No one ever says, “I can’t wait to move to an assisted living facility!” Almost every senior wants to remain in the home where they spent their adult life and raised their children, or in the smaller space they downsized to as empty nesters. Change — especially a major one, like a move — can be incredibly difficult to embrace at this stage of life.

Yet assisted living is often the best choice for aging seniors who are still active, but who need a little help with life’s daily tasks. Read on to learn how to get the most out of an assisted living facility while still maintaining independence.

Do Your Research

When you begin looking for accommodations for your aging parent or other relative, it’s important to take your time. This is not an easy decision to make, and as such, should not be rushed.

Make sure to involve your parent in the decision, as well. After all, they are the one who most stands to benefit from — or be unhappy with — the new living situation. Try to maintain your objectivity until you’ve heard his or her opinion. This will prevent your judgment from being clouded by factors that matter only to you, such as proximity to your home, or cost.

Today’s senior living options are a far cry from the dreary, depressing nursing homes of yesteryear, and that’s thanks in part to the Baby Boomer generation itself. You might be surprised at just how cool assisted living can be!

Find a Good Fit for the Future

Another crucial consideration to keep in mind as you are evaluating senior living facilities? Whether it will provide the necessary amenities and services as your parent ages. It’s not pleasant to consider, but there’s a very real chance that he or she will become less independent and active in the coming years.

Your mother may enjoy cooking for herself now. Your dad could be perfectly capable of doing his own laundry and keeping his space clean and tidy. Whether or not this will be true in, say, 5 or 10 years is another matter altogether.

The facility you eventually choose should be appropriate now, yet also offer assistance that will be needed down the line.

The Many Benefits of an Assisted Living Facility

Your parent might not be eagerly anticipating a move to assisted living, but that doesn’t mean he or she can’t thrive there. The best facilities offer many perks. These include onsite dining options, transportation to and from local attractions and shopping centers, housekeeping services, exercise rooms, and more.

One of the biggest benefits is the companionship that’s available in senior living communities. Loneliness can be common as a person ages, and it can be debilitating. The wide range of social and recreational activities offered at an assisted living facility makes it easy to meet up with friends on a daily basis.

Want to Learn More?

At Maple Heights Senior Living, we pride ourselves on offering not just a place for seniors to live, but a home in which they can thrive. We’d love to show you around, introduce you to some great people, and explain what sets us apart from any other assisted living facility in the area.

Schedule a tour today, and come see what awaits at Maple Heights!