Amenities That Age Gracefully: What to Look for in a Senior Living Community
It’s a simple fact of life that as people age, their needs change. But aging in modern times is different than it used to be. Today, there are many new opportunities for senior living communities to enhance the health and well-being of their residents. With our contemporary understanding of healthy aging, we can now see that assisted living and independent living communities have a major role to play in supporting mental and physical well-being of older adults.
Today’s 65+ community has many different housing options to choose from, all with their own unique amenities. These features can help support a healthy and happy lifestyle for seniors of any age or level of care needs. Here is a breakdown of the senior living amenities to look for as you choose the best senior care option for you.
The Good: Must-Have Senior Living Amenities
Consider these amenities your baseline. They’re a great place to start and can serve as criteria for understanding if a particular living option is a good fit for you.
Safety and Security Features
You should never have to worry about personal safety when it comes to senior living. Security measures can include 24-hour staff availability, emergency response systems, secure entrances, and fall reduction measures in apartments and common areas.
Social and Leisure Activities
Seek out communities that offer a variety of engaging activities, such as group outings, game rooms, and arts and crafts classes. One of the major benefits of living in a senior community is that it combats loneliness, so make sure the community offers plenty of opportunities for engagement.
Access to Healthcare
For seniors with chronic conditions or medical concerns, easy access to the right level of care services is a must. Look for a community with memory care, on-site medical care, or close proximity to their most-visited medical facilities.
The Better: Senior Living Amenities That Make Life Sweeter
Once you’ve established that a given community has the basics covered, you can explore more detailed options tailored to you or your loved one’s personal preferences.
Health and Wellness Facilities
All senior living facilities should have at least one way for residents to stay active. But many provide access to a range of wellness options so people can stay active their favorite way. That might include access to fitness centers, walking paths, swimming pools, and group classes.
Varied Dining Options
The food at an assisted living community should be delicious and nutritious. Food is a huge part of our lives and cultures—that doesn’t stop as we get older! Proper nutrition is a particular concern for people over 60 as their dietary needs change.
Housekeeping and Maintenance Services
Independent senior communities are a great option for those who don’t need full-time care but are ready to move on from the hassles and responsibilities of homeownership. Look for options that alleviate this burden so you or your loved one can focus on making the most of senior life!
Transportation Services
Personal concierge or shuttle services to medical appointments, shopping centers, and other destinations can help seniors stay active and connected.
The Best: Modern Senior Living Community Amenities to Look For
Senior community residents and their families have more options today than ever before. What were once seen as luxury perks are now becoming more and more vital for a vibrant life.
Technology Infrastructure
From reliable access to high-speed WiFi to the ability to integrate smart home technologies, today’s senior living communities should be keeping up with the times. Today, having updated technology infrastructure is crucial for staying connected with family members, pursuing personal interests, and enjoying entertainment.
Telehealth & Remote Patient Monitoring Options
Staying healthy in a senior living community doesn’t have to mean constant trips to the doctor’s office. Many communities are now coordinating virtual medical appointments with residents. Additionally, they’re integrating services like fall risk detection, chronic disease management, and more into senior apartments using advanced, noninvasive sensor technologies.
With this tech, seniors can maintain a sense of independence while still reaping the many benefits of assisted living or retirement communities.
Green Spaces & Outdoor Areas
Gardens, walking trails, and patio areas are more than pretty—they can do wonders for mental health. In fact, a growing body of research shows that seniors living in places with more green space report better general health, more satisfaction with their quality of life, and more active social contact.
Need Help Choosing a Senior Care Option?
Deciding which amenities are important to you or your loved one is an important early step in the decision to seek senior care. But with thousands of communities to explore in your city, narrowing them down can be a complex task. That’s where CarePatrol’s senior care advisors come in.
Your local senior care advisor is your trusted guide to your local living options. They will curate a personalized list of recommendations based on your needs and desires. From there, they will set up and accompany you on guided community tours, obtain full care details and pricing, and provide ongoing transition support.
This service is provided at no cost to you so you can focus on what matters most—finding the perfect senior care option!
Choose CarePatrol: Over 20,000 Pre-Screened Communities Nationwide!
At CarePatrol, our goal is to help older adults and their families navigate the complex process of finding a senior housing solution. Whether you’re seeking a maintenance-free life at a retirement community or your loved one needs immediate nursing home care, our senior living advisors are ready to help you make an informed decision.