When you’re choosing an assisted living community for yourself or a loved one, there are many things you’ll want to consider. Will there be enough space for my belongings? Does the community offer activities and amenities that I enjoy? How easy is it to make friends?
Searching for a community that’s right for you can be overwhelming. Our team at Otterbein Marblehead has curated a list of important things to consider during an assisted living tour to make your experience less stressful.
Top 5 Things to Consider When Searching for Assisted Living
Assisted living is ideal for older adults who wish to remain independent but may need help with some of life’s daily activities, like bathing, dressing, or grooming. You can expect to find private suites, chef-prepared meals, and a full calendar of activities.
Assisted living can provide many opportunities to live an active, engaging lifestyle where you can socialize, improve your health and well-being, and live life to the fullest every day. When you’re visiting assisted living communities, keep in mind the following things:
1. Levels of Care
Some senior living communities, like Otterbein Marblehead, offer more than one level of care. Find out what care services are available to assisted living residents and what happens when your health changes. Will you have to move to another community for additional care, or does the community provide more nursing care onsite?
Otterbein Marblehead is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), which means we provide progressive care services as resident health needs change. Continuing care allows residents to age in place without the stress of finding a new community to live in. You and your loved ones will likely gain peace of mind knowing your future care needs will be met in the place you call home.
Explore life at Otterbein Marblehead >>
2. Amenities
Many assisted living communities offer amenities for residents to enjoy and engage in purposeful living. Think about what is most important to you and keep that in mind during your search.
Many communities, including Otterbein Marblehead, provide the following amenities:
- Fitness room
- Library
- Salon
- Activity room
- Woodshop
- Art studio
- Indoor shuffleboard
- Three freshly prepared daily meals
- Housekeeping and linen services
- 24/7 nursing assistance
- Private suites with spacious closets
- Individually controlled heating and air
- Walk-in showers
Otterbein Marblehead features a few special amenities that are unique to the area, like its close proximity to the shores of Lake Erie and historic Lakeside Chautauqua. The community also has an onsite bank and an outdoor activity area with bocce ball, seating, lawn games, and a fire pit.
Learn more about assisted living at Otterbein Marblehead >>
3. Dining Options
Knowing you have access to nutritious, freshly prepared meals every day is essential to finding the right assisted living community. Ask to see a menu while you’re on your tour, or better yet, try out a meal when you’re there.
You can also write down a few questions before arriving to better understand the community’s dining program. Here are a few to get you started:
- Does the dining team accommodate special dietary needs and requests?
- How many choices do you have?
- Are snacks and beverages available in between meals?
- How often do the menus change?
- Can you invite your family and friends to join you for holidays or other meals?
- Will the community deliver meals to your room if you don’t feel like eating in the dining room?
4. Accommodations
Many seniors are worried about the size of the accommodations in an assisted living community. Will you get to bring your own furniture and personal items? How can you make your space feel like home?
Most assisted living communities, like Otterbein Marblehead, offer private suites, large walk-in closets, and accessible baths with walk-in showers. Residents are encouraged to bring their own furniture and decorative items to personalize their assisted living suite.
Watch this video to see inside one of our assisted living suites.
5. Value
Cost is important in weighing your decision to move to assisted living. Find out the monthly fee and what is included in the cost. Are there any additional costs to expect?
Always keep in mind the value of what you’re getting in assisted living. You’ll have access to on-site assistance around the clock. You’ll also be surrounded by other residents for socialization and friendships.
Here at Otterbein Marblehead, assisted living means you can take advantage of community amenities, continuing care services, onsite dining, and scheduled transportation services. Residents appreciate maintenance-free living and the freedom to choose how they live each day.
Gain Peace of Mind at Otterbein Marblehead
Otterbein Marblehead offers assisted living on a wooded, 46-acre campus near the shores of Lake Erie, situated in the quaint Lakeside-Marblehead community. Residents enjoy the close-knit feel of community and fellowship with access to supportive care services and numerous amenities.
