How to Choose the Right Senior Living Community
When you’re looking for the best assisted living or memory care community, it helps to know how to choose the right retirement living option. At Modena Cherry Creek, we offer virtual tours of our premier senior living community and weekly virtual events led by local healthcare and retirement experts. We’re here to answer every question you have about life at Modena.
Questions to ask as you tour a senior living community
Before you tour the senior living communities in Denver that you have your eye on, be sure to create a list of questions to ask that can guide your search:
Is there a stimulating, active and social culture?
When finding the right senior living option for your loved one, the availability of stimulating activities and opportunities to socialize within the community is likely high on your list. Join us for upcoming virtual events featuring a cooking demo by our executive chef, a yoga class by our fitness instructor or a special on current events by a professor at Denver University. Get a feel for the quality of the programming and note the expertise and passion of the instructors. If you and your loved ones are engaged in the offerings, this could be the place for you.
Examples of stimulating senior activities include:
Are there safety and security measures in place?
Independence is important, but it can only be fully enjoyed if the proper measures are in place for the safety of all residents, staff, family members and guests. When there are safety and security processes, training and protocols, everyone can live happier, healthier lives with greater peace of mind.
When touring the retirement community, ask about safety and security, and make sure the community has:
Is the culinary experience on par with your expectations?
The culinary experience is integral to a fulfilling lifestyle. Our chefs take pride in preparing, from scratch, signature recipes, featuring comfort foods as well as eclectic cuisine, ultimately promoting a healthy and balanced diet. We are confident our chefs will not only impress you with taste but with the presentation as well. When visiting a senior living community, make a reservation for lunch or dinner to literally get a taste of what it’s like to live there. Or have a meal delivered in the comfort of your home. The ideal dining experience is at the intersection of healthy and delicious: It’s not only about fueling your life, but enjoying it too.
Look for the following when assessing the dining and hospitality of the community:
Are there plenty of services to accommodate residents’ daily needs?
One of the best parts of premier community living is that life’s daily chores are taken care of by skilled, caring support staff. Write down all the services and amenities that the community provides to residents, which should include:
Are the residents happy and healthy?
Speaking with current residents is one of the most effective ways to get a sense of what it’s like to live in a particular senior living community. Introduce yourself to residents as you tour the apartments, communal spaces, restaurants, and grounds. Or schedule a time to speak—either live or virtually—with residents or family members. Ask them what they like most about the community, what they think about the restaurants, and how they like the resident programs or events. In just one conversation, you can gain a wealth of knowledge that will help you decide whether a specific community is the right fit.
Are the staff members present, friendly and attentive?
Note the presence of the staff members. Are they always available and offering to lend a helping hand? Are they friendly, and do they know the residents by name? If they weren’t practicing social distancing, does it seem like they would give the resident a hug or a kiss? The community staff are part of the family, and it should feel that way.
Are the apartments spacious, with plenty of natural light?
Tour all of the available floor plans to see what senior apartment options are available across different price points. Whether you’re looking at assisted living or memory care apartments, you should make sure the layout, design, appliances and views are all aligned to the lifestyle of your loved one. (Not every community can offer layouts that are spacious, have full kitchens, include in-unit washers and dryers and feature balconies.
How close is the community to hospitals, restaurants and entertainment?
Every aspect of the community itself is important, but it’s also comforting to know that doctor’s appointments and visits into town are just a short drive away. Although now we have robust Telemedicine capabilities so you don’t need to leave the comforts of your home for routine doctor visits.
Is this a place you and your family would like to visit?
If you’re helping a loved one decide on the best senior living community, then it’s valuable to ask yourself if you or other friends or family members would be excited to visit and participate in a program, enjoy a drink at the bar or celebrate a holiday or special occasion. If the answer is yes, then that’s a great sign that it’s a wonderful place to live.
We’re here to help you find the best senior living in Denver
Opening in Summer 2020, Modena Cherry Creek is setting a new standard in senior living. To request more information, call us at (720) 797-8826 or email us at liveexceptional@soleraseniorliving.com.