Aging parents often worry that leaving their residences and relocating to a retirement community might be too challenging. However, finding a good senior apartment doesn’t have to be difficult. This guide will assist you in choosing the best senior apartments in Metairie, LA, and finding a place for your loved one to call home. Read on to find out how to select a retirement community that strikes a balance between excellent service, amenities, safety, and more!
Choose a Floor Plan
Your loved one should have a choice in the size and layout of their apartment. Search for a senior apartment offering a variety of floor plans, such as suites and one- or two-bedroom units. A one-bedroom layout could be the best option if your loved one doesn’t want to spend on unnecessary space. If your parents are moving in together and wish to have additional storage space, a spare bedroom, or a home office, then a two-bedroom unit or suite would be ideal.
Review the Available Amenities
The convenient on-site amenities are one of the main advantages of moving into a retirement community. Ideally, the apartment should be situated just a short walk or elevator ride away from all the community facilities so your loved one doesn’t have to travel far to meet all their recreational, social, and dining needs. To encourage a happy, healthy lifestyle, your loved one should have access to a range of on-site activities such as live entertainment, arts and crafts, library and computer lab access, as well as being able to enjoy massages, salon treatments, and more.
Confirm that Resident Services Are Personalized
For a loved one who requires extra assistance with self-care and meeting dietary needs, assisted living is usually the best option. Some folks’ experience with assisted living may be limited to a simple medication reminder and minor housekeeping assistance. For others, it entails full support with housework, transportation to medical appointments, and meticulous prescription monitoring. A good senior apartment should offer a personalized experience, providing your loved ones the appropriate amount of assistance they need as well as adjusting safety and accessibility features in the residence so they can enjoy life to the fullest.
Make Sure Safety Features Are Installed
Your loved one should be able to reach a full-time team on-site when they need urgent help. A unit should include emergency alert systems as well as safety features like raised toilet seats, low-entry showers, grab bars, limited stairs, and no surface obstacles. Additionally, make sure the apartment’s communal spaces are well-lit so your loved one can feel safe at nighttime.
Ensure the Apartment Meets Accessibility Requirements
Look for an apartment with wheelchair ramps, elevators, as well as spacious hallways and doors. Also ensure that the community can accommodate your loved one’s mobility needs, such as making sure all handles and switches are within easy reach.
Check for Continuum of Care
If your loved one’s health deteriorates, they shouldn’t be required to leave their community, the friendships they’ve built, and the amenities they’ve gotten used to. Your loved one should be able to flexibly transition within the same community from Independent Living to Assisted Living or Memory Care, such as the senior living options provided by SummerHouse Vista Shores. This enables both you and your loved one to enjoy lasting peace of mind!
