and sporting events, like a trip to a theatre production.
Care staff will know how to create an upbeat atmosphere and encourage more introverted residents to get involved in social events.
That's vital to combat the risk of loneliness and isolation and helps manage a senior's mental and emotional health as they transition to retirement.
Transportation
Transportation is essential for seniors who may not want to drive their own cars anymore.
When looking for transportation services in an assisted living community, make sure it offers lots of availability and flexibility, including for emergencies. Some transportation might be for practical reasons, such as a dental appointment.
Other times, transportation might take a group to a local shopping district for the day or church. Seniors may also want to have private transportation available to take them to see relatives.
Always ask about what is on offer and the associated costs. Reliable transportation is a safe and valuable service for seniors wanting to maintain independence.
Housekeeping
One of the benefits of moving to assisted living is that it can ease some of the pressures and responsibilities of living alone.
You can have help with the things that become more challenging, like cleaning, and have more time to spend on enjoyable activities instead. Look for services that help residents maintain safe, clean, and well-kept environments.
Crawfordsville assisted living services should include housekeeping and laundry, as well as help with less frequent tasks like repairing clothes or changing light bulbs.
Having a helping hand with housekeeping reduces the strain and stress on the elderly and reduces the risk of injury.
Security Amenities in Assisted Living
Assistive living communities should be safe and secure.
That starts with a secure building, meaning access-controlled entrances and exits. This is important because it helps people feel safe inside the building and prevents those with memory issues from wandering and becoming lost.
Safety also means creating an accessible environment free from hazards. For those with mobility issues, that means handles for support when moving around. It also means having pathways and entrances that are wheelchair-friendly.
Safety also covers emergency preparations, such as a well-prepared evacuation procedure. All buildings should have property safety features, such as water sprinklers and intruder alarms.
Personal Care
Personal care in assisted living communities helps residents look and feel their best. Some may need more support than others. Thus, the community must cater to as many needs as possible.
That might include help with dressing and bathing for those with cognitive issues or limited mobility.
For others, it could be having services like beard trimming or a hairdresser.
Support with personal care eases the responsibility of residents and their families. It means the individual can focus on their wellbeing, exploring and enjoying the community while looking their best.
Finding an Assisted Living Community in Crawfordsville, IN
When finding an assisted living community in Crawfordsville, IN, you want to ensure you do your research. It's a big decision; ultimately, you want a community where you can feel happy and safe.
Start your search today at Whitlock Place by booking a tour to explore our Crawfordsville senior living amenities. Our vast range of services and professional and caring team make us the first-choice community for many.