9 Features to Look for in Independent Living for Seniors
Top Features to Find |
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Independent living for seniors is an excellent option for older adults looking for a sense of community in their retirement. Senior living facilities support many aspects of daily life, such as transportation, meal preparation, and home maintenance, while empowering residents to maintain as much independence as possible as they age.
There is a wide range of options for independent living for seniors, so it’s essential to search carefully for the one that best suits your or your loved one’s needs. Suppose you’re planning on moving to an independent living community. In that case, creating a list of the senior care amenities that are most important to you is helpful. Here are some of the key features to look for when exploring independent living in OKC:
Safety and Security Measures
Safety is a major concern for many seniors. You can establish peace of mind by looking for secure senior communities with multiple locked doors, access codes, or security guards. Some communities even include emergency response for seniors in their monthly fees. If you or your loved one is at risk of falling or suffering a medical emergency, these systems can help you feel more safe and secure.
Comfortable Living Spaces
The apartment is one of the biggest deciding factors when looking for independent living for seniors. Your retirement community should offer senior-friendly apartments with accessible living spaces so that you can easily navigate your home without assistance. Apartments with lots of natural light are especially good for senior wellness. You should have plenty of space for your belongings but not feel overwhelmed by the upkeep.
In addition to comfortable senior homes, the best senior living facilities also have cozy communal spaces where you can socialize with other residents. Connecting with your neighbors is one of the greatest benefits of independent living for seniors, so your senior community should have plenty of shared spaces for you to meet others.
Healthcare Services and Support
Healthcare management is an important consideration for most seniors when looking for an independent senior community. Even if you have few medical concerns upon moving in, you want to know you’ll be safe and supported should your health worsen. When touring an independent living community, ask about their senior healthcare services.
Many retirement communities have nurses or physicians on staff who can make house calls for urgent medical needs. On-site medical support is particularly valuable for seniors who don’t drive or have difficulty getting to medical appointments. Some communities also offer medication management for seniors, which can be incredibly helpful if you have prescriptions.
Community and Social Engagement at Independent Living for Seniors
Senior community engagement is paramount to many adults seeking independent living in OKC. Loneliness and isolation are serious problems affecting your physical and mental health. The best retirement communities have a full calendar of diverse social activities for seniors. Games, music, exercise, and crafts can all be great ways to bring older adults together and add more structure and enrichment to each day.
Senior group outings are also an excellent opportunity for residents to access their community. Some independent living facilities provide transportation to the mall, movie theater, or special community events. Regular outings add more variety to your schedule and can help you stay active.
Nutritious Dining Options in Independent Living for Seniors
Nutrition is another important factor when considering independent living for seniors. In some communities, residents are responsible for grocery shopping and meal preparation. Others have kitchen staff who prepare and deliver nutritious senior meals three times daily. Suppose you struggle to cook healthy meals or aren’t interested in spending your time in the kitchen. In that case, a community offering senior nutrition services is a great choice.
It’s also important to look for a facility equipped to make dietary accommodations for seniors. If you have food allergies, sensitivities, or a prescribed diet, make sure the kitchen can support those needs and restrictions.
Housekeeping and Maintenance
Most ideal senior care options offer some housekeeping and home maintenance support. Cleaning services can be very helpful for aging adults with joint pain or limited mobility who may struggle with strenuous household tasks. Senior living cleanliness is important for mental and physical health, so consider looking for communities that offer weekly housekeeping services. Senior laundry services can be valuable as well.
Transportation Services
Some independent living residents have their own vehicles and can run errands, visit family and friends, and access their community whenever they want. Others need more support with transportation. Suppose you don’t have your own reliable means of transportation. In that case, you should seek an independent living facility with senior transportation services.
Many programs for independent living for seniors will allow residents to schedule rides to run errands or attend healthcare appointments. Some also offer group transport for seniors to specific locations on a scheduled basis. Accessible senior transit encourages residents to leave the house, socialize, and take advantage of all their community offers.
Fitness and Wellness Facilities
If you’re an active adult, look for a senior community that offers fitness and wellness services. Many independent living for seniors facilities have a fitness center, pool, tennis court, walking trails, and other amenities that promote physical activity. Some also run workout classes and senior fitness programs, which provide a structured and social way to increase your fitness.
Health and wellness involve more than exercise, too. Other wellness activities for seniors include meditation, support groups, and social gatherings. Some communities even offer senior spa services to promote physical and mental relaxation.
Supportive Staff and Services in Independent Living for Seniors
The employees of a senior community can make a huge difference in your overall experience as a resident. The best facilities have friendly, compassionate, and supportive staff ready to provide support. The team will provide senior care services for aging adults who need extra assistance with housekeeping, meal preparation, personal care, and other tasks. When exploring your options, pay close attention to the staff and whether they enjoy working in independent living for seniors.
Older adults have many options for independent living in OKC. Choosing the right senior community can feel overwhelming. Still, it’s important to take your time and evaluate the features and amenities of each location. Independent living for seniors can vary greatly from community to community. Some offer a great deal of support with medical care, activities of daily living, and transportation, and others focus more on social activities. When you find the senior living community that perfectly fits your needs, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you can continue living independently with the right support.
Saint Ann Retirement Center offers the best senior living options for retirement in Oklahoma City. Assisted living and independent living accommodations enhance the lives of individuals looking for support and comfort and a variety of amenities to keep the community active and engaged. Saint Ann is owned and operated by The Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, a not-for-profit Christian organization.