It’s estimated that the senior population will quadruple over the course of the next thirty years. As this population demographic continues to grow, the need for quality senior living communities has never been higher.
These communities not only provide a space for seniors to enjoy their retirement but also give them access to the care they might need as they age. Unfortunately, not all senior living communities are created equally.
So, what should you consider when choosing one of these communities? And what’s the best senior living community in Burlington? In this guide, we’ll answer these questions so you can find the best retirement homes in Burlington, NJ.
Dining
The dining plans in senior living communities can vary widely. Some seniors prefer their food cooked for them at every meal. Others might like to cook on their own but still want the option of dining services if they’re too tired on certain days.
You should make sure that the senior living community has a dining plan that aligns with your expectations. Ideally, you should also sample the food during your visit to assisted living in Burlington, NJ.
Pay close attention to the taste and quality since you’ll likely be eating here frequently. You also need to consider nutrition.
By following the dietary guidelines for older adults, you get the nutrients you need to prevent chronic conditions and maintain lean muscle mass.
Activity Calendars
One of the great things about senior living communities is that you get to meet new people and have fun. However, both of these things are often contingent on the type of activities the senior living community offers.
Frequent social events are a great way for you to get to know everyone in the community while making friends. And fun weekly events can add some spice to your weekends.
You can tell a lot about an assisted living community based on their activity calendar. So check it out either in person or online.
Pay attention to how many events they offer. If the events are few and far between, or they don’t interest you, then look elsewhere.
Amenities
Amenities are another great aspect of retirement communities. They can come in many shapes and forms, but some of the more popular ones include things like:
- Gardens
- Gyms
- Libraries
- Hair salons
- Music rooms
- Housekeeping services
- Lounges
- Activity rooms
- Scheduled transportation
Again, look for overlap between the life you want to live and the amenities offered. Do they have things that you think will interest you throughout the months and years? This is a vital question to ask yourself.
If you can, we recommend doing a tour so you can also see the amenities in person. That way, you can see if they live up to the picture inside your head.
Testimonials and Reviews
Unfortunately, the only real way to know if you’ll like a senior living community is to live in it. There’s not an option to try it on for size. However, the closest you can get is by reading testimonials and reviews from people who have lived there.
These can tell you a lot about the pros and cons of the community. Ideally, the senior living community will make it easy for you to read some of these testimonials.
If they don’t, or you notice a lot of negative reviews, you should look elsewhere. This is a clear sign that the community doesn’t put much effort into making their residents happy.
Care Options
Different seniors have different care needs. Some might be completely independent. They don’t need any help with their day-to-day living and they only joined the community to take advantage of amenities and social opportunities.
Other seniors will typically be fairly independent but still require some help with daily activities of living. These senior living options can include things like:
- Getting dressed
- Bathing
- Cleaning
- Doing laundry
- Medication management
Most senior living communities will also be able to accommodate this. Another common care option is memory care. This is for people with memory conditions like dementia.
It allows people to enjoy schedules and activities in a safe environment. It’s important to look at all the care options your senior community offers.
You might be independent now, but if chronic conditions worsen or you develop a disease or illness, you’ll require greater levels of care. Ask the staff what they can and can’t accommodate.
If you require 24/7 nursing care, then you’ll likely need to relocate to a nursing home. Making a plan for these potential changes can ensure that you aren’t stressed about the future.
Pets
Pets like dogs and cats can add a lot of quality to a senior’s life. Besides companionship, they’re also great conversation starters. If you have a pet, or you think you might like one in your retirement community, you need to ask about their policy.
Some senior communities, like Granville Place Assisted Living in Burlington, allow pets for the residents. However, others have more strict policies. As such, you should make sure they allow pets before proceeding.
Alternatively, you can surrender your pet to a shelter. However, most seniors would prefer to just find a community with more lenient pet policies.
Fitness Programs
Staying fit is vital in your old age. Not only does it prevent chronic conditions and diseases, but it also improves both your mental health and appearance. As such, you should make sure that the senior living community offers a robust fitness program.
At the bare minimum, they should have a gym on-site that you can use. However, ideally, they’ll also provide fitness classes and other amenities to improve your physical health.
Want the Best Senior Living Community in Burlington, NJ? Visit Granville Place Assisted Living
We hope this guide helped you learn more about what to consider when picking a senior living community in Burlington. Here at Granville Place Assisted Living, we know that our community residents rely on us for more than just daily living support.
They look to us to organize fun events, make delicious meals, and create meaning in their lives. That’s why we do everything we can to make sure our comprehensive programs add quality to your senior years.
So if you want to learn more about us, get in touch today to find one of the best senior communities in Burlington.
