Deciding to move your loved one into a senior independent living facility is a big step. Many seniors may not like changing or moving from a home they’ve known for years. This is why you want to choose a facility that takes care of all your loved one’s needs and provides the necessary resources for your loved one to live a happy life.
We have compiled this comprehensive guide on what you need to know and look for when choosing a senior independent living facility. We’ll also share the independent living facility options that Encore Communities offers for Washington residents.
What is Senior Independent Living?
Senior independent living communities are generally for adults ages 55 and older who don’t need help with daily living activities but can use additional support [1]. They can also benefit from onsite amenities and activities.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Senior Independent Living Facility
When looking for a senior independent living facility, you want to be sure it offers everything your loved one will need. These are the areas to consider before making your final choice:
Location, Location, Location
Where is the community located? Is it in a quiet area or a city? Is the surrounding area known to be dangerous? These are the questions you want to ask as you look around. You want your loved one to be in a safe community where they feel comfortable. Many may prefer a quiet backdrop compared to the hustle and bustle of a city.
You also want to determine how close the facility is to you. If you live in the area, you’ll want to choose a relatively close community so that you can visit and be available in case of emergency. If your loved one lives in another state, you’ll want to discuss whether you’ll be looking for a community there or if they want to move to an independent living facility closer to you.
Cost
Besides location, cost is a major deciding factor as you consider what facility your loved one will call home. Some communities can be pricey and exceed your budget. Look to see if a large deposit is needed or if month-to-month lease payments are accepted.
You also want to know what is included in the rental price. This includes utilities and any amenities the facility offers. Ask what services come at an additional cost. All this information can help point you in the right direction.
Community Quality
As you consider various senior independent living options, you should consider the quality of the community. Is it well-kept? Is it clean? Do the residents seem happy?
The best way to get answers to these questions is to tour the community. This can give you immediate answers on whether the area is clean and maintained. Talk to residents and ask whether they like living there. This is how you will get the best idea if it is a community that will be a good fit for your loved one.
Accessibility Features
If your loved one has mobility issues, you should check for accessibility features, such as wheelchair ramps, walk-in showers, and safety rails. Ask to see what is already installed so that you can determine if the facility meets your loved one’s needs.
Security and Emergency Measures
Senior independent living facilities should have some form of 24/7 security. Ask about security personnel, cameras, and locks. If you visit the community, see if you notice any security vulnerabilities, such as broken locks or cameras.
Ask about emergency procedures and how close the nearest police and fire departments are. This can give you a good idea of the response time in an emergency.
Activities and Amenities
A quality senior independent living facility will provide ample activities and amenities. These can include walking trails, gardening options, and area trips. All of these will help to keep residents busy and form friendships. If your loved one is moving to a new location, you’ll want to be sure there are plenty of activities to keep them busy and provide opportunities to meet new people to prevent loneliness.
Dining Options at Senior Independent Living Facilities
Look to see what type of dining options are included. While independent living communities have private kitchens within the residence, many have dining areas where meals and nutritious snacks are served.
If your loved one has dietary restrictions, you want to ensure the facility can accommodate them. Ask residents how they enjoy the food and maybe even see if you and your loved one can taste for yourselves! This is the best way to see if the food meets your needs and expectations.
Visit the Community
Visiting is the best way to determine whether the facility is a good fit. Take your loved one on a tour so you can see what their individual living quarters would look like, along with the amenities and services the community offers. This will indeed allow you to determine if this is a community your loved one can call home.
Explore Senior Independent Living at Encore Communities
Encore Communities offers two exciting, senior independent living communities. Our Country Meadows community is located in Silverdale, Washington. Here, you’ll find cottages on 13 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. One—and two-bedroom options are available. Utilities, maintenance, and housekeeping are all included. All residents have access to the unique big red barn, which offers community space and a café.
Delicious meals are also provided with fresh and nutritious ingredients. These meals are available in the dining area and can be delivered to a resident’s door. Residents also have access to transportation services, a library, a pool table, and a shuffleboard area, all available on the premises. There is access to a beauty salon, nail services, and many community and public activities.
Our Laurel Cove Community provides senior independent living options in the Shoreline, Washington area. Residents can choose from spacious studio or one-bedroom apartments. Housekeeping, maintenance, and essential utilities are included in the rental price. Residents can also enjoy delicious meals prepared by a trained nutritionist and served in a beautiful dining area.
The Laurel Cove Community also provides a wide range of social activities and clubs to keep residents busy and interacting with one another. Residents can easily make the most of the many social offerings we provide. Additional services, such as beauty and barber services, are available on-site for an additional fee.
To learn more about either of our senior independent living options, contact Encore Communities. You can schedule a tour to see which one better suits your loved one’s needs as they look for a new place to call home.
Sources:
[1] https://www.forbes.com/health/senior-living/independent-living/
Dan is Vice President, Marketing of the Alumus family of companies. A Seattle native, he earned his BA in Humanities and Political Science at Evergreen State College. He started his career as a newspaper columnist, eventually transitioning into marketing and tech writing for Microsoft and several other startups. He later launched a successful creative agency focused on branding, digital marketing, and content production in Los Angeles, where he worked for several nursing and behavioral health clients, eventually becoming the National Marketing Director for one of them.
He has taught Vipassana mindfulness meditation and MBSR and spends whatever free time he has with his son snowboarding, hiking, and camping in the mountains.