Senior Living Communities - Do You Know What to Look For?

Article submitted by Brookdale Living Communities.
For more information, they can be reached at 877-977-3800, or visit their website: www.brookdaleliving.com.

Choosing a senior living community is about more than housing and services - it's about selecting a community that provides an exceptional lifestyle for the resident. Whether you're looking for yourself or for your parent, grandparent, sibling, spouse or friend, you want a place that you or your loved one can be proud to call home.

You should research the senior living communities available in the area and schedule a visit to the properties that you think may be a good fit. Some key features to look for include:

• Various apartment options with desired space and features
• Diverse dining program
• Appropriate levels of care for your needs
• Wide array of services and amenities
• Multiple activities, programs and outings daily
• Ideal location

When scheduling a visit to a community, if your contact at the community doesn't extend an offer, ask to join them for a meal in the dining room or for an overnight stay. This is a great way to truly learn what the community offers in terms of atmosphere, apartments, services and amenities.

Modern senior communities offer a wealth of amenities and services, below are some of the things you should look for when visiting a community. Do they have and offer:

• Independent and/or assisted living as well as supportive services, memory care and skilled nursing
• Restaurant-style dining
• Extensive transportation services
• Staff available 24 hours a day
• On-site amenities such as a Wellness Center, general store, beauty/barber shop, or postal and banking facilities
• Library, arts and crafts studio, and/or exercise room
• Spacious apartments featuring fully equipped kitchens

Many communities offer exclusive programs and products, Brookdale communities offer options such as the THRIVE Program, in which licensed, professional staff offer a variety of individually customized health and fitness training programs. Brookdale residents also enjoy Celebrations, an exciting series of monthly themes designed to educate, enthuse and engage our residents. With the Celebrations program, residents can participate in health and education activities such as learning the fundamentals of Tai Chi; volunteer opportunities such as helping at a neighborhood food pantry; or simply join their friends at a happy hour, all of which revolve around that month's theme. In addition, Brookdale communities offer Brookdale Signature Seasonings, six custom seasoning blends designed to enhance the flavor of foods after preparation to counter the loss of taste that the average senior experiences as they age.

"Older adults should have every opportunity to live life to the fullest, whether they're seeking a variety of activities or simply want to enjoy their private time," said Suzanne Kline, District Sales Director for Brookdale Living Communities' Chicagoland region. "Knowing that we make a positive difference in their lives is what motivates each Brookdale employee to do the best they can for our residents."