5 Things to Look For When It Comes to Your Dad’s Future

Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21, is the perfect time to thank the important men in our lives by spending quality time with them. At Carnegie Village, we roll out the red carpet and try to treat our resident dads like kings every day of the year.

Making memories with and devoting the day to your father is likely to be the gift he will treasure most.

Full Continuum of Care

As seniors age, families grow and change, which can make celebrating Father’s Day with someone special look different from year to year. Our community was designed to grow with the needs of seniors and offers every level of care. Independent living, assisted living, memory and Alzheimer’s care, skilled nursing care and senior rehabilitation are all available on one campus so you can be confident your dad is in a community designed for today and his future.

Here are five tips to keep in mind when you’re researching a place for your dad to retire.

1. Staying Social and Involved With Others

Seniors, especially those who are past retirement age, may find it a challenge to interact socially with others on a daily basis. After a while, this lack of socialization with people outside their home can lead to feelings of isolation and perhaps a lack of self-worth. It’s important for seniors in particular to look for opportunities every day to interact and feel like a contributing member of society.

Our Belton, Missouri senior living community was designed to foster socialization with others. Generous-sized common areas are scattered throughout our luxurious community. You’re likely to find a group of guys in these comfy spaces playing cards, gathering for coffee or discussing current events every day. Large game rooms and arts rooms keep residents further engaged in interesting activities.

Another way to socialize here is over freshly cooked meals. Dining in our community is much more than savoring delicious cuisine – it’s an energizing communal experience. Our restaurant-style dining will give your dad the opportunity to gather with like-minded people and linger over his meal in an inviting atmosphere.

2. Amenities That Keep Dad Active After Retirement

Since our community is maintenance-free, your dad will have plenty of time for his hobbies or favorite pastimes. We take care of all the routine chores. Best of all, he’ll have top-notch amenities at his doorstep to develop new interests.

Will he want to join a few friends on Friday night in the Pub for happy hour? It’s a date! Our calendar is brimming with a variety of activities that dad will find fun. He can swim in our indoor pool, relax with a massage in our spa, get the latest hairstyle in our barbershop, learn bridge or play bingo. Plus, with our outdoor barbecue patio, the whole family can come over for fun grill gatherings.

In addition, staying fit and strong is a big component of our lifestyle here. A state-of-the-art fitness studio equipped to the max is ready when dad is for private and group workouts. There are plenty of wellness programs to keep dad up to date on the newest health trends as well as yoga and tai chi classes. And if your dad needs to run errands, he’ll never have to venture far from his apartment home thanks to all our on-site conveniences, including a general store, bank, library and chapel.

Nestled adjacent to our campus is charming Belton Memorial Park complete with basketball courts, baseball fields, picnic tables and trails. Friends and family can stroll over there on sunny afternoons and dive into the many wonderful opportunities the park presents for outdoor recreation.

3. The Benefits of Eating Well

How well is your dad eating? As we age, maintaining a healthy, nutritious diet can become more challenging. Older adults often experience age-related changes that can affect their metabolism, sense of taste and appetite. This can result in skipped meals or unhealthy food choices.

A nutritious diet can have many positive effects on a senior’s health. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) recommends a diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. How many of those food items are incorporated into your dad’s current diet? NCOA reports the following benefits of healthy eating:

• Less money spent on medication
• Fewer doctor visits
• Less likely to experience depression
• Better overall health

Residents within our community can indulge in healthy meals prepared by our first-class chef and culinary team. Special care is taken to include the proper nutrients for seniors while offering a gourmet dining experience. Our culinary team prepares high-quality meals incorporating fresh, flavorful ingredients. Meals are made from scratch every day, and we’re always testing new recipes to add zest and variation to the daily menu.

We also have a nutritionist who helps review our menus and provides nutrition consultations for residents as needed.

4. Qualified Senior Care Backed by an Impeccable Reputation

Regardless of their level of independence, a key to residents’ happiness within any senior living community is the professional team members who assist them.

At our community, your dad will be involved with staff members every day and interact with them in many ways. Our carefully chosen, experienced service and care team includes a health and wellness director, clinical licensed nurses and certified nurses, and a life enrichment director. We take a person-centered approach and honor the preferences of the individual as a way to encourage their independence.

Researching the background and expertise of the management company or the owner of a community is equally as important when you’re planning your dad’s future. Carnegie Village is owned and managed by Tutera Senior Living & Health Care. The company was founded by Dominic F. Tutera, M.D., in 1983. Headquartered in Kansas City, MO, Tutera is now one of the nation’s premier providers of diversified, post-acute senior health care services providing a spectrum of services including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, memory care, home health care and hospice in 70 communities in seven states.

5. A Good Financial Fit for Dad’s Budget

People often have a misperception about the costs related to senior living communities. Most people are surprised at how affordable it can be when compared to the costs of owning a home. It’s important to crunch some numbers before you and your dad get too far along in the process of finding a new residence.

Take a good, hard look at the cost to keep up your dad’s home, if he still resides there. Even if the mortgage has already been paid off, the list of expenses can be quite long. From utilities, taxes, groceries and entertainment to continuous home maintenance and age-related renovations, the costs can add up quickly. If your dad has any current medical costs or expenses associated with home health care, those should also be included in your calculations.

Carnegie Village offers a month-to-month lease on residences. The price varies by lifestyle, floor plan and level of care. Our financial counselor is adept at working out plans according to your specific budget needs. This blog on our website can help you compare the cost of living at home to Carnegie Village.

We would welcome the opportunity to cater to your dad’s needs at our friendly community. Contact us at 816-331-7848 for more information.