Assisted living communities are about embracing a new chapter of life. Gone are the misconceptions of senior living that have long prevented older adults from making the move to a community.
Today, you can expect to find exceptional amenities, enriching courses and programs, and plenty of exciting activities at any given assisted living community, all of which are put into place to provide a higher quality of life.
However, many aspects of assisted living still need to be considered before making your final decision on a community. No two communities are exactly alike, which is why it’s important to take advantage of any opportunity, whether it’s a tour or a phone conversation with a staff member, to ask the right questions.
Brickmont Assisted Living provides assisted living in Georgia and is proud to be a resource for individuals and families to help them make an informed decision. Here are four questions you should ask during your assisted living search!
1. What Types of Activities, Events, and Programs Do You Offer?
Many assisted living communities offer various on-site classes and programs - whether it’s mentally stimulating activities, events that allow residents to mingle and foster friendships, or programs that provide enrichment and focus on wellness.
As you tour different communities, ask about offered programs and activities in order to gauge the level at which you could potentially enhance your lifestyle and hobbies. Check out any event calendars that display outings, planned social events, and other fun occasions that happen regularly at each community.
2. What Does the Dining Experience Look Like?
Dining is an important aspect of an assisted living community. Through the rise of “foodie” culture and a shift in the population toward senior living residents who are much choosier than in previous generations, communities are being challenged to do more and more in the way of dining.
When visiting a community, ask to see a sample menu to get a feel for the types of dishes served. If you have the chance to speak with the culinary staff, ask them questions about the nutritional value of each meal and see how they develop menus based on resident preferences.
3. What Type of Living Spaces Do You Offer?
Depending on the community, the living spaces can vary from apartment-style to cottage-style. Typically, apartment living is more common, providing a neighborly feel that allows residents to enjoy socializing more often.
Before you tour a specific community, visit their website to look at the available floor plans; if you’d prefer cottage-style housing or apartment-style, this can help you rule out any communities that don’t offer your ideal living space. It can also give you an idea of the measurements, so you can start to plan out how to downsize your current belongings and determine what furniture you can bring with you.
On your tour, be sure to take a look at any open living spaces or models and see if the layout matches your needs and wants.
4. How Can Your Services Foster Independence?
Many people share a common misconception that assisted living offers no room for independence or autonomy. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, assisted living communities provide the needed care, support, and assistance to help adults maintain their independence for as long as possible.
Keeping this in mind, ask each community about their services and what they entail, and be sure to make a list of anything that you or a loved one would benefit from. For example, do you or your loved one need assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)? Do you need help managing medications? Once you have a list, don’t hesitate to ask each community how they can show up for your needs and help you reach your wellness goals.
At Brickmont Assisted Living, our goal is to provide an environment that prioritizes resident health and well-being. When you choose assisted living in Georgia, you’ll be able to feel the difference right away!
To schedule a tour at Brickmont Assisted Living, we invite you to contact our team today!