8 Tips to Help You Choose the Right Assisted Living Community in Tulsa

Moving to assisted living with vital support services, security, and a full social calendar can give your loved one a new lease on life. But selecting the right community can significantly impact their experience. Find the ideal community for your loved one by considering the eight valuable tips below.  

1. Explore Available Floor Plans 

Seniors have different needs for their space and belongings, with most residents enjoying a downsized apartment they can decorate to suit their style. How much space they need will depend on their needs. Explore floor plans at a community to decide:

• How much space your loved one needs
• If a studio apartment or bedrooms is right for them
• Whether they need an extra bedroom or space for belongings
• The kitchen area they desire
• If they need space for entertaining

2. Look for Personalized Care Plans

Every senior has different needs and some require more assistance in certain areas. Personalized care plans give your loved one the unique attention they deserve while retaining dignity and autonomy in their lives. Created alongside residents and updated regularly, a care plan can help your loved one with:

• Medication management 
• Social and emotional needs 
• Housekeeping and personal requirements
• Finding activities and hobbies that interest them

3. Seek Assisted Living with a Strong Sense of Community

Social engagement is vital for emotional and mental well-being. And a strong sense of community can help residents feel connected and fulfilled. Seek out assisted living communities with plenty of options to socialize, including:

• Communal spaces that encourage residents to hang out
• Access to faith services
• Outings to develop new memories with their new neighbors
• Social dining experiences
• Barber shops and beauty salons

4. Research Dining Experiences

Meal times are not only vital for nutrition, but dining with neighbors can help your loved one make friends and avoid loneliness. When seniors enjoy dining at the community, they are more likely to stay healthy and happy. Assisted living communities can offer a variety of dining options to keep things interesting for seniors, including:

• Shared, restaurant style dining
• Regular meal time to help seniors keep a schedule
• Kitchens within their private space to make drinks, snacks, and meals
• Opportunities to eat out during planned restaurant visits
• The opportunity to make menu suggestions and share their favorite recipes

5. Evaluate Crucial Safety and Security Features

Safety is a top priority in any assisted living community for both residents and their families. Ensure that a community has robust safety features to give you and your loved one peace of mind. Communities seamlessly build security into everyday life in assisted living and can offer the following:

• Emergency pull cords in living spaces and communal areas
• Pendants for a fast response to falls
• 24/7 on-site staff
• Accessible bathrooms with safety features
• Rules for visitation and guest check in
• Well lit hallways, anti-slip floors, and convenient hand rails 

6. Seek Out Communities with Activities

Assisted living communities can offer activities designed to keep residents both physically and mentally engaged. Residents may have reduced mobility, but there are still plenty of ways they can maintain their hobbies and even pick up new ones. Your loved one can enjoy activities such as:

• Regular games 
• A well-stocked library
• Arts and crafts 
• Movie matinees 
• A busy schedule of events and classes

7. Ask About Exercise and Staying Active

Wellness goes beyond medical care and seniors who stay active can slow physical and cognitive decline. Residents can keep moving much more easily when a community offers plenty of opportunities to stay active. At assisted living communities, loved ones can enjoy:

• A variety of exercise classes tailored to seniors
• Planned outings in the local area
• Fitness areas and space for walking

8. Look for Experienced Staff

Staff at assisted living communities are a crucial part of your loved one’s experience. When selecting a new home, seniors should consider the experience and training of the staff as they provide:

• The safety and security of residents
• Fast and professional response to emergencies
• Developing care plans with attention to your loved one’s needs
• Medication management and help with planning appointments
• Encouragement and empathy
• Attention to seniors emotional struggles and social difficulties

Discover Your Ideal Community in Tulsa at Aberdeen Heights Assisted Living 

Finding a new home can be an exciting step, yet it can be daunting for seniors and their families alike. To find the perfect fit for your loved one, a community like Aberdeen Heights Assisted Living can provide security, enrichment, high-quality dining experiences, and the personal attention every senior deserves. 

Explore the community spirit of Aberdeen Heights Assisted Living and schedule a tour today!