If you have yet to explore the world of senior living, it is important to understand exactly what it should (and shouldn’t) look like. Connection matters no matter what stage of life you are in, and senior living should be all about connecting with yourself, others, and the world around you. So, what exactly is senior living, and what should you look for in a senior community?
Defining Senior Living
The purpose of senior living is to provide those of retirement age with a happy, healthy, independent lifestyle. This comes in many different forms depending on the stage of life you are in. However, every retirement community should aim to provide the following items for you or your loved one.
- A Healthy Environment
- Preserved Independence
- Comfortable Amenities
- Opportunities for Connections with Staff and Other Residents
- A Safe, Active Community
The Different Types of Senior Living
Retirement communities fall into two primary categories: assisted living and independent living. Assisted living generally focuses on helping residents with daily tasks such as personal hygiene, cleaning, shopping, eating, etc. Independent living communities resemble neighborhoods in that you are mostly responsible for your own daily tasks, but you are surrounded by others in the same stage of life as you. Additionally, a team of well-trained staff is available to help assist you.
While there are certainly a few differences between assisted living and independent living, the goal of both is to form a community. Many times, retirement communities combine both. Residents live independently if able, but also possess access to ready help if it becomes necessary.
What Should You Look For in a Senior Living Community?
Of course, the priority of any new community should be your health and safety. Make sure you ask plenty of questions when touring potential residences, especially regarding COVID procedures. How often are public areas sanitized? Who is allowed into the community? If food is served to residents, what does the preparation procedure look like? You can never ask too many questions when looking for your future home.
Health and safety aside, you should ultimately choose a community that fits your personality and needs. However, it is easy to separate average senior living from high-quality senior living by looking for the following characteristics.
- A Well-Trained, Friendly Staff
- Nearby Medical Assistance
- Happy Residents (ask for recommendations!)
- Opportunities for Recreational Activities
- Close Relationships Between Residents and Staff
- Encouragement and Empowerment for Independence
- An Organized Daily Itinerary
- Safety Procedures in the Event of Emergencies
Senior living is certainly nothing to be afraid of. At the retirement age, life is only beginning. With the right facilities, a whole new world of exploring hobbies and building friendships while living freely becomes possible.
Looking for a Great Senior Community?
The Woodlands is an Independent Senior Housing community where quality, convenience, and the comfort of a caring and vibrant community free you to live your best life. Contact us today with any questions or for more information!