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Saint Ann Retirement Center Assisted Living okc and Independent Living

Choosing the Best Assisted Living Near Me

When transitioning yourself or a loved one into an OKC assisted living facility, there are many things to consider. But ultimately, happiness and health are above all else. To ensure this, Saint Ann Retirement Center has identified ten factors for you to consider when choosing an assisted living facility in OKC. 

1. Location 

When you look for assisted living near me, choosing an assisted living facility near loved ones is one of the most important decisions. It’s easier for them to visit you regularly or be readily available in an emergency. A local assisted living facility can also make things more comfortable for you. You will be near familiar places. The other residents around you will also be from the same community. Therefore, you will feel more at home at a local assisted living facility. 

2. Meals

Food is often overlooked when choosing assisted living facilities, but not at Saint Ann. We understand how important it is for seniors to have balanced, healthy meals. Some facilities have their food catered, which leads to little variety from day-to-day, and the food may sit out for some time before it gets to you. That is not the case at Saint Ann. Instead, our outstanding chefs prepare our delicious meals daily and plan menus around resident preferences. When touring an assisted living facility, please pay close attention to the quality of the food, how it’s prepared, and who’s preparing it. You’ll be eating it every day. So it’s important that you like it and that it’s worth the cost. 

3. Amenities 

Amenities are the features of the assisted living facility, which can include: 

  • Libraries and game centers
  • Computer rooms
  • Fitness and wellness centers
  • Chapels 
  • Beauty Salons
  • Wi-Fi
  •  And more! 

Some assisted living facilities boast many amenities, while others focus solely on personal care. Neither one is better than the other. What matters is what you value. Suppose you can live independently but need help taking medication or performing day-to-day personal care activities. In that case, you might enjoy a facility with more amenities that you’ll be able to use. 

If you need more attentive care, you may like a facility with fewer amenities.  Searching for assisted living near me could help you find options in your area. However, it would be best if you didn’t have to pay for assisted living amenities you can’t use. 

4. Staff 

Staff members will interact with you throughout every day. They are available to walk you down the hall, prepare your food, manage your medication, and provide personal care. Finding a place with a loving, caring staff of genuine people is perhaps the most critical part of choosing an assisted living facility. An in-person visit is the best way to gauge a staff. Perhaps talk to some residents or family members of residents and see what they think. 

5. Activities 

Activities are at the heart of every great senior living community. They get you active, engage you with other residents, and make the facility a fun, social place! 

Assisted living activities at Saint Ann include: 

  • Entertainers
  • Bingo and games
  • Chair Volleyball 
  • Strength training sessions 
  • Religious services 
  • Arts and crafts 
  • Socials 
  • And more! 

When you tour in person, ask for a brochure or form that includes their activity list so you can review it when you get home. Also, ask to see where activities take place! 

Assisted Living near me in OKC

6. Space 

Be mindful of how much space there is in the facility’s common areas. For example, if you use a wheelchair, will you be able to access every part of the building, or will some places be unreachable? 

Also, consider how much space you have in your room. Is it large enough for your liking? Does it give you room to move about freely? Can you accommodate people in your room, like if friends or family came to visit? Finding answers to these questions is necessary when choosing an assisted living facility. 

7. Cost 

The cost of assisted living near me varies from facility to facility and even more so from city to city. Many people save money by moving to assisted living because they don’t have to pay out of pocket for helpers, home maintenance, lawn care, groceries, etc. 

The cost of assisted living includes many things, like: 

  • Meals 
  • Activities & Life Enrichment
  • Personal Care & Nursing Oversight
  • Housing & Utilities
  • Housekeeping
  • Transportation
  • Medication Administration

Consult with your family and decide if the move to assisted living is right for you. 

8. Reviews 

Read reviews of the facility online. These reviews are the most honest reflections you will get of the facility. 

Keep in mind that everyone’s experience is different. Someone might have had a wonderful time while someone else, for whatever reason, did not. So read these reviews carefully and parse out what information you can. 

Try to avoid particularly negative and overly positive reviews. The ones in the middle will likely provide more substantial insight into the experience at a facility, weighing the good and the bad. 

9. Be Honest 

When you search for assisted living near me, you want an OKC assisted living facility that caters to your needs. To do this, you’ll need to be honest with yourself. 

There’s no shame in admitting you need help. Assess what you want in a facility, but make sure it has what you need regarding personal and medical care. 

Additionally, be honest with yourself about the transition to assisted living. Too often, people prolong the transition. This leads to more accidents at home, where it’s harder to get immediate help. Our current assisted living residents always advise future residents to decide while they still can for themselves. 

But this doesn’t mean you are receiving constant medical attention. Assisted living and nursing homes are quite different. That’s what’s great about a place like Saint Ann. 

We have a staff of dedicated, lovely people who give you specialized personal care. But we also provide you with exceptional amenities, fun activities, and delicious meals. 

10. Schedule a Visit 

Explore the options when you search for “assisted living near me” and take a visit yourself. Of course, loved ones can visit for you, but it is truly best for you to see a place with your own eyes. Get a sense of the building. Meet with the staff. Mingle with the other residents. There is no replacement for yourself! 

In conclusion… 

We hope to have provided some key insights into choosing the right option for “assisted living near me” that adjusts to your needs. Saint Ann Retirement Center is happy to provide a comfortable environment with a caring staff, fun activities, tasty food, and quality amenities for you. 

Come see it for yourself! If you’re interested in transitioning into assisted living, give us a call, check us out on Facebook, or visit our website to schedule a visit today!

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