How Effective Is Senior Living for the Elderly?
Whether you’re moving from your own home or from an independent living apartment, seniors transitioning into assisted living have many questions – and fears. There’s the physical stress of moving. Breaking the emotional ties to your home of many years. The worry about relying on others. A fear of the unknown. If that’s how you feel, you’re not alone.
The best time to move to assisted living is while your health is at its most optimal. That way you’ll have time to make a well-considered choice and settle into a community, taking the stress out of the change for you and your family. As you look at communities, keep an eye to the future, just in case your needs increase.
When you’re first starting your search, separate your must-haves from the nice-to-haves.
What’s important to you: the level of care, the support services, the amenities?
Wellness
Health should also be a paramount factor on your list. A superb assisted living community like Oakley Courts will collaborate with your personal physician, specialists and family members to develop a unique care plan to fit your individual needs. If your health changes, the plan can be modified. You’ll also need trained, experienced staff watching out for you, alert to any warning signs. Your assisted living care team should include the expertise of:
- A medical director
- Licensed clinical nursing staff
- Physical, occupational and speech therapists
Personal care
You might not need all of these now, but assisted living offers help with one or more of the following: bathing, dressing, mobility, incontinence and medication reminders. You’ll want to find out if your community provides:
- Licensed nursing staff 24/7
- Qualified personal care assistance available
Nutrition
If you’ve been having mobility issues, chances are you’re cutting corners with your diet. As your body ages, your ability to absorb nutrients lessens, making good food choices even more critical. In the long run, bad nutrition impacts your health, putting you at higher risk for chronic diseases. For those reasons, Oakley Courts Assisted Living & Memory Care Community offers:
- Three meals prepared with fresh, locally sourced food
- Restaurant-style dining and menu selections
- In-house chef preparations daily
Fitness
As you tour a community, don’t miss visiting the exercise areas. Even if you’re not a person who regularly exercises, having a fitness facility just steps away can change that. Our community accommodates seniors of all abilities with specially designed equipment. Look for roomy gyms with plenty of clean equipment and activity rooms.
Security
Feeling safe is one of the main reasons seniors decide to live in a retirement community. Make sure your assisted living community has:
- Front desk staff, 24-hour security and after-hours controlled access
- Enclosed, gated courtyards
- Documented emergency plans and procedures
- Modifications throughout for ease of mobility
Social life
Senior living communities like ours were thoughtfully designed to provide social opportunities for residents and their families. Whether you’re more outgoing or feel most at ease in a smaller group, you’ll find access to fellow residents and caring staff boosts your positive outlook and sense of well-being. Look for assisted living communities with:
- Cultural, social and educational activities that interest you
- Common and outdoor areas with comfortable couches and casual seating
Services and amenities
A real perk of assisted living is not having to worry about chores and repairs anymore. In a no buy-in community like ours, important services like these are covered in your monthly rent:
- Housekeeping, laundry and linen service
- On-site maintenance
- Transportation services
Is the building designed well? Will you have easy access to:
- Game rooms
- Creative studios
- Gardens and outdoor spaces
Location in Freeport, Illinois
If you’ve lived in the same neighborhood for years, you may want to target that area first. But if nothing appeals to you, expand your search to communities located near medical facilities, shopping and entertainment.
Schedule a private consultation.
Your research may start online, but once you narrow your list, experience the community firsthand by scheduling a personal consultation. Not only will you find out if the photos and information live up to what you’ve seen in brochures and on the website, but you’ll get a sense for the atmosphere.
You’re always welcome to set up a time to learn more about our assisted living apartments, amenities and services.