Skip to main content

Choosing the Right Senior Living Community: What to Look For


Finding the perfect senior living community can be a big decision, not just for you but for your loved ones as well. At senior living Kirkland, we often hear families say they felt overwhelmed initially, but the process became easier once they knew what to focus on.

Here are a few important things to consider when choosing the right community.

  • Care Levels and Services Offered: One of the first things to evaluate is the community's range of care options. Whether you're looking for independent living, assisted care, or specialized memory care, it's essential that the community offers the services that fit your current needs—and has the flexibility to adapt if your care needs change over time. We've had several families who initially came in for independent living but appreciated knowing they could transition to higher levels of care if needed.
  • Community Atmosphere: The feeling you get when you walk into a community is vital. Does it feel welcoming? Are the residents and staff friendly? Many of our residents at senior housing Kirkland often share that the warm, close-knit atmosphere here made them feel at home from the first visit. Take the time to tour the community, speak with residents, and observe how people interact with each other.
  • Activities and Social Engagement: Staying active and social is integral to healthy aging. Look for a community that offers a variety of activities, from fitness classes to arts and crafts to social events. One of our residents loves the fact that we offer walking clubs and book groups, allowing her to stay engaged in activities she's passionate about while making new friends.
  • Tip: Check out the monthly activity calendar during your tour to see if it aligns with your interests and hobbies.
  • Dining Experience: Meals are an important part of daily life, so it's worth considering the dining options in the community. Are meals nutritious and catered to specific dietary needs? Is there flexibility in meal times and dining options? A resident recently shared how she loves the variety of dishes we serve and the fact that she can always enjoy meals with friends in a comfortable dining setting.
  • Location and Accessibility: The community's location can be just as important as what's inside. Consider whether it's close to family and friends and amenities like shopping centers for healthcare providers. If transportation is a concern, check whether the community offers shuttle services for local outings.
  • Safety and Security: Safety is always a top priority. Make sure the community has proper security measures in place, such as emergency call systems, well-lit walkways, and staff available 24/7. Many families feel a sense of relief knowing their loved one is in a secure environment where help is always nearby. 
Choosing the right senior living community is about finding a place that feels like home, meets your care needs, and provides opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Labels

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How Many Steps Per Day for Better Health?

  We have all heard about the value of walking 10,000 steps a day but recent studies show it may not actually be the magic number. One study published by JAMA found walking 7,000 steps or more a day may decrease the risk for mortality and offer better overall health. In the cohort study of 2110 adults with a mean follow-up of 10.8 years, participants who walked at least 7000 steps a day, compared with those taking fewer than 7000 steps, had a 50% to 70% lower risk of mortality. Researchers also noted, “There was no association of step intensity with mortality regardless of adjustment for step volume.” A 2020 study found a decreased risk for mortality in participants who took 8,000 steps a day than those who only took 4,000 steps a day. In the same year, another study found more steps taken each day were linked to lower rates of diabetes. Researchers say the bottom line is evidence points to the importance of increased physical activity. Before you begin walking, talk to your health...
Post a Comment
Read more

Be an Active Partner in Your Medical Care

Experts suggest that a good way to reduce medical errors regarding your care or that of a loved one is to be an active partner in the process whether in a hospital setting, doctors’ office or the pharmacy. In fact, a study showed 7% of hospitalized patients experienced an event that was considered preventable which negatively affected their health. Furthermore, harmful errors in primary and outpatient health care settings are typically related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines. Mistakes associated with misdiagnosis result in delayed treatment for the real problem and having the wrong medications prescribed or supplied can cause serious complications. However, it is important to keep in mind that some medical errors are a result of patients failing to disclose all the medications they take including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Another problem is the failure to reveal pertinent details regarding a person’s prior medical history as well as lifestyle habits s...
Post a Comment
Read more

Learn More About MorningStar at River Oaks

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at River Oaks is in the Upper Kirby District in Houston, and has 85 private assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 27 suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We are proud to offer our residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Our home is a part of MorningStar Senior Living, which has over 40 communities currently open or under construction across the country. MorningStar began in 2003 when founder Ken Jaeger had a dream to start a senior housing company that was defined by the human touch. He says, “I wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.” From this came our guiding principles and three mission statements our company is based on: Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and eth...
Post a Comment
Read more