How to Select the Best Assisted Living Community.
When you start your journey to find an assisted living community that best suits your needs, you will encounter many questions along the way. Whether you’re moving from your own home or from an independent living apartment, when transitioning to this new phase of life, you’ll also find that the physical demands of moving are a big deal. You’ll probably have to downsize your possessions. You may also be feeling uneasy, but realize you’re not alone. Let us assure you, you can rest easy because at Country Gardens, we have the expertise in place to help you and your family members every step of the way.
The best time to make the move to assisted living is while your health is at its most optimal. That way you can take the time to tour multiple communities and make a well-considered choice. Once you’re there, you can relax and settle in to your new home. That eases the stress not only for you but your family, too.
When you’re first starting your search, decide on what’s important to you now and what will become crucial to your health care in the future.
Evaluating Senior Living Communities That Make Wellness a Priority
Assisted living offers help with one or more of the following activities of daily living: bathing, dressing, mobility, incontinence and medication reminders. It’s important to know if your community provides:
- A medical director
- Licensed nursing staff 24/7
- Personal care assistance available around the clock
- An emergency call response system
At Country Gardens, your well-being is priority one. We design an individualized care plan in collaboration with your personal physician, specialists, registered nurses and family members.
If you experience health changes or mobility issues, the plan can be modified. Look for trained, experienced staff who will be alert to any warning signs.
Nutritious, Fresh Meals
Chances are, you’re not eating as healthy as you used to, especially if you have mobility issues or are just cooking for one. As your body ages, your ability to absorb nutrients lessens making good food choices even more critical. Poor nutrition weakens your body and puts you at higher risk for chronic diseases. Our Muskogee, Oklahoma community offers:
- Fresh, locally sourced meals packed with nutrition
- Restaurant-style dining that encourages social interaction
- A registered dietitian to plan your meals
- Room service if you feel like staying in
- Allowances for special dietary needs
We know healthy nutrition is not the same for everyone. That’s why you’ll find flexible options to meet each individual’s dietary needs. Whether you need to cut back on sugar or watch your salt intake, we’re here to help with carefully planned, delicious meals.
Fitness Programs
Even if you’re not a person who regularly exercises, having fitness programs on-site and fun, guided group classes can change that. Our community accommodates seniors of all abilities with specially designed equipment and classes like chair exercises. Look for:
- Roomy activity and fitness centers with plenty of clean equipment
- Knowledgeable fitness instructors who can accommodate all levels of ability
- Safe walking areas
Built-in Security
Safety is key when looking at your next senior living residence. Make sure the assisted living community you choose has:
- 24-hour front desk staff
- After-hours controlled access
- Documented emergency plans and procedures
- Working emergency call systems
- Building modifications throughout for easy access and mobility
- Clearly marked exits
- Sprinkler systems
Social Life
One of the best aspects of senior living is the ability to make new friends and stay engaged with others. Our assisted living community has purposely designed comfy areas where you can join family and friends to gather. It’s ideal for conversing with neighbors every day. Getting to know fellow residents and our friendly staff will also boost your mood and sense of well-being. Look for assisted living communities with:
- Cultural, social and educational activities that interest you
- Common living spaces and outdoor areas with comfortable couches
- Resident/family activity calendar
Desirable Services
A real advantage of assisted living is not having to worry about chores and repairs anymore. In a no buy-in community like ours, convenient services like these are covered in your monthly rent:
- Housekeeping, laundry and linen service
- On-site maintenance
- Concierge, valet and transportation services
Numerous Amenities Enhance Assisted Living
Inviting, clean areas should make you feel right at home. Light, bright interiors and well-maintained grounds all contribute to a comfortable, welcoming lifestyle. Will you have easy access to amenities like these?
- Game rooms
- Creative studios
- Gardens and outdoor spaces
Convenient Location
If you’ve been in the same neighborhood for years, you may feel comfortable living there or close to it. Or you may want to search for a retirement community near the locations of your family and friends. But if you want to widen your search, consider communities located near medical facilities, shopping and entertainment.
Your research may start by searching online, reading brochures or having discussions with close friends and relatives, but once you narrow your list down, it’s important to experience the community firsthand.
Call us to schedule a personal consultation so you can view our charming apartment homes and learn more about our attractive amenities and services.