Whether you are looking for a retirement residence for yourself or a loved one, you should take the time to research to find the right one. As you probably know, not all retirement communities are made equal. While some are excellent, others may not be the right match for you or your family member. Here are some signs of a top retirement community:
1. Good Feedback
When researching reviews and references, you’ll find that the best retirement communities have good feedback. While some less-than-stellar reviews are part and parcel of any business, top retirement homes have generally positive reviews.
2. Family Owned
Most retirement homes are run by giant corporations where revenue generation and profit maximization are primary goals. Sometimes, these objectives result in less-than-ideal care for the residents.
So, look for a family-owned retirement residence. A family-owned company is more likely to truly care for its residents and treat them like an extension of the family.
3. Multiple Living Options
The best retirement communities know that every resident is unique. While some may have special needs, others may desire to live independently. Such communities avoid using a one-size-fits-all strategy. They may offer living options like Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care to cater to the needs of their community.
4. Excellent Living Spaces
-
- Suites: While some residents may prefer to live in a one-bedroom suite, others may opt for a two-bedroom apartment. Others still may prefer a one-bedroom home with a den.
- Appliances: All rooms should have a microwave and a full-sized fridge to give residents independence.
- Individual Climate Controls: While some older adults prefer cooler living temperatures, others like warmer temperatures. Rooms with individual climate controls allow residents to choose the perfect climate for them.
- Balcony/Patio: Rooms with balconies and patios allow residents to catch some much-needed fresh air when they’re not ready to leave their rooms.
- Window Coverings: People of all ages need privacy. Window coverings help older adults feel secure and even catch some shuteye during daylight.
- Accessible Bathrooms: As people age, they tend to get into accidents. A top retirement community should have accessible bathrooms with walk-in showers designed to minimize fall hazards.
- Short-term Leasing: Residents shouldn’t be bound by ironclad long-term leases. A good retirement center allows residents to get a taste of the community with month-to-month lease agreements.
- Pet Friendly: Numerous studies show that older adults gain health benefits when engaging with pets. That’s why a good retirement residence doesn’t force a resident to live without their furry best friend.
5. Top Amenities
In addition to amenities in the room, a good retirement home offers amenities in the community, such as a fitness center, movie room, billiards area, and a games room. It should also have a community area where residents can gather for crafts and baking. After all, experts say that baking can improve cognitive function and stir pleasant memories in older adults. Baking also brings neighbors together.
6. Seniors Games
Retirement communities know that their residents will be physically and mentally healthier when living an active lifestyle. They also know that games are a great way to be active and socialize.
You can check out Allseniorscare.com for a retirement home that goes to great lengths to organize gaming events for older adults. For example, the annual Seniors Games feature a competition, awards ceremony, food, and special guests.
In addition to this exciting yearly event, the retirement community promotes an active and vibrant lifestyle with exceptional design, features, services, and numerous ongoing, daily activities.
7. Active Living
There are many advantages for older adults who live an active lifestyle:
- Stronger body
- Increased flexibility
- Greater balance
- Enhanced cardiovascular health
- Better blood pressure
- Lower risk of diabetes, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis
- Lower risk of dementia
- Ideal lipid profile
- Good neurocognitive function
The best retirement homes recognize that active living offers older adults many benefits. That’s why they design their communities with high walkability scores, encouraging people to be active. In addition to games for seniors, they may offer amenities like swimming pools and gyms that encourage age-appropriate physical activity.
Older adults interested in the technology may also have access to video games onsite. On titles like Wii Sports, older adults can use motion controllers to play baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, archery, and much more against the computer or people in the retirement community.
8. Centrally Located
Some retirement homes are located out of town in faraway locations. Living in such places can lead to loneliness for residents, as family members may be unable to visit frequently. In addition, residences in remote locations may be too far from local attractions and essential facilities.
A good retirement home should be centrally located, near eateries, parks, lakes, and other local charms. Also, it should not be too far from a good clinic or hospital.
Like people from any age group, older adults may need to go to a hospital in an emergency. They also need to regularly see a dentist and physician to stay healthy.
Regular visits to the dentist are of utmost importance for elderly individuals, and here’s why. As we age, we become more susceptible to oral health issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. By seeking routine dental care, seniors can receive early detection and treatment of these conditions, preventing them from escalating into more serious problems.
Furthermore, regular dental visits provide an opportunity to maintain natural teeth through proper oral hygiene and professional care. Dentists can conduct thorough examinations, cleanings, and address any oral health concerns specific to seniors. In addition to oral health, dental visits play a crucial role in identifying potential systemic health issues.
Dentists can recognize signs and symptoms that may indicate underlying conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, or cardiovascular diseases which makes it quite essential for older adults to see a dentist. Early detection can lead to timely medical intervention, improving overall health outcomes. For elderly individuals with dentures or dental implants, regular check-ups are vital for proper fitting, adjustments, and maintenance to ensure optimal oral health and comfort.
Dental professionals conduct oral cancer screenings during routine visits, detecting any abnormalities in the mouth and improving the chances of successful treatment. Moreover, dental professionals offer preventive care, such as professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and education on oral hygiene practices tailored to the specific needs of seniors.
While a top retirement resident should have centrally located apartments, ideally, it should have a presence in multiple cities and provinces. This way, you aren’t forced to travel a long distance by road or air to live in a retirement community that you like.
9. Trained & Certified
Retirement homes run by conscientious owners realize that managing a community is a great responsibility. That’s why they ensure that their staff is certified and trained to help older adults. The staff at an excellent retirement home will also be kind, gentle, and helpful to its community members. Additionally, they will have excellent communication skills.
10. Healthy Food
Good retirement communities offer delicious and healthy food options for their residents. They know that residents who eat nutritious and age-appropriate cuisines are happy and have energy for all types of fun, interesting, healthy, and rewarding activities. They’ll also suffer from fewer health challenges when consuming good food.
These are ten signs of an excellent retirement residence. Look for a welcoming place that takes responsibility for its residents by offering the best amenities and encouraging them to stay happy and healthy.