Any senior assisted living community that discourages family interaction isn't where you want your loved one to stay.

 

High-quality assisted living communities are devoted to keeping residents connected with their loved ones, and these days, residents can connect in a huge range of ways.

 

If family and friends aren't local, your loved one's assisted living community should help them connect long-distance using technology such as smartphones and tablets. As for in-person visits, most assisted living communities are thrilled to help facilitate such get-togethers, usually providing a designated area for special events such as birthdays and anniversaries.

The types of activities and events senior assisted living communities offer can vary greatly. While many communities organize events such as regularly planned social outings, special entertainment, guest lecturers, access to church services, and special events, not all communities follow the same event calendar.

 

Some communities might offer limited options, while others go out of their way to make their communities unique by tapping into the talent and creativity of their residents. Encouraging access to hobbies and interests helps residents feel even more at home; they're able to contribute their skills to bring joy to their fellow residents and fulfillment to their lives.

Assisted living provides 24/7 care for individuals who are unable or choose not to live independently, whether due to physical limitations, disabilities, or health conditions. Residents typically live in private apartments and connect over shared meals in cozy dining halls, participate in social activities like movie nights or arts & crafts, and find companionship through clubs and outings.

We all want the best for the people we love, even when it feels tough. Determining when it's time for your loved one to move into an assisted living facility is a significant decision that comes from a place of compassion and care. Look out for signs of decreased mobility, frequent falls, personality changes, and memory issues. You can read more about the signs to watch for in our guide on knowing when it's time for assisted living.

Assisted living facilities exist at a range of price points. Pricing is often determined by several factors, such as location, accommodation types, amenities, clinical service offerings, and more. It's important to research various facilities, compare their offerings, and assess which factors are most important for your loved one. From there, you can make a financial plan to prepare for the costs of assisted living.

It's not at all uncommon to use the terms assisted living and nursing home interchangeably, though they differ in many ways. Nursing homes are facilities that provide long-term medical care for seniors with serious health issues. Their primary purpose is to help residents manage their chronic health conditions. Assisted living facilities, on the other hand, offer assistance with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and walking. They also provide a range of amenities and entertainment to make room for social opportunities and encourage engagement. This community environment combats loneliness and fosters a supportive network of peers.

Assisted living facilities are designed to keep residents active and engaged, but what that looks like exactly will depend on the community. As you evaluate locations, we recommend getting a sample schedule and visiting in person to experience what daily life is like firsthand.

Any assisted living facility you explore should be forthcoming about their safety protocols and procedures. At Webb House Retirement Center, we conduct frequent overnight checks to ensure each resident is safe and their needs are met.

A proper diet is particularly important for seniors, as it keeps their energy levels up and helps their bodies protect against and recover from different types of illnesses. We believe that food should bring joy and sustenance in equal measure, and our culinary program is designed to do just that. Our assisted living facility strives to create meals that cater to each resident's specific dietary requirements while also paying strong attention to detail in food presentation.

Not every assisted living facility will offer memory care. Webb House Retirement Center's Phoenix Wing offers dedicated memory care services for those living with Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, and other types of dementia and memory loss. Our unique, patient-centered approach ensures residents receive the care they need, and our compassionate staff is committed to creating a home-like environment.