What Seniors in Florida Need to Know When Choosing An Assisted Living Community
According to a 2021 survey, Florida is home to almost 4.6 million adults aged 65 and older, ranking the state #2 in the list of US states with the highest senior population. Fortunately, this means that there is an abundance of senior living options in Florida that cater to the various needs and preferences of senior adults, including assisted retirement communities.
Now, if you are a senior who wants to move into one of these communities, it is crucial for you to fully understand what you’re getting yourself into and make an informed decision accordingly. Generally, senior living provides medication management, meals, and personal care support to older individuals who need help with daily activities but don’t require intensive medical care.
The right assisted care communities will not only provide 24/7 care alongside various amenities and services that contribute to your healthy living, but they will also feel like home to you. In this post, we will discuss everything you need to know to choose an assisted living community in Florida like a pro!
Choosing a Senior Assisted Living Community in Florida: 4 Factors to Consider
1. Location
As you would do with regular househunting, the first thing you need to consider when looking for a senior assisted living community is its location. As a senior, though, the location of the community must align perfectly with your needs and preferences.
Many older adults prefer to move into a nearby assisted retirement community. They want an assisted living community that’s close to their house as it allows family members to visit them frequently. On the other hand, some people are open to relocating anywhere as long as it meets their other needs. Ask yourself which one you prefer – are you open to any location, or do you prefer a place close by?
You may also want to consider whether your potential assisted living community has restaurants, shops, natural attractions, and healthcare providers in the vicinity.
2. Services and Level of Care Offered
Every assisted living community has something different to offer. While some senior assisted care communities have 24/7 care professionals available to look after you, others may not offer round-the-clock availability.
Also, almost all assisted living retirement homes offer various services, including chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, apartment maintenance and repairs, and daily assistance with grooming, eating, toileting, walking, and medication management.
In addition to assisted care, you should also prioritize senior communities that offer memory care programs. So, if your cognitive health eventually declines with age, you will be prepared and won’t have to relocate to another senior living community to receive memory-tailored services. When there’s a need for a higher level of care, a swift transition will make you feel safer and comfortable.
3. Amenities and Programs
Life quickly becomes boring when there is nothing fun to do! We live by this principle throughout our lives, so why would it change later in life? With nothing to do throughout your days, you might quickly start feeling more bored at home, especially when you have limited mobility that prevents you from a lot of activities.
Therefore, it is important to look at the amenities and programs offered by the community. Many assisted living apartments frequently plan events for their residents, ensuring their social calendar is full, and they always have something fun to look forward to. Of course, you get to choose your picks, but participating in these events is a surefire way to keep yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy.
4. Safety and Security Measures
Last but not least, look for the safety and security measures offered by the community when choosing a place to live. Older adults are generally more susceptible to falling for various reasons, including weak eyesight, health issues, or declining muscle mass. For this very reason, you need to ensure that help will be readily available in case of an emergency.
In general, you should check for safety-equipped bathrooms, safety rails, emergency response systems, and 24/7 care. Moreover, you also want to choose an assisted care community that has secure grounds and entrances. In addition to that, choose assisted living communities that have visitor policies, ensuring the safety of residents from external threats.
Looking for a Vibrant Place with Assisted Care to Call Home? Discover The Harrison of Stuart Assisted Living Community
All in all, relocating to an assisted living community is a big decision. You need to make sure that the community you choose perfectly meets your needs and preferences, especially in terms of care, safety, and livelihood.
If you are looking for a vibrant assisted living community that checks all these boxes, consider moving to The Harrison of Stuart. You can expect a warm and supportive environment so you can lead a more independent and fulfilled life.
If you have time, schedule a tour today and see how The Harrison of Stuart can make all the difference!
