Getting It Right: Choosing an Assisted Living Community
Whether you’re moving from your own home or from an independent living apartment, finding the right assisted living community requires a lot of decision-making. Seniors transitioning into assisted living may have many questions and uncertainties. They may feel overwhelmed by the physical demands of moving, let alone the downsizing part.
The ideal time to make the move to assisted living is while your health is at its most optimal. That allows you to have more time to tour several different communities and make a well-informed choice. Once you’re moved in, you can relax and settle into your new home knowing you made the best transition possible to ensure your quality of life. That eases the stress not only for you, but for your family, too.
When you first start your search, decide on what matters most to you right now – and equally important – what will become necessary in the future.
WELLNESS IS PARAMOUNT
Your health and well-being are a number one priority. At Carnegie Village Assisted Living, we’ll put together an individualized care plan in collaboration with your personal physician, specialists and family members. If you incur health changes or mobility issues, the plan can be modified. You want to eliminate unnecessary hospitalization stays and hospital readmissions. Look for trained, experienced staff who will be alert to any warning signs should your health be impaired or change. Your assisted living care team should include the expertise of:
- A medical director
- Licensed clinical nursing staff
- Physical, occupational and speech therapists
EXTRA HELP FOR PERSONAL CARE
Assisted living offers help with bathing, dressing, mobility, incontinence and medication reminders. At Carnegie, our services are customized to your needs and built on the idea of maximizing your independence. It’s important to know if your community provides:
- On-site licensed and certified nursing staff 24/7
- Personal care assistance available around the clock
- An emergency call response system
TRANSITIONS TO HIGHER CARE
It can be daunting enough to think of moving from complete independence to a residence with care, let alone to consider your next move at the same time. As you graduate through different stages of life, it pays to look at the bigger picture – to consider what’s coming after assisted living.
Our assisted living is part of a larger continuing care community. Carnegie also offers skilled nursing and memory care on campus. So if care needs change for you or your spouse, you don’t have to move or be separated from each other. And should either of you require a recovery stay after surgery or a medical condition, our short-term rehabilitation residences are right on campus.
PROPER NUTRITION
Chances are, you’re not eating as healthily as you used to, especially if you have mobility issues or are just cooking for one. As your body ages, your ability to absorb nutrients lessens, which makes good food choices even more important. Poor nutrition weakens your body and puts you at higher risk for chronic diseases. Carnegie offers:
- Three meals served daily prepared with fresh, locally sourced food
- Restaurant-style dining
- A registered dietitian
- Allowances for special dietary needs
DISCOVER FITNESS OPPORTUNITIES
Even if you’re not a person who regularly exercises, having a dedicated fitness room and fun, guided group classes can change that. Our community accommodates seniors of all abilities with special training geared to your fitness level. Look for:
- Spacious fitness rooms with modified equipment for seniors
- Yoga and fitness programs
- Therapy gym classes
- Landscaped outdoor areas for walking
SEEK OUT SECURITY
You want to feel safe and secure in the retirement community you select. Make sure the assisted living community you choose includes:
- 24-hour front desk staff
- After-hours controlled access
- Enclosed, gated, locked courtyards
- Documented emergency plans and procedures
- Working emergency call systems
- Building modifications throughout for easy access and mobility
- Clearly marked exits
- Sprinkler systems
- Documented emergency plans
FOSTER YOUR SOCIAL LIFE
One of the best aspects of senior living is the ability to enrich your social life. At Carnegie, our elegant surroundings are perfect for gathering with family and friends or socializing with neighbors. Getting to know fellow residents and our friendly staff will boost your mood and sense of well-being. Look for assisted living communities with:
- Cultural, social and educational activities that interest you
- Common areas with well-appointed furnishings for planned and spontaneous visiting
- A choice of dining venues with delicious cuisine
- Resident/family activity calendar
- Landscaped outdoor areas for gathering
- First-class wellness programs
UNIQUE SERVICES
A freeing advantage of assisted living is not having to worry about chores and home repairs. In a no buy-in community like Carnegie, important services like these are covered in your monthly rent:
- Housekeeping, laundry and linen service
- On-site maintenance
- Concierge, valet and transportation services
LUXURIOUS AMENITIES
Many communities will invest in programs and amenities that enhance quality of life. At Carnegie, we continually renovate and improve our living accommodations, common areas and grounds to exceed expectations. Light and upscale interiors along with well-maintained outdoor areas all contribute to an exceptional lifestyle. A community should include:
- Game rooms
- Creative studios
- Gardens and outdoor spaces
- A library
- Fully equipped exercise room
- Massage therapy
- Beauty/barber shop
- Computer lab
CONVENIENT LOCATION
You may prefer to stay close to the neighborhood you have resided in for years. You may want your doctors, banks, barbershops, restaurants and other services to be familiar. Or you may want to search near the locations of your family and friends for the perfect retirement community. If you want to widen your search, consider communities located near medical facilities, shopping and entertainment.
PETS ALLOWED?
Are you a pet owner? We know pet lovers feel their furry companions are family members. We’re a pet-friendly community with outdoor areas for walks, and we’re conveniently adjacent to Memorial Park in Belton.
Your research may start online, but once you narrow your list down, it can be valuable to visit the community firsthand. We invite you to set up a personal tour of Carnegie Village’s assisted living community. You can meet some of our team members as well as the residents who love to call us home.