If you’ve started your search for a retirement community, you probably understand just how complex the senior living industry can be. With the broad variety of care and lifestyle options available, it’s not always easy to know exactly what suits your or your loved one’s preferred lifestyle and needs. That’s why we put together this quick outline of Fort Worth’s senior living options.
Independent Living
What is independent living? As the name implies, it’s the lifestyle most similar to the one you enjoy now. So what’s the difference? To start, you’ll feel less stress and have more free time without the hassle of home maintenance and repair. Many communities also offer on-site dining, and most have a bevy of services and amenities that’ll make you feel at home.
If you’re looking for Fort Worth independent living, your options are almost limitless. Whether you want an all-inclusive, resort-style community that offers a lifelong contract or a comfortable-but-frugal apartment to rent, you’ll find it here. If you intend to stay long-term, and want to avoid the hassles of making another change of address, find out if your preferred community offers higher levels of care to keep up with evolving health needs.
Assisted Living
Fort Worth assisted living options are almost equally robust. For seniors who need a little extra support with the activities of daily life – like getting ready for the day, managing medications and transportation – assisted living offers exactly the care you need to keep living the life you desire. And, as with independent living, you’re likely to find dining, services and amenities that make life more enjoyable.
While stand-alone assisted living communities can be a viable option for some seniors, it’s important to consider next steps should needs change. Having access to short-term rehabilitation, memory care and skilled nursing without a change of address brings tremendous peace of mind.
You’ll also want to consider these important questions:
- Do you feel at home? Are living quarters conjoined or totally private?
- How does staff treat residents? How self-directed is the lifestyle (making your own schedule, choosing activities, freedom of movement, etc.)?
- Are there plenty of opportunities for cultural, social and educational enrichment with others?
- What is the pricing structure (long-term contract, fee-for-service, rental, etc.)?
Memory Care
If your loved one has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, memory care is the best option.
When it’s done right, memory care provides an engaging, comfortable lifestyle designed to give memory-impaired seniors the dignity they deserve.
There are a number of communities that offer dementia care in Fort Worth – but, of course, not all are created equal. First and foremost, it’s important to spend time at the community you’re interested in and engage in meaningful conversations with team members and the family members who are visiting other residents.
In addition, here are a few things to consider as you compare Fort Worth memory care options:
- Is the environment homelike or clinical? Are conditions sanitary?
- How do the caregivers interact with residents? Are they polite and compassionate, or curt and
disinterested? - What are residents doing? Do they seem happy and engaged, or are they engaging in risky behaviors
like wandering?
Broadly speaking, if you know your future health needs will require more intensive nursing or inpatient care, a stand-alone assisted living or memory care community may not be right for you. Some communities bring these levels of care onto one campus and offer scheduled transportation to outside medical providers.
Bringing It All Together at The Stayton
If you’re looking for a higher standard of senior living, look no further than The Stayton. We offer something to suit every individual need – including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation – resulting in an unparalleled combination of convenience, sophistication, quality and comfort. Regardless of the lifestyle option they choose, each resident enjoys the amenities, services and surroundings that bring out the best in each day. Best of all, our signature lifestyle is backed by the lasting assurance of Life Care, so those who choose The Stayton can worry less and live more.
