Questions to Ask When Touring Senior Living Virtually
May 18, 2021
Theres no question that the last few months have changed the way we live. At Leisure Care, we are constantly seeing creative ways to engage with potential new residents and their families. One way of doing that is by offering virtual tours for families considering senior living.
CHOOSING SENIOR LIVING
Moving to senior living is a big decision and while it may be tempting to put off a move until things return to normal, the truth is that many seniors are finding a move to senior living is bringing peace of mind and confidence. Leisure Care recently found that the positive rates for Covid-19 in our communities arenearly 7 times lower than the national averages through August 2020.
Senior living communities are able to conduct widespread testing and implement comprehensive protocols for cleanliness and infection control that contribute to better health and wellness. And, our nearly 50 years of experience serving seniors doesnt hurt either.
STARTING YOUR SEARCH
Life looks different now, so it only makes sense that your search for senior living will look different too. As our communities welcome new residents, we are doing what it takes to protect our current residents. We have implemented protocols that will give you an accurate representation of our communities while also respecting social distancing guidelines that protect you, your family, current residents, and our staff.
We encourage you to call your local Leisure Care community to get more details on these protocols and request a virtual consultation. One of our compassionate experts can walk you through a day in the life of our residents virtually, giving you a realistic experience, and giving you the chance to get important questions answered.
5 QUESTIONS TO ASK ON A VIRTUAL TOUR
We know that it can be difficult to get a comprehensive feel for a senior living community during quarantine or from behind a computer screen. One way to understand the unique culture of the community is by digging deeper and knowing the right questions to ask.
With most things, preparation is key. Our senior living experts have compiled a list of important questions to ask during a virtual tour that will help you more fully understand the community culture and lifestyle.
1. CAN I TRY THE FOOD?
We highly recommend you try a meal at every community you tour! Whether you schedule a private in-house tour or are viewing from behind a computer, know that there are options for taste-testing. While on a private tour, the dining room may be limited but you can request a to-go option to be offered before you leave. If you were given a virtual consultation, then meal delivery or pick up is a safe and delicious choice when requested ahead of time.
2. CAN I SPEAK TO OTHER RESIDENTS VIRTUALLY?
This is a great way to understand more about life in the community and even make a new friend before you move-in! The community should be able to organize a phone conversation with current residents and their family members or even a virtual happy hour with multiple residents that will give you more insight into the community culture.
3. HOW ARE RESIDENTS STAYING ENGAGED MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY?
Ask about the creative ways the community has adapted fun activities while following social distancing protocols. You should expect to learn about how the community is striving to meet the social, emotional, physical, and mental needs of their residents year-round. Request an activity calendar to get a more comprehensive list of activities and events.
4. CAN I MEET THE LEADERSHIP TEAM?
Most communities should give you time with their leadership team virtually to help you understand the different services and amenities that will be offered and to meet the people who will be involved in your life in the community.
For those seeking care services, ask to speak with the communitys Health and Wellness leader to discuss care needs and get a better understanding of the services available upon move-in.
5. WHAT ARE THE CURRENT PROTOCOLS FOR THE COMMUNITY AND WHAT IS IT LIKE TO MOVE-IN?
The community should be able to provide you with clear and well-established guidelines that put you and your loved ones at ease. If you require moving services, ask for a recommendation. The community should have a trusted partnership with an experienced moving company that can facilitate your move.
FINDING THE COMMUNITY THATS RIGHT FOR YOU
When it comes to senior living, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. As you take your tour, think through what is important to you in a senior living community. Every person will have different priorities and different needs. Let your potential new community know what is important to you to find your new home and start living better than ever.
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About Dignity Care
Dignity Care is a homegrown business in Boulder.In the 1990s, Mary Kirk, a registered dietitian, began caregiving for family and relatives. Her husband, Ged, offered a companion travel service for the elderly and disabled. Together they established Dignity Care, LLC in 1997 as a home care business with just two caregivers and a home office.As demand for home care service increased, Mary recruited additional caregivers, but always with an emphasis on the compassionate, respectful, personalized care that was Dignity Cares trademark. Mary created her own approach to senior home care, unique in this area.With this dedication and passion to provide the best caregivers in the Boulder County region, Dignity Care has continued to grow and in 2009 became licensed as a Class A home care provider. We specialize in using Certified Nursing Assistants on our teams so we can bring you the skill and experience you deserve, if you have any questions, please call us at 303-444-4040.
In Home Care Helps Seniors with Depression
Too many seniors grapple with isolation and depression, but these are not a normal part of growing older. They are treatable medical illnesses, much like heart disease or diabetes. Depression is a serious illness affecting approximately 15 out of every 100 adults over age 65 in the United States.Seniors experiencing feelings of depression and isolation have a higher risk of hospital admissions, as well as a higher risk for being scammed. Not to mention it makes for a miserable life.So, what can you do? Helping seniors stay healthy means more than ensuring they get good physical care. Individuals living alone miss out on the stimulation of interactions with others on a regular basis. Our caregivers serve that dual purpose of providing physical care and social connection. We enjoy our clients, building a relationship with them, and sharing the highs and lows of their days. Caregivers can laugh with their clients and be an empathetic ear. We make sure our clients are getting out of the house and attending events and activities that interest them.Hiring a caregiver to help out, even for a couple of hours each week, brings conversation and spark along with the physical help. Caregivers are a good antidote for depression. If you have any questions, please call us at 303-444-4040.
Why Is Staying Hydrated So Difficult for Seniors?
Hot summer days are a good time for everyone to think about staying hydrated. For older adults the topic of hydration is a year-round discussion that never goes away. Its a serious issue for most seniors but doesnt get resolved because it needs to be addressed every day and cant be solved with a pill.Seniors have a very high risk for dehydration, which is one of the most frequent causes of hospitalization after the age of 65. They have a greater risk of dehydration for many reasons, including the fact that as we age, our kidneys become less efficient at conserving fluids, our sense of thirst weakens, and we are less able to adjust to changes in temperature. Some medications like diuretics, sedatives, and laxatives can also cause increased fluid loss.Dehydration can cause temporary symptoms that mimic symptoms of Alzheimers. If dementia-like symptoms seem to appear suddenly, it could be dehydration which is easily curable.Symptoms of dehydration range from minor to severe and include persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, forgetfulness, confusion, lethargy, increased heart rate, sunken eyes, dry mouth, dark colored urine. Urine should be clear to pale yellow. I tell my clients that if their urine is darker than pale yellow, they should head straight to the kitchen from the bathroom and drink a full glass of water. Keeping a glass of water beside you all day to sip on rarely results in someone drinking enough fluids. Its more effective to drink the entire glass, even if its a small glass. Seniors cant rely on their sense of thirst to tell them when to drink water. Scheduling a glass at each meal and/or after a bathroom visit, making sure to drink the full glass, is the best way to make sure youve gotten your full daily amount.If you have any questions, please call us at 303-444-4040.