How to Pick an Assisted Living Community
As you or a loved one starts considering moving into an assisted living community, you’ll likely find many communities in your area to choose from. The best way to compare assisted living communities is to take a tour of each one. Like Melrose Meadows, most assisted living communities offer free tours to potential residents. You can glean a lot of insight from a tour of an assisted living community if you keep your eyes and ears open. Below are some of the things you should look out for:
Location
As you tour the different assisted living communities, take note of the surrounding community. If the neighborhood and its amenities are not suitable for an elderly demographic, it may make day-to-day activities difficult. Be sure to also check out what the city offers. At Melrose Meadows, we’re lucky to be in the heart of bustling Iowa City, a vibrant community that offers tons to do.
Facility
Just like with any tour of a future home, you’ll want to make sure the facilities are clean and well taken care of. Take note of the upkeep of outdoor areas as well as inside and inquire about security and safety of the community.
Dining
One of the perks of moving into an assisted living community is no longer having to cook for yourself. That being said, you’ll be eating a lot of meals there, so it’s a good idea to sample your future meal options before moving in. While you’re there, you can explore the community’s typical menus, seating arrangements, hours, etc. Having a meal at your future community also gives you the opportunity to meet other residents and learn about their experiences.
Services
As you tour an assisted living community, you should inquire about which services are included and which are not. At Melrose Meadows, all of our services – housekeeping, laundry, daily assistance, etc. – are included with rent, but many assisted living communities offer their services on an a la carte basis. Even if you only need a few personal care services, a la carte pricing can significantly increase your monthly costs.
Programming and Facilities
At most assisted living communities, residents enjoy regular social and wellness programming. When you tour an assisted living community, ask if you can sit in during an event or scheduled programming. This way you can get a feel for the social life you can enjoy. In addition to programmed activities, ask about recreational facilities such as a gyms, pools, libraries and game/social rooms. One of our most popular amenities is our Wellness Center including the heated indoor pool. At Melrose Meadows, both independent and assisted living residents enjoy all of our facilities, activities and events.
Staff
As you tour the different communities, pay close attention to the staff and how they interact with residents. Meet the management team and ask questions about staffing patterns and turnover rates. When choosing a community, it’s important to make sure you can trust and establish rapport with the staff members.
Melrose Meadows is a certified assisted and independent living community in Iowa City, Iowa. We pride ourselves in providing a senior living community that supports an independent lifestyle in a vibrant all-inclusive setting. Schedule a tour today and let us help you navigate the options for your future.