In most states there is better, cleaner, operational regulation and more adept staff training requirements. There has been a huge shift in the consumer. Families and seniors themselves are more comfortable with senior care communities as a clear method to potentially postponing nursing home care, which was not the case, years ago. There was a huge stigma about nursing homes and senior care of the past, which has definitely started to diminish. The concept of resort-style living is becoming more attractive to active seniors. A really nice shift has been a decrease in the level of skepticism, and increase in the trust. To run a community or to discuss multiple care communities to families before they visit have become more friendly events.
Today there is also a plethora of activities and amenities, in addition to state-of-the art care from medical and therapist professionals, including:
- Barber and beautician services
- Book groups
- Dining and food services
- Gardening clubs
- Housekeeping and laundering services
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Scheduled transportation services to outings outside of community
- Theater outings
- Wellness and physical fitness, catered to individual needs, including:
- Catered fitness regimes
- Water aerobics
- Walking
It’s important to consider whether your loved one would want to participate in the events and amenities in the community, if their basic needs are met. After all, unless the senior is suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, the mind of a 90-year old in assisted living hasn’t aged; just the body has. ALFA discusses more of the assisted living services and amenities offered in today’s world of senior care.
