Aging is a natural process. But it does not mean that you have to stop living your life. As long as you are healthy and active, there are many ways to enjoy your golden years. There are several independent living facilities in Tulsa, OK, where you can live the life you want while receiving personalized care simultaneously.
Assess Your Needs
The best way to plan for the future is to be open and honest about your needs and expectations. What kind of help will you need? How much time do you have available to commit? Is it important that your loved one live near family or friends, or do they prefer privacy in a new community? These are all valuable questions that can help define the type of environment in which someone will thrive.
Check References
Before selecting a community, learn more about their policies on visiting family members, pets, and smoking—and consider how these factors might impact your loved one’s plans once they settle in at their new home.
We recommend asking for at least three references, including one from the community’s director of services. You can also check with family members who have used the community or other independent living communities.
At this point, it is important to ask if the community is licensed and accredited by the state and whether they have been providing care for a long time. It’s also important to ask about their waiting list—if there is one—and how long it typically takes before someone moves in after signing up. Finally, ensure you find out what happens when residents want to leave their homes: does the team help them find new places? What happens if there are no openings?
Discover The Dining Options
You should be able to see a list of the dining options in your contract. The community may also include information on its website, but this may not be up-to-date. If you are touring a community and they show you around, ask if they have on-site dining or if residents can eat at a dining hall nearby.
Consider Activities And Amenities Offered
Independent living communities typically offer a variety of activities, ranging from yoga classes to trips to local museums. Some senior-friendly independent living communities may even have special events like holiday parties or bingo nights. If you’re particularly busy with work and family commitments, then this aspect of your life will likely be important for you when deciding where to live.
In addition to activities, it is also important that you consider any amenities offered by the community itself or nearby businesses. Some amenities available include restaurants within walking distance, pharmacies close by if needed, and transportation services that can easily get residents from one place to another.
Ask Questions About Care
Ask questions about the staff-to-resident ratio, training, policies, and procedures for handling emergencies, complaints, and transfers. The more information you have about the people caring for you at your new home, the better equipped you’ll be to make an informed decision about where to live.
Conclusion
We hope this list of tips has helped help you choose the right community. Remember to consider the full range of available options, from independent living to assisted living and memory care. It is important to consider the level of assistance needed and whether there are activities and amenities that would benefit your loved one.
