After working in senior living, you get to know a few things about a few things. First, it’s one of the most rewarding jobs ever! Hearing everyone’s stories and helping others could fill anyone’s cup.
We’ve also learned what is important to our loved ones regarding long-term care. Here are some thoughts based on our experiences.
Choose a Community with On-Site Therapies and Healthcare Services
Access to healthcare can come with barriers. Hospitals can be many miles away, winters may present us with roads slicker than a bar of soap, or maybe we just plain don’t want to go to the doctor. While many of us are guilty of putting off appointments, little things can become big things when we’re not paying attention.
Find Senior Living Careers Near Me
Strongly consider a community that offers healthcare support. As we age, we may not recognize the subtle shifts within ourselves, especially those small differences that can occur over time and then accumulate. Diminished strength and balance, medication side effects, weight fluctuations, or changes in memory or personality are all important to monitor.
With the help of nurses and access to on-site therapies, residents can maintain their abilities and perform more tasks independently. You’ve probably heard the phrase, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” In our assisted living communities at Edgewood, we encourage you to keep doing all of the things you’re able to do for as long as you safely can.
Don’t Wait Too Long
“Home” holds dear memories and comforts that few of us want to give up. However, if we’re all alone at home, health problems and changes to our abilities can go unnoticed and can become major issues.
Working in senior living, we often encounter residents and families who have waited too long to explore our services. Once evaluated, they may not be appropriate for assisted living due to significant health issues that are better managed in a nursing home. Nursing homes provide excellent healthcare, but senior living communities promote continued independence.
Don’t Choose Based on Geography and Price Alone
It’s essential not to cut corners when seeking quality care to meet your loved one’s needs, as this can compromise the overall cost-effectiveness. Assisted living should provide everything your loved one requires to stay safe and healthy once they move in. Sometimes, the prices indicated for assisted living care are not all-inclusive. Understanding the bigger picture is important. Request transparency and clarity on how the cost is determined upfront.
Geographically, it’s always nice to live close to those we love, but proximity shouldn’t be the only reason behind a big decision. Ensure that the residence is chosen based on several important factors, rather than simply where the community is located on the map.
Don’t Choose Assisted Living if Your Loved One Needs Memory Care
If someone moves into assisted living, the staff will understand the challenges of memory loss, but memory care offers a specialized setting. Memory care communities typically have fewer residents to ensure safety and supervision. The apartment sizes are typically smaller, too, so they provide comfort to combat anxiety due to spaces that can’t be easily seen.
Interested in a Tour of Senior Living?
Choose a Community That Feels Good
Be sure that your chosen senior living community welcomes visitors and that you feel heard if you have a concern. Communities often have a large staff; be sure to know who can assist you with any questions that arise.
Our Edgewood staff feels like an extended family to many of our residents. We welcome their families, too, for coffee and snacks, informational presentations, and, even more importantly, fun!
At Edgewood, we’ve got you covered. Check us out for a tour today, and we can discuss activities, meals, care, and all the amazing amenities that make our communities a home. Reach out to us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.
