These Are The Absolutely Essential Features In An Independent Living Facility

Although someplace may be called an "independent living facility", some of them may make people feel more like they are living in a hospital. Nobody wants an antiseptic environment where they feel anything but independent. Fortunately, there are plenty of amazing facilities out there. You just have to know exactly what to look for. Keep reading to learn two absolutely essential features in an independent living facility.

Help When You Need It

The number one reason that you are moving to a retirement community is usually because you want to live on your own yet you could use a bit of help with your daily tasks. Choose a facility that takes the "independent" part of independent living seriously. This means offering plenty of help - but only when you need it. You may not want nurses popping in to check on you every day, but that doesn't mean that you don't want the comfort of having somebody nearby just in case.

This help can take several forms, but one of the best may be the in-home panic button. Your apartment should be equipped with panic buttons that are easy to reach. These buttons will trigger immediate help from the staff and from emergency personnel.

Another great help is an assistance call button that you can wear around your neck or on your wrist. If you fall or otherwise hurt yourself, you always have a way to get quick help even if you can't get to the closest panic button.

You may also want to ask about transportation. Many independent living facilities schedule regular trips to grocery stores, malls, and restaurants for the residents who aren't interested in driving, or who are unable to drive. Don't be afraid to tell the staff if you could use some help with unloading groceries after a shopping trip, or even with arranging things in your apartment. At the best independent living facilities, the staff will be there exactly when you need them most, even for the little things.

A Quality Rehabilitation Program

You may be in pretty good health at the time you enter the facility, but it's important to consider that your health may change in the future. Look for a facility that offers a quality in-house rehab program. If you ever get injured, the road to recovery may take some time.

Instead of having to spend a lot of time traveling back and forth to rehab after you leave the hospital, you can do all of your rehabilitation right there at your own home. Ask if a potential facility has physical therapists on staff, and ask if they can do a full rehab program there.

If a facility has the two features above, you can have the comfort of knowing that once you move in you'll still have your independence, but you'll also be taken care of when you need it! For more information, contact a professional like those at Stonehill Care Center.

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