Finding the Right Assisted Living Option

When remaining at home without assistance is no longer an option — but the around-the-clock care provided by nursing homes isn’t required, assisted living provides an ideal solution.

The National Center for Assisted Living estimates that nearly 30,000 different assisted living options are available across the United States. Each providing supervision, assistance, socialization, wellness services, and so much more to enrich the lives of every resident.

With so many choices available, it can feel overwhelming to find one to best meet your needs. No two assisted living communities are the same, which is why research and careful consideration of what each one offers — including services, amenities, and lifestyle choices — is important.

It also helps to browse brochures, read reviews to get valuable feedback about other residents’ experiences, and to take a tour of the community.

What Level of Care Do You Need? 

Finding a community that has the comforts of home while providing the important care you or your loved one need is of the utmost importance.

It’s equally important for potential residents and their families to understand how much day-to-day care is needed to make sure the assisted living community can meet those needs.

To ensure the needs of our residents are met, we utilize a two-part medical process. First, an assessment is performed by the Judson Meadows nursing staff. Then, a medical evaluation is completed by the prospective resident’s primary care physician.

These evaluations are used to determine the level of care that would be ideal for the prospective resident. Some items taken into consideration include medical conditions and the amount of help that is necessary to complete daily life activities, such as toileting, showering, dressing, taking medications, and completing treatments.

The dedication of care provided by Judson Meadows thanks to the Enhanced Assisted Living license gives many residents the option to age in place for longer than traditional assisted living.

When choosing an assisted living community, look for options that provide a range of services and more than one level of care as it may not fit the individual needs appropriately.

The community offers three tiered levels of service:

What is the Right Size Apartment or Living Space for You?

How much square footage is right for you or your loved one?

That’s another important factor when choosing an assisted living community. Thinking about the number of bedrooms and the amount of square footage necessary for personal comfort and convenience can help narrow the options down to the communities that meet those needs.

After all, living a rich, full life is part of the goal. Living conditions and personal comfort play a huge role in achieving that goal.

Consider the available floor plans and what’s included in each apartment to make finding the right assisted living community easier.

What Amenities & Activities are You Looking For?

Adequate communities meet basic needs — great ones enhance residents’ quality of life. Because every person is unique and no two communities are exactly alike, it’s important to make a list of the types of amenities and activities that are most valued and enjoyed.

Pay attention to community features like common areas and outdoor spaces. Ask the staff to see the current calendar of events and how residents are encouraged to participate. Other questions to consider asking potential communities include:

• Do they take residents on outings, or do volunteers visit the community for events?
• Can they provide options for vegetarian and vegan residents?
• Are there available spaces for residents to pursue hobbies like gardening or arts and crafts?
• Is there a lounge or television room where residents can watch shows together?

Choosing the Right Assisted Living Community

Once the list of options is narrowed, compare what each community offers and how each measures up to the necessary level of care and preferred lifestyle.

Taking a tour of communities, reading reviews online, and speaking with the community staff is a good place to start.

Call different communities to speak with administrators to get information about admission policies and details, procedures for determining each resident’s care plan, the types of apartments available and items that are included, and special care options that are available for residents with unique needs. 

For residents that qualify, Judson Meadows is able to provide hospice care or priority consideration for entering the Baptist Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

The community also holds an Enhanced Assisted Living Residence license that allows residents to age in place for longer.

Schedule a Tour of the Community

Seeing truly is believing. To gain first-hand insight into what an assisted living community is really like, it’s crucial to tour the grounds and the community.

Pay attention to details like accessibility, cleanliness, upkeep, safety features, and social spaces. Talk with the staff and observe how they interact with residents. If possible, take enough time to get a feel for the community’s culture to gain a better perspective of what it’s like to live there.

Judson Meadows is the Capital Region’s newest assisted living communities. We offer residents a true community with a sense of family and belonging, compassionate and friendly staff, and the opportunity to make lasting memories. Schedule a tour today to experience it for yourself.