One of the most important steps in choosing the right senior living community is a tour of each community that made the shortlist. When you’re preparing to tour a senior living community take time to make a list of questions so you leave with a solid understanding of all that each community provides.
What levels of care are offered?
For many seniors, making the move to senior living is a lifetime commitment so when you tour a senior living community one of the most important questions is “What levels of care are available?” According to the morningstar.com article, “100 Must-Know Statistics About Long-Term Care: 2023 Edition,” 70% of people turning age 65 will need long-term care in their lifetime. So, even if you choose to start out in independent living, the possibility of a move to assisted living or memory care in the future should be considered.
At The Lodge at Stephens Lake we offer a continuum of care from independent living, through assisted living and memory care so if your needs do change, you won’t have to move to another community and can remain close to your friends in the community you call home.
What are the housing options?
Senior living communities offer a range of housing options for each level of care. When you tour a senior living community it’s essential to ask about and visit the different housing options offered. At The Lodge at Stephens Lake, we provide different floor plans for independent living, assisted living, and memory care and our housing choices are designed to address the needs and preferences of residents of each.
For example, for our independent living residents, we offer spacious two-bedroom, two-bath Cottage Homes complete with a living room and dining room, kitchen, laundry room, and a one-car attached garage. Our assisted living residents can choose from two studios, and a one-bedroom floor plan. Memory care residents have two studio options. These housing options provide residents with privacy but close to the daily care and attention they need to remain healthy and independent.
How is wellness prioritized?
If living well and staying active and healthy are among your goals, when you tour a senior living community be sure to ask about how wellness is supported. Among the possibilities are physical health options like exercise classes and landscaped grounds for walking, and mentally enriching activities as well as opportunities for socialization, which, according to the mamcpress.mayoclinic.org article, “A surprising key to healthy aging: Strong social connections,” can make a big difference in your overall health and how well you age. Further reading: How Social Connections Increase Happiness in Older Adults.
Another aspect of wellness is nutrition, which luxury communities like The Lodge at Stephens Lake take very seriously. Our chef-inspired meals rival top restaurants and can be crafted to accommodate dietary restrictions while remaining appetizing, so when you tour a senior living community plan to stay for a meal and sample the cuisine in person.
What amenities and services are included?
When you tour a senior living community be sure to sure to ask what amenities and services are included. As described in our blog, “Amenities Count: Comfort and Convenience in Today’s Senior Living Communities,” resort-like amenities to look for when you tour a senior living community include accessible and safe living spaces inside and outside homes and apartments, fun social activities like Happy Hours, movies, excursions, and games, and support for personal fulfillment like hobbies, volunteering, or life-long learning.
Similarly, services should include all maintenance and repair, regular housekeeping and linen service, an on-site hair salon and barbershop, on-site therapy and concierge physician services, and free local transportation. For a more in-depth look, check out our blog, “What’s Included in the Cost of Senior Living.”
How are safety and security maintained?
Senior living communities like The Lodge at Stephens Lake take safety and security to new levels by providing not only accessible living spaces but all the extras that make life safe and secure. When you tour a senior living community ask about safety and security and observe whether spaces are clean and uncluttered, if light is sufficient, if doors and halls are wide, and if bathrooms are equipped with features like grab bars, walk-in showers, raised toilets, lever handles on doors and faucets, and whether there is an emergency alert system in place. To get an idea of what to expect from the best our blog “Finding a Sense of Safety and Security in Senior Living,” looks at how we prioritize safety and security at every level of care and throughout our community.
Before you tour a senior living community, download our “Choosing the Right Community” guide, then contact us to schedule your tour of The Lodge at Stephens Lake.