Finding the Perfect Assisted Living Senior Community

Along with wisdom, aging brings changes that can make staying in a cherished family home difficult, if not impossible. As a senior’s care needs change over time, so might their housing options. Assisted living communities are designed to help those who have difficulty caring for themselves to the extent that they can no longer safely live in their own homes without assistance. Providence House, much like other facilities, is staffed 24 hours a day with employees who are trained to assist residents with activities of daily living in their private apartments.

Whether you’re creating your long-term care plan or helping an aging loved one explore their possibilities and preferences, finding the best senior community to fit your needs can be tricky. Providence House Assisted Living has tips to consider when choosing the perfect community for this next chapter in life. Some questions to keep in mind when selecting a senior community include: “What types of apartments will I be in?” “What types of activities and events are offered?” “What are my meal options?” and most importantly “What training and experience do the staff have?”

 What types of apartments will I be in? 

When downsizing from the beloved family home to a senior community apartment, one thing to consider is the quality of the apartment. You want a community that offers apartments that are a good match for your needs and budget. Something spacious, private, and secure. For example, at Providence House, we offer beautiful one-bedroom and studio apartments. Each with a private bathroom and kitchenette to meet all of your needs. Our apartments also include supports to prevent falls and an emergency response system to keep your loved ones safe.

What types of activities and events are offered? 

There’s no reason that assisted living should mean boring. A variety of events, activities, and outings is a wonderful way to keep yourself spry and to engage in your new community. The community you select must offer things you will enjoy doing, as well as some variety so you don’t get bored. Luxury, comfort, and even excellent care will ultimately be unsatisfying and unsuccessful if they come hand in hand with boredom and loneliness. At Providence House, we offer a wide variety of activities including:

• Wellness and fitness classes
• Live entertainment including music and comedy
• Ballroom dancing
• Arts and crafts
• Group activities and theme parties
• Individual pursuits
• Religious services
• Happy hour
• Card games and board games
• Educational programs
• Bird watching club
• Movie nights
• Outings to Boston area attractions and entertainment

What are my meal options? 

A dining room with excellent food can be an enticing option but ask if there are a variety of meal options. This ensures that you can have something that you prefer in case you do not like what is featured on the menu. Consider asking for a copy of the menu to get a feel for the selections of food offered. This will allow you to evaluate the quality of the cooking and to get a look at the social atmosphere of mealtimes. At Providence House, we boast a lovely dining hall within our senior community that focuses on creating a restaurant-style dining experience for each of our residents. This created a relaxed space where residents can enjoy each other’s company and feel right at home. We offer a delicious selection of foods to meet any dietary need or restriction, sure to please even the pickiest eater.

What training and experience do the staff have? 

All staff within a senior community should have basic training in senior care. As a senior’s needs become more extensive, however, training becomes especially important. Excellent care staff will be able to build lasting relationships with the residents, be able to employ the latest strategies to meet each senior’s needs, and understand the importance of maintaining one’s independence. Our staff here at Providence House have been extensively trained to provide the highest quality care with friendliness and compassion.

In the right senior living community, a world of adventure awaits. These communities are as diverse as the seniors they serve, so it’s important to make the right choice for your loved one’s needs. Providence House prides itself on being the premier senior community within the Brighton community. Reach out to us any time for more information on our vibrant community.