Choosing a place to live at any stage of life is an important decision. It is especially true when considering a new retirement address. You are seeking a lifestyle that offers freedom, enjoyment, and resources for healthy aging; thats why you want to take some time before visiting a senior living community to decide what matters most to you.At Heritage Communities, weve put together some suggestions on what to observe when visiting a senior living community. The right choice is out there!What to observe when visiting a senior living communityOverall appearance. As you approach the community, does it look well maintained? Is the landscaping healthy and trimmed? Once inside, note your impressionsdoes it seem clean and tidy, or are there signs of neglect? Its more than the physical appearance, its the atmosphere as well. You want to feel welcome right away. You also want to pick up on a positive, happy energy that invites you to learn more.Interactions. Pay attention to how staff and residents communicate with one another. Are they smiling and talking, or is there little interaction? Anytime you are visiting a senior living community, notice how people greet one another, whether they live or work there or are visiting. Its true that happy residents and happy staff go together. If its a great place to work, its most likely a great place to live, and vice versa.Amenities. You might want a community with a well-stocked library, a lively pub or an inviting outdoor patio where you can socialize with guests. Check to see if the community amenities feel inviting and up-to-date, and how popular they seem to be with residents. Dont forget conveniences such as a salon/barber shop, exercise space or wellness office.Remember, when visiting a senior living community, you are searching for a place that will feel like homebut without all the maintenance and work!Dining experience. Food is definitely an important item on your checklist. You will want to have a few meals at a community you are considering. For starters, ask for a sample menu and find out if dietary restrictions are considered. Observe the atmosphere in the main dining venue and whether residents seem to be enjoying themselves.Flexibility is important as wellcan residents eat when they choose? Sit where they choose? Is there a casual, grab n go venue as well as a more formal dining room?Choices. Maintaining a home, taking care of a family, working full-time and making sure everything is in order is often a 24/7 responsibility. Thats why now, as you consider having newfound freedom to plan your days as you wish, without all those worries, you want an environment that offers you lots of quality choices. Be sure when visiting a senior living community to ask for a calendar of events. Take a look: what appeals to you? Find out if you can start a group if you dont see it listed, such as a book club or knitting circle.Todays senior living communities offer a wide variety of activities, such as trivia, painting classes, yoga, discussions, concerts, movies, walking groups, excursions to area museums, galleries, lunch spots and more, exercise classes, happy hours, birthday parties, holiday celebrations, volunteering, and lots more. Of course, you can opt to just relax in your comfortable apartment with the latest mystery novel. The key is having choices and lots of them!Culture. Talk to the leadership of the community and ask what their goal is for residents. Do they follow a set of core values and are they committed to providing resources for healthy aging? Find out what the turnover rate is and ask about the communitys reputation. Does the staff undergo periodic retraining? Are residents involved in planning and decision-making?Find the senior living community that feels right for youYou can tell a great deal just by being around residents and staff, which is why in-person visits are so important. Be sure to observe if people seem to be having fun. At Heritage Communities, we believe everyones home should be a delight, so we make sure to infuse good times, laughter and rewarding relationships into residents lives as often as possible.Wed love to tell you more!

Anyone whos been there will tell you: being a caregiver for a loved one is a 24/7 commitment. When the person youve cared for moves to a senior living community for more intensive support, you also undergo a change; one that involves transitioning from caregiver to advocate.While that role may feel very different from being a hands-on caregiver, its just as important.At Heritage Communities, we understand the challenges families may face during their loved ones journey through aging and we are here to help everyone involved.Tips for smooth transitioning from caregiver to advocatePay attention to the way care is providedYou most likely have developed a deep understanding of your loved ones health status and how their condition affects their daily life. You know their likes and dislikes in terms of schedules, interests, and personal preferences. Be sure to discuss these types of details with staff. Keep watch over your loved ones routine to make sure they are receiving the care they need in a way that feels familiar to them.Visit often and at different timesStaff appreciate families who stay involved with their loved ones. The more often you can visit, the better. And varying your visiting time also is a good idea when you are transitioning from caregiver to advocate. Drop in before dinner, late morning, or even right before bedtime. This way, you can meet staff from different shifts and answer any questions about your loved one.Stay in touch regularly with staff if you live at a distanceIts hard to not be there in person, but with todays technology, there are ways to remain in constant contact when transitioning from caregiver to advocate. Check in regularly for status updates and if possible, arrange for a Facetime or Zoom call so you can see your Mom or Dad. Ask a friend or relative to also visit occasionally on your behalf. Let your loved ones caregivers know you appreciate what they are doing, and that you want to be a helpful part of the team.Keep up with available resourcesAs an advocate, you have the ability to keep yourself informed on research and news concerning your loved ones condition. In addition, you want to be sure your family is receiving and using any benefits, insurance or finances that could help pay for care. Sources like AARP, National Council on Aging, National Institute on Aging and Family Caregiver Alliance are good sources for information. Be sure to stay in touch with the senior living community as well for any new developments.Find different ways to be of helpEven though youre no longer by your Mom or Dads side 24/7, you can still be of great help. If your schedule allows, drop by at lunchtime and assist them with their meal. Take them for a walk or ride in a wheelchair along a path or in a garden. Run errands for them on a specific day. Not only will you provide a positive experience for your loved one, you also will be able to observe whats happening in the community.Find a senior living community that truly feels like homeAt Heritage Communities, our care team spends one-on-one time with our residents to review their memories, stories and photos, giving us insight into who they are. Where are they from? What was their occupation? Did they raise children? What are their hobbies or talents? What brings them joy? Who do they love?With a growing understanding of your loved ones personality, talents, and abilities, we can continually meet their needs, while keeping family or key advisors apprised of changes, challenges, and successes.For anyone transitioning from caregiver, or who simply is looking for the perfect community and living option, we invite you to discover more about what makes Heritage your first choice.We redefine living better. You make it your own. Download our free guide, The Family Decision Toolkit. Or contact us today 402-764-1695.