Whether you’re a senior or caring for a loved one, it’s important to know what to look for in a friendly senior living community. If you’re choosing a skilled nursing home for yourself or your parent, it can be hard to know if the community will be welcoming and accommodating.
In many cases, seniors struggle with feelings of loneliness or social isolation—and when they live in unfriendly or unwelcoming communities, their quality of life suffers. With some seniors having limited mobility due to conditions like dementia and arthritis, being able to participate in social activities becomes even more critical than ever before.
When engaged in a pleasant and friendly community, seniors can enjoy a better quality of life and have new activities to participate in regularly. Here are a few things to consider when looking for a friendly senior living community.
Regular Social Activities
If you’re looking for a senior community that will make your loved one feel at home, look for one that offers regular social activities. These can be anything from game nights to current events discussions.
Game Nights
Game nights are an excellent way for seniors to stay active and engaged with their peers. Game nights at senior communities provide opportunities for people who may not have as much time or energy to get out into the world. It also encourages interaction between residents which can help them feel more connected.
Performances
If you’re looking for a senior community that offers regular social activities, ask about the types of things they do. Are there weekly performances? Do they have special events planned throughout the year? Or do they have happy hours every few months? If it’s important to you that your loved one has access to company and activities, make sure that the place you pick has plenty of options.
Movie Nights
Regular movie nights are a great way to encourage residents to get together and bond over popcorn and a good flick.
Holiday Celebrations
Traditional holiday celebrations are another essential part of feeling connected and cared for in your new living facility. Make sure your potential senior community is ready to celebrate all your favorite holidays with festive decorations, delicious food, and fun activities.
Off-Site Trips
A friendly senior living community will offer regular social activities, trips off-site, and even opportunities for residents to volunteer in their local community. These events are usually well-planned and organized so that they’re easy for seniors to attend and fun.
Facility Features
Friendly senior living communities have several features that stand out from other facilities and make them an excellent choice for seniors and their families. To ensure that you’re choosing a friendly senior living community, look for these features:
Common Areas With Engaging Activities
Are there common areas that provide social engagement and opportunities for residents to interact with each other? Does the community offer an activity director or other staff members who can help facilitate these interactions?
Recreational Areas
Do the facilities have recreational facilities like gyms or walking paths so residents can remain active as they age? Are there designated areas on-site where residents can engage in physical activity without worrying about traffic or weather?
Access to Mental Health and Support Services
Does the facility offer access to mental health professionals and support groups? This can be especially important if a family member has dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or another condition requiring regular medical professional support.
Easy Access to Staff
When choosing a senior living community, ensure there are always people available on-site who can respond quickly when necessary. The best way to do this is with technology. Is there technology available at all times, so seniors who need assistance don’t have to wait until someone is available by phone?
Responsive Maintenance Personnel
If you have a problem with your apartment or building, it should be addressed promptly. The best senior living communities have maintenance staff that is responsive to residents’ needs and can respond immediately when there is an issue with your apartment or the building. If you have a problem with anything from water pressure to a leaky faucet, the staff should address it quickly and efficiently.
Friendly and Courteous Staff
The staff at your chosen facility should be friendly, courteous, and helpful. They should go out of their way to make you feel welcome and comfortable in your new home. You should also have the opportunity to meet some of the staff members who will be helping you daily.
Before choosing a senior living community, read reviews online about the facility’s staff conduct policies. You’ll want to know if there have been any complaints lodged against them in the past or if they’ve had any disciplinary actions taken against them by their employer.
Find Friendly Senior Living at Shaker Place
When choosing a skilled nursing facility for your loved one, it’s important to consider the social aspects of the facility. A friendly senior living community will have regular social activities, as well as a variety of facilities that residents can use. The staff should also be friendly and courteous.
If you’re looking for an assisted living community that will make you feel right at home, look no further than Shaker Place Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. Located in the NY Capital Region, we offer a wide range of amenities and services to meet the needs of everyone who lives here. We’re committed to providing a friendly and courteous environment that inspires our residents to live their best lives. If you want to learn more about what we offer at Shaker Place, schedule your tour with us today!