If you or an elderly loved one are considering making the move to an assisted senior living community, we welcome you to schedule a tour with us at Discovery Village At Deerwood. We want to help you make the most well-informed decision possible, even if it means we are not the best fit for you or your loved one. In this article, we share with you some mistakes to avoid when choosing between a selection of assisted senior living communities in Saint Johns, FL!
Prioritizing Location Over Services and Amenities
Sure, it would be great if you can find an assisted living community just down the road from your home. While location is no doubt one factor to consider, don’t let it outweigh the services and amenities a retirement community is able to offer.
You should also think about it realistically: although you may love to drop by and visit every day, how possible is this given your work schedule and other commitments? Instead of selecting an assisted living community just because of its distance from home, something a little farther out that offers all the services you are looking for may be a better fit for your loved one.
Deciding Too Soon
Before committing to any assisted senior living community, you will want to research all your options and schedule tours of at least three different places. When you are there, pay close attention to all the important aspects, such as how team members interact with residents, the cleanliness of the living environment, and whether residents are well-groomed and dressed.
Don’t rush into making a decision before you have had the chance to compare your options. Despite this, it’s important to start the search early enough that your loved one’s needs can be met as and when they arise.
Only Considering Your Loved One’s Present Needs
When researching senior living options, you will want to ask yourself whether your loved one’s needs may evolve in the future. This can be a tricky question as no one can tell what the future holds. However, ask yourself if you are willing to repeat the entire process of searching for and visiting different retirement communities in the case that your loved one requires more care.
Our assisted living community at Discovery Village At Deerwood also offers a memory care lifestyle option. Residents and their loved ones can enjoy peace of mind that if their needs do change down the line, they can continue receiving care in the same familiar environment instead of having to make another move!
Not Doing Enough Research
Lastly, one of the most important things you should find out about any retirement community you choose is what’s included in the rent. Do they offer housekeeping services? A catered dining program? Chauffeured transportation for residents? From here, decide with your loved one which services they absolutely must have and what they can do without!
