If you or a senior you love is looking for the right assisted living communities in Texas, you may be feeling overwhelmed by your options. For many people, location is key since they may want to live close to their family. However, it also helps to know which assisted living home characteristics to look for to meet your changing needs throughout your senior years.
Buckner Retirement Services operates six assisted living communities throughout Texas, offering a range of services to ensure we have something for everyone. Call us today at 214.227.7182 to learn which of our beautiful assisted living communities is right for you.
Characteristics to Look for in Assisted Living Homes
1. Friendly, professional staff
A highly qualified staff that makes you feel like family can make all the difference in your experience at assisted living homes. When researching a community, look at:
- The staff-to-resident ratio
- Number of staff on duty during the day and overnight
- Staff certifications and licenses
- Availability of staff to assist with daily living tasks like eating, dressing, and bathing
Knowing the qualifications and availability of the assisted living facility’s staff can give you a better picture of the care you will receive. It is also recommended that you tour the facility and meet some of the staff to get a real feel for the atmosphere.
2. Fun, engaging activities for seniors
When you choose an assisted living community, you want to know that your years spent here will be enjoyable. Fun and senior educational activities are a must for your quality of life. Some examples of activities offered at assisted living communities are:
- Gardening
- Arts and crafts
- Golf
- Field trips
- Exercise classes
- Painting
- Dancing
- Meditation
- Live performances
Find out what type of programs and activities are offered in the community to see if they align with your interests. Some assisted living facilities to provide many on-site activities, while others also include off-site activities such as visits to museums, theaters, and parks.
3. Modern safety features
Seniors often benefit from additional safety features in assisted living homes that can help prevent unnecessary accidents. Accessibility features can also provide easy access to all areas of your home and the assisted living community. Look for safety features and accessibility features like:
- Handrails
- Grab bars
- Wheelchair ramps
- Elevators
- Zero-threshold showers
- Stairlifts
- Wider doors
These small details can help keep you safe to enjoy your retirement years to the fullest.
4. Short-term and long-term care
As you age, your support needs may change. Although you may not start out needing a high level of care, this can change over time. Find out if the assisted living facility offers short-term and long-term care services, such as:
- Skilled nursing
- Memory care
- Rehabilitation
- Respite care
It is also good to ask if and how frequently they assess residents to determine if a higher level of care is needed.
5. Desirable amenities
The amenities offered by an assisted living community can make or break your experience living there. You will not necessarily need every amenity under the sun, although some assisted living homes offer an extensive list. Amenities may include:
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Transportation
- Dining room
- Beauty salon and barbershop
- Swimming pool
- Pet-friendly community
- Clubhouse
- Walking paths
- Chapel
- Library
To keep within your budget, it is recommended that you consider which amenities are most important to you. This can help you narrow down your choices and ensure you will receive the services you would enjoy most.
Buckner Retirement Services: Upscale Assisted Living Communities in Texas
Once you have a clearer picture of your most desired assisted living home characteristics, you will surely see that Buckner Retirement Services can accommodate your needs. If you need help deciding which of our luxury communities is most suitable for your retirement, call us today 214.227.7182.