Do you believe your parents or other loved ones could greatly benefit from the additional help and services offered by a senior living community but are uncertain how to begin the search?
Trying to find the best community can feel overwhelming for many families, but we can help you with your senior living search.
Senior living search tip #1: Become familiar with what is available.
Most families have little experience with a senior living search or understanding the different types of care that are available. Learning as much as you can is a great place to start.
You’ll want to assess the care or services that your parents may need as well as become educated with the options that are available. The following are three basic senior living community types:
INDEPENDENT LIVING
These communities are designed for older adults who are still living independently but are searching for an easier yet fulfilling life. Included in these maintenance-free communities are private residences, planned activities, fitness classes, dining options, social events and scheduled transportation.
ASSISTED LIVING
The communities offer private residences and support an independent lifestyle for those older adults that could use a helping hand with the tasks of daily living, such as cooking, bathing, dressing and managing their medications. Residents also have access to activities, social interactions, healthy dining and fitness classes.
MEMORY CARE
These communities are designed for those who are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Not only do they receive needed care and attention and the opportunities to participate in tailored activities and programs, but the community and staff are especially designed and trained to respond effectively.
Senior living search tip #2: Understand what type of care is needed.
After you become familiar with the different types of senior living available in your area, it’s time to assess which option would best support your loved ones to live their highest quality of life.
Are your parents looking for maintenance-free living and the opportunities to remain active and engaged with others? Are they in need of daily assistance with shopping and preparing meals, bathing safely or getting dressed? Has a loved one been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and is beginning to need more help than can be provided at home?
Better understanding your loved ones’ needs will help in determining the type of senior living that will provide the best match.
Senior living search tip #3: Questions to ask communities.
You’ll want to visit each community you may be considering in person. Spending time becoming familiar with the services offered, joining the other residents for a meal or in an activity will help your family develop more confidence that the right decision is being made.
Asking these questions can illustrate any differences when considering and comparing communities:
- Does the community specialize in the type of care your loved one needs?
- What is the ratio of staff-to-residents during the day and at night?
- What type of residences are available?
- What services and amenities are included in the monthly fees?
- What type of activity programs do they offer?
- Do the dining options include a variety of menu selections or accommodations?
- What opportunities are available to meet the other residents and make friends?
- How will your loved one be made to feel welcome as a new resident?
- Are there fitness classes or wellness programs?
- Is scheduled transportation available?
- What security measures are provided in the community and the private residences?
Senior living search tip #4: Making the best decision.
Once you are armed with knowledge, information and have visited the communities first hand, it will be time to make the decision. The following process may help provide guidance:
- Ask your loved ones for their impressions. What do they like or dislike about the different communities?
- Rank in importance what each community offered and how well they matched up to the needs and preferences of your loved ones and family.
- You may not be able to find everything desired in one place, but was there a community that seemed to stand above the rest?
- What is your own intuition telling you? This can be a strong indicator.
Retirement living in Waukegan, Illinois
Galloway Senior Living, locally owned and operated, provides luxury and quality care for families in our community.
Assisted Living at Galloway Senior Living offers beautiful and contemporary private residences that range from alcove studios to two-bedrooms and include high-end stainless-steel appliances, maple hardwood cabinets, cultured marble countertops and thoughtfully curated décor and colors.
Our Memory Care community offers a family kitchen, dining room, walking garden, and lounge.
Our services include:
- 24-hour certified nursing assistants, on-staff licensed nurses, medication management, and on-site physician visits
- COVID-19 safety protocols
- Assistance with daily tasks
- Readily available safe transportation
- A fall-reduction program
- In-unit emergency response systems including an electronic monitoring system for exit doors
- On-site entertainment and activities personalized to reflect the residents’ preferences
- Housekeeping and linen services including personal laundry
Amenities you’ll find at Galloway Senior Living include:
- Country Café and Convenience Store
- Salon and Spa
- Theater with 85″ television
- Activity and Craft Center
- Game Room
- Library and Business Center
- Fitness Center
If you or your family is considering retirement living in Wadsworth, Illinois, we hope you will visit our community at Galloway Senior Living. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions.