When considering if senior living is the right choice, one of the first questions that should be asked is, “What’s included in the cost?” There are a broad range of senior living communities with different types of cost structures so to be able to compare apples to apples, seniors should understand all that’s included in the cost of senior living before choosing a community.
Housing choices
Choosing the right new senior living home is key to a great retirement. Some communities offer only apartments while others like The Lodge at Stephens Lake offer Cottage Homes for seniors in independent living. Having the choice of floor plans at different price points can also help sort out the cost of senior living when comparing communities.
For example, we offer three different floor plans for assisted living that include suites ranging from 345 to 495 square feet, and in memory care our residents can choose from two suites of 345 or 400 square feet. Our Cottage Homes encompass 1,223 square feet and include two bedrooms, full bath and kitchen, a laundry room, and a connected garage. Each housing option is designed for safety, accessibility and comfort and includes all utilities except phone. In general, the cost of senior living homes varies by size and should be available up front and, as noted in our blog, “Decorate Your Space: 5 Tips to Make a Senior Living Apartment Feel Like Home,” residents should be allowed to decorate and make it their own.
Helpful services
A big draw for many seniors is that, unlike living at home, residents have so many services built into the cost of senior living. Again, services vary, but top senior living communities like The Lodge at Stephens Lake include:
- Bi-weekly housekeeping.
- Maintenance and repair.
- Bi-weekly linen service.
- Weekly transportation.
- Exterior grounds maintenance.
For residents of assisted living and memory care the list of services also includes ongoing laundry services with pick-up and delivery, and 24/7/365 hands-on care and oversight. This care can include help with bathing and dressing, personal hygiene, and medication management, as well as assistance with mobility.
Residents can also receive occupational, speech, and physical therapies, and take part in mind-enhancement programs and activities designed to help improve cognition and minimize the symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
At every level, every resident receives the care they need when they need it so they can retain their independence and dignity. For more help making the right choice check out our blog, “The Senior Living Search: Key Questions for Making an Informed Choice.”
Resort-like amenities
In the past, amenities weren’t something seniors expected from senior living but times have changed. Today, luxury communities like The Lodge at Stephens Lake go above and beyond to provide a range of amenities in the cost of senior living. Each is designed to make life easier, more fulfilling, and much more fun.
With an emphasis on wellness and well-being top communities include a full calendar of engaging and healthy activities in the cost of senior living. As defined in our blog, “Amenities Count: Comfort and Convenience in Today’s Senior Living Communities,” we know the importance of socialization so we offer everything from group exercise classes to games and workshops to off-campus excursions to local venues for shopping, dining and sightseeing.
Also included in the cost of senior living is the welcome chance for residents to spruce up right at home at our on-site hair salon or barbershop, take up a new hobby, join a club or interest group, or volunteer for a cause they care about. However residents choose to enrich their lives, they can count on the help and support of the staff at The Lodge at Stephens Lake.
Excellent cuisine
Another very big and very welcome change in senior living is the meals. Although hospital-quality food was once the norm, the best communities have raised the bar considerably in the dining room. Today, residents receive three chef-inspired meals every day that rival those served in top restaurants. Each meal is served in an elegant dining room and meets the highest standards of nutrition for older adults, including those with special dietary needs. Meals are also an opportunity for residents to socialize, share recent news and experiences, and make new friends, and it’s all included in the cost of senior living.
For more about what’s included in the cost of senior living, download our “Stay or Go” guide, then contact us to schedule a tour.