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Comparing Senior Living Options

Finding the Best Fit for Your Loved One

Comparing Senior Living Options: Finding the Best Fit for Your Loved One

We understand that deciding on the best living arrangement for your senior loved one can be a challenging and emotional journey.

The right environment can significantly impact a senior’s health, happiness, and overall quality of life. Comparing these senior living options will help you make an informed decision.

Senior living options 

With various options available—from in-home care to independent living, enhanced assisted living, and memory care—it’s essential to understand the unique benefits each setting offers.

Enhanced Assisted Living

Our assisted living neighborhood allows us to provide a higher continuum of care than other communities.

Enhanced assisted living offers more support and care options than independent living.

Purpose:

This option is ideal for seniors who need more comprehensive care but still wish to maintain independence. Residents receive assistance with daily activities and have access to medical and personal care services.

Features:

  • Medication administration
  • Diabetes injections
  • 24-hour emergency care
  • Personal care such as dressing, bathing, and toilet assistance
  • Wellness, exercise classes, and rehabilitation on-site

Benefits:

  • Access to medical and personal care assistance
  • Support for daily activities ensures safety and well-being
  • Social activities and community engagement opportunities
Memory Care

Our memory care neighborhoods provide a secure environment with structured activities to support cognitive health and enhance quality of life. Team members are trained to handle the unique challenges associated with memory loss.

Purpose:

Memory care is specialized care tailored for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Features:

  • Licensed nurse on-site 24/7
  • Dedicated Director of Memory Care
  • Specialized Memory Care team
  • Comprehensively trained caregivers and staff
  • Psychological and psychiatric services
  • Wellness, exercise classes, and rehabilitation on-site

Benefits:

  • Specialized care for cognitive impairments
  • Safe and secure environment
  • Activities and programs focused on cognitive stimulation
  • Three levels of complete memory care as symptoms progress

Checklist for caregivers

When exploring senior living communities, caregivers can use the following checklist to evaluate options effectively:

  • Staff and resident environment: Pay attention to the demeanor of staff and residents, cleanliness, and the overall atmosphere of the community.
  • Dining services: Assess the quality and variety of meals, dining options, and dietary accommodations available.
  • Rehabilitation services: Check for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation services that can aid in the recovery and maintenance of physical health.
  • Activities and social gatherings: Evaluate the range and frequency of activities, social events, and clubs offered to keep residents engaged.
  • Safety protocols: Investigate safety measures, including emergency response systems, security, and fall prevention protocols.
  • Transportation services: Look into transportation services for medical appointments, shopping, and outings to ensure residents can maintain independence and social connections.
  • Amenities: Look for gyms, libraries, outdoor spaces, and other recreational facilities that can enhance the quality of life.

Questions to ask during a tour

Suggested questions for caregivers to ask during a tour of a senior living community:

  • What are your staffing ratios?
  • What types of social activities are offered, and how often do they change?
  • Do you create custom activities around certain hobbies for specific residents?
  • Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
  • What is the community budget for meals per day?
  • What do you charge for guest meals?
  • What are the qualifications of the caregiving staff?
  • How do you support residents’ independence?
  • What measures are in place for safety and security?
  • How do you address the individual needs of residents?
  • How are medical emergencies handled?

Discover the difference with The Kensington Bethesda

Choosing the right senior living option can be challenging, but The Kensington Bethesda is dedicated to making this process easier for you and your family. 

With a commitment to personalized care and various specialized services, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Learn more about our exceptional care at The Kensington Bethesda.
Our team is eager to hear from you.