Picking the Perfect Home for Mom: 5 Key Questions to Consider

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Atrium at Liberty Park

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Jul 18, 2023

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Florida - Southwest

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Finding an assisted living facility for a loved one can be a daunting task, and at our community, we’re always putting ourselves in the shoes of residents’ family members. You’re looking for a fun, safe, interesting community that meets your specific needs. We’ve created a quick guide with some key questions you should ask that will help make your search for the perfect community a little smoother.

1. What kind of on-site medical care is available?
Staff members are the backbone of any assisted living community. Be sure to check out the ratio of certified nursing assistants and licensed nurse practitioners per resident and prioritize communities that have in-facility access to 24/7 nursing services. 

2. How’s the location?
No senior wants to suddenly leave where they raised their family. Close proximity to familiar shopping, dining and arts venues within their own city will help ease the transition into assisted living.

3. Is the facility up to date with the latest advancements in senior care?
Healthy aging requires a holistic treatment plan. The right assisted living community will offer programs that are on the cutting edge of wellness techniques, giving patients the benefit of everything from tai chi to music therapy. 

4. Are residents maintaining their independence?
Group activities and socialization lead to healthy minds and independent lives. Outings to cultural attractions, different clubs for all interests, and resident councils are a great way for seniors to keep their independence. 

5. Is it a welcoming, inclusive community where all residents feel safe and loved?
Every parent deserves a welcoming, safe setting that they can call home. It’s essential to check if the community delivers and trains staff on culturally competent care. Our community is inclusive and welcomes residents regardless of sexual preference, religion, and race. In memory care, our hallmark therapy Validation is based on understanding and respect without judgment.

We know it can be hard to know where to start when looking for the right assisted living community. These questions will help make the process easier by ensuring Mom finds a new home that is right for her. Contact us today to learn more about finding care that works for your mom. We’re here for you!

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What Is the Difference Between Independent Living, Assisted Living and Skilled Care?

The main difference between independent living, assisted living, and skilled care is the level of support and assistance each type of facility provides. Independent living facilities are designed for seniors who are still relatively independent and do not need much help with activities of daily living. Assisted living facilities provide a higher level of support and assistance, and skilled care facilities provide the highest level of care, including 24-hour nursing care.Determining what level of care you or your family member needs can be difficult however, our team is here to help you navigate this transition and we have resources like the Continuum of Care Quiz to help you decide which level is care is right for you or your loved one.We recommend exploring our care service pages, taking our care quiz, and scheduling a free consult before choosing which is right for you. In the meantime, here are some key differences between our care services all in one place.Independent LivingIndependent living residents dont need help with their activities of daily living but have chosen to simplify their lives so they can focus on whats most important to them and leave burdensome everyday tasks to the trusted staff.Residents are provided laundry and housekeeping services, creative and chef-prepared meals and snacks, cozy libraries with fireplaces, books, and puzzles, and beautifully landscaped grounds and patios.Independent living at Grace Pointe allows residents to maintain independence with private apartments, assuring them a strong sense of peace of mind through security features, nearby medical experts, and 24-hour emergency response systems.Grace Pointe offers a social atmosphere where residents can participate in group and individual activities and wellness classes, host their own gatherings in the common room and kitchen, meet with friends or family at the coffee bar & bistro or pamper themselves at the full-service salon and barbershop!Learn more about Independent Living at Grace Pointe in Greeley, Colorado.Assisted LivingAssisted living residents are still fairly independent, but may find it challenging to accomplish daily tasks, and may have mobility issues, special dietary needs, medication management concerns, or require help with bathing and dressing.As a full-service assisted living facility, Grace Pointe can provide medical transportation, assistance with medications, exercise and wellness programs, basic health status monitoring, assistance with toilet use and bathing, and nursing supervision or monitoring.Residents in assisted living may require some help with their daily tasks but dont require extensive medical care.Seniors moving into assisted living at Grace Pointe do so for the security of knowing that we have 24-hour staffing, for the socialization that a community provides, and for oversight and assistance when and if it becomes necessary.Learn more about Assisted Living at Grace Pointe in Greeley, Colorado.Skilled NursingSkilled Nursing at Grace Pointe includes 24-hour monitoring for residents with extensive medical needs and assistance by nurses and CNAs trained to address the everyday needs of residents in an elegant, home-like setting.Grace Pointes Skilled Nursing neighborhood has private units, each with comfortable adjustable beds, European showers, elegant dining and living room, chef-prepared meals, and a nurse call system.Learn more about Skilled Nursing at Grace Pointe in Greeley, Colorado.We have neighborhoods for Independent Living, Assisted Living and Long Term Care providing a comfortable home for you or your family member no matter the life stage. 

Talking To Your Parents About Senior Living: Why Choose Sooner Rather Than Later?

Transitioning to senior living can be an intimidating prospect for many seniors. If you are a family member or friend of a senior, it can be difficult to know how to approach the subject and begin talking about the next steps. But, starting the conversation sooner rather than later is important so that seniors have time to make decisions and prepare for their transition in a way that feels comfortable. Here are some tips on how to start talking to your loved ones about senior living and why it is an important conversation to have and earlier than you think.Do Your Research First When it comes to transitioning into senior living, knowledge is power. Knowing what types of options are available and what services different facilities provide can help ease any anxiety around the conversation and give you both some context for your discussion.Doing research ahead of time is crucial for starting the conversation on the right foot. It will help you gain a better understanding of how senior living works and what your loved ones individual needs might be. Its also important to remember that each senior living community is unique in its own way; some offer more amenities than others, while some focus on particular health issues or dietary concerns within their care plan. By doing thorough research ahead of time, you can identify which communities best fit your loved ones needs.Doing your research first when talking to your loved ones about senior living options will also help you find out which type of senior living would best fit your loved ones needs and preferences from independent living facilities with limited assistance to full-service care homes with round-the-clock medical attention so that you can have a meaningful discussion about their specific wants and needs.Maintain Open Communication & Let It Be an Ongoing Process Above all else, open communication is key when discussing this type of transition with your loved one. Its essential that they feel listened to and respected during each step of this process from researching options together to visiting different facilities to making final decisions about where they want to live in their golden years. Some facilities even offer various amenities and benefits to increase the comfort of their residents, including in-house catering for improved nutrition, event calendars for increased social interaction, and advanced security for increased peace of mind. When talking to your parents about senior living, listen to which amenities and services your family would love the most, and ensure you communicate these benefits to them.Secondly, rather than having one large discussion about moving into a senior living community, try having several small conversations over time instead. The goal should ultimately be finding a solution that meets your loved ones needs while still allowing them the freedom and dignity they deserve so dont rush anything or expect an immediate answer. Allow plenty of time for reflection so your loved one can process everything theyre hearing before making a final decision.  Additionally, keep in mind that if they feel overwhelmed by the idea of transitioning into senior living, they may not be ready yet and thats okay! Take it slow and allow them as much time as necessary before proceeding further down the path toward finding them a home.Talk in Person With Empathy and PositivityAbove all else, when talking to your parents about senior living options, its important to remember that this is not just about them moving out of their home its also about providing them with quality care in a safe environment where theyll continue to enjoy their retirement years without worry or stress. Approach the subject from an empathetic perspective one that acknowledges their fears but also encourages them by highlighting all the wonderful benefits senior living has to offer! When done correctly and respectfully, talking about senior living can ultimately lead to a positive outcome for everyone involved and hopefully bring peace of mind for both parties as well.Grace Pointe Senior Care Community of Greeley, Colorado: How We Can HelpStarting the conversation about transitioning into senior living can be daunting at first, but having an informed discussion sooner rather than later allows seniors more time to weigh their options and make decisions that feel comfortable for them while also giving families peace of mind knowing they have explored all available resources together. With patience, respect, understanding, and access to helpful resources like Grace Pointes Senior Care Resources, beginning these conversations doesnt have to be overwhelming or stressful instead, it can be reassuring and informative!At Grace Pointe Senior Care Community of Greeley, Colorado, our approach to care is customized to help when talking to your parents about senior living options available to them.  Our assisted living team is available to discuss care options in order to design a care plan that is best for you or your family member.We hope this article helped supply you with the information to make a confident and informed decision for you and your loved ones. However, if youre still not sure how to address this difficult but necessary conversation with your loved ones, we can help! We have numerous resources to help you make the right decision for your family, including our Complete Guide to Assisted Living in Greeley, Colorado. Also, feel free to take our Continuum of Care Quiz and let the expert team at Grace Pointe Senior Care Community match you with recommended services based on your answers.

Selecting the Right Senior Care Community

Deciding, for yourself or for a loved one, to move into a senior care community is a big step. Youll need to consider the right level of care while also keeping in mind the environment desired and long-term care options.Asking yourself the following questions will help guide you through what type of community and level of care is the right choice for you or your loved one. Section 1. Questions  For Seniors, Children or Family Members: Do you maintain an active and social lifestyle while remaining independent at home?Are you able to safely manage your own medication?Are you looking to engage in recreational, educational and social activities with others?Would you benefit from convenient services and senior-friendly surroundings, but are not in need of assistance with daily activities or skilled nursing?If you answered yes to all of the above questions, then you or your loved one would most likely be a good fit for Independent Living. Independent Living is a great option for individuals who are interested in increased social opportunities and mental or physical stimulation. Independent Living should not be viewed as a nursing home in fact, at Grace Pointe Senior Care Community, our Independent Living neighborhood is active, lively and social.Interested in taking a tour to see for yourself? Click here. Section 2. Questions For Seniors, Children or Family Members: Do you need help with some of your daily activities, such as bathing or dressing?Are there concerns around safety when you are home alone (in many cases, this may look like a series of recent falls that may have ended in the hospital or with injury)?Are you having issues with meal preparation?Are at-home care expenses getting steeper to the point where assisted living may actually be more affordable?Are you looking to engage in social activities with others?If you answered yes to most or some of the above questions, then you or your loved one would be a good candidate for Assisted Living. Assisted Living tends to be a good option for seniors who want to maintain their privacy while receiving additional care and support from trained professionals. Not to mention, Assisted Living at Grace Pointe is a great way to stay engaged and fulfilled with others in the same life stage.Section 3. Questions For Children or Family Members: Is your loved one demonstrating unsafe behavior, such as wandering or aggression?Does your loved one require 24/7 medical supervision or support?Are you becoming concerned with the quality of life of your loved one?If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then your parent or loved one is most likely a candidate of either Long-Term Care or Memory Care.If youre still unsure about what type of Senior Care Community is right for you or your loved one, feel free to reach out to us at the form below. Were happy to answer your questions and provide you with low-pressure support through your decision-making process.

Local Services By This Author

Atrium at Liberty Park

Independent Living 1321 NE 24th Ave., Cape Coral, Florida, 33909

Our Supportive Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care community in Cape Coral, Florida, ensures that life here is exciting, from well-designed apartment homes with convenient features to delicious dining and enriching activity offerings. Regardless of how you choose to spend your day, our friendly staff is here to provide you with all the resources needed to make life easier, more comfortable and more joyful. Gather friends together for an afternoon of fun in the game room. Treat yourself to a movie night. Go for a quiet stroll around our picturesque grounds. Maintenance-free living allows you to spend your time how you wish set free from the task of daily chores and empowered to live extraordinarily. Interested in Atrium at Liberty Park for a loved one? We are here for you as you research options for your loved one.

Atrium at Liberty Park

Memory Care 1321 NE 24th Ave., Cape Coral, Florida, 33909

Our Supportive Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care community in Cape Coral, Florida, ensures that life here is exciting, from well-designed apartment homes with convenient features to delicious dining and enriching activity offerings. Regardless of how you choose to spend your day, our friendly staff is here to provide you with all the resources needed to make life easier, more comfortable and more joyful. Gather friends together for an afternoon of fun in the game room. Treat yourself to a movie night. Go for a quiet stroll around our picturesque grounds. Maintenance-free living allows you to spend your time how you wish set free from the task of daily chores and empowered to live extraordinarily .Interested in Atrium at Liberty Park for a loved one? We are here for you as you research options for your loved one.

Atrium at Liberty Park

Assisted Living 1321 NE 24th Ave., Cape Coral, Florida, 33909

Our Supportive Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care community in Cape Coral, Florida, ensures that life here is exciting, from well-designed apartment homes with convenient features to delicious dining and enriching activity offerings. Regardless of how you choose to spend your day, our friendly staff is here to provide you with all the resources needed to make life easier, more comfortable and more joyful. Gather friends together for an afternoon of fun in the game room. Treat yourself to a movie night. Go for a quiet stroll around our picturesque grounds. Maintenance-free living allows you to spend your time how you wish set free from the task of daily chores and empowered to live extraordinarily .Interested in Atrium at Liberty Park for a loved one? We are here for you as you research options for your loved one.