When visiting senior living communities for yourself or a loved one, you can expect to find resort-style amenities and services. Senior living communities generally strive for a home-like environment paired with modern conveniences and services to ensure a high quality of life and personal fulfillment.
While a variety of luxurious amenities is impressive, it’s helpful to create a list of amenities that are most important to you. Here is an overview of common senior living amenities, services and conveniences.
Senior Living Amenities
Senior living amenities vary from one community to the next, so you’ll want to ask questions about what is available and included in your fees. Visiting a community either in-person or virtually is also a good way to see what the amenities look like. For example, a library may be a large room fully stocked with books, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, and more — or it may be a bookcase located in a common room.
Here are amenities you may find during your community tours:
- Indoor pool
- Fitness center
- Library
- Woodshop
- Salon
- Game room (billiards, board games, darts, etc.)
- Tennis, shuffleboard and pickleball courts
- Movie theater
- Auditorium for programs and events
- Gift shop/convenience store
- Art studio
- Chapel
- Walking/biking trails
- Community gardens
- Greenhouse
- On-site dining venues: formal dining room, bistro, café
Services: Levels of Care
Senior living communities provide different levels of care to meet the needs of their residents. However, some communities offer a full continuum of care while others may only offer one or two levels. Ask about the nursing care available to residents, and find out whether current residents receive priority access to services when a change in health occurs.
Here are the levels of care you can expect to see in senior living communities:
- Independent living – active older adults who lead an independent lifestyle but appreciate maintenance-free living and modern, convenient amenities to live life to the fullest
- Assisted living – residents who require a helping hand with activities of daily living, like dressing, bathing, or grooming
- Memory care – residents experiencing cognitive decline who require a safe, secure environment and specialized programming, where their daily needs are met to ensure a high quality of life
- Rehabilitation services – older adults recovering from an illness or surgery who benefit from short-term therapy services, such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy
- Skilled nursing – seniors who depend on round-the-clock nursing care that may be dealing with chronic conditions or life-altering diagnoses such as a stroke or late-stage Alzheimer’s
- Respite care – loved ones in need of temporary care to provide their caregivers with time to rest, attend an out-of-town event, or go on a vacation
Community Conveniences
Senior living communities provide a comfortable lifestyle for older adults through the convenience of numerous services and amenities. Loneliness and isolation can be common as we age, but senior living offers socialization opportunities and transportation services that help lessen these feelings.
Socialization
As a senior living resident, you’ll be surrounded by people that share similar life experiences and understand what you may be going through. Whether it’s a challenging move or a recent loss of a spouse, you can find comfort in knowing you have a community of people to support you.
Easy Access
On-site amenities can help make it easier to reach your fitness or nutrition goals. Fitness centers are usually a short walk away from residences, and a dietary team often provides healthy menu options and accommodates special diets. Friends and resources are also steps away, making it easier to socialize, pursue interests, and get assistance when needed.
Maintenance-Free
You can also expect a maintenance-free lifestyle in most senior living communities. This means that any home repairs or chores are handled by a maintenance department. Housekeeping staff generally clean your apartment or home and provide linen services. A culinary team prepares all meals and typically offers a full menu of choices.
Transportation
You’ll likely need to leave campus from time to time, and many senior living communities provide transportation services to nearby restaurants, medical offices, shops, and more. Inquire about the services and ask about additional fees. Residents who no longer drive may find this service invaluable. It’s also fun to go out with friends to cultural, recreational, and social activities in the area.
You can still choose to clean, cook, and do some chores if you’d like, but you don’t have to as a senior living resident. Your daily needs are met, so you can spend your time in whatever way you choose.
Life at Golden Bell Senior Living
Ultimately, you want to ensure your loved one is safe and their daily needs are met. It’s important to prioritize their overall well-being so they experience a high quality of life while maintaining meaningful relationships with others.
Senior living communities like Golden Bell provide the comforts of home with the added benefits of supportive care, engaging activities, and a maintenance-free lifestyle. With your daily needs met, your loved one will live more independently and have opportunities to meet friends, discover new interests, and live each day to the fullest.
Golden Bell Senior Living, family-owned for over five decades, offers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and respite care. Residents have personalized care plans, are treated like family, and are greeted by name in a warm, welcoming environment.
Amenities and activities include:
- Beautiful accommodations
- Landscaped grounds and gardens
- Community outings
- Recreation and social activities
- Chef-prepared meals
- Scheduled transportation
- Beauty and barber shop
- Housekeeping and maintenance services
Please contact us to learn more about our communities or set up a tour. We’d love to hear from you and are happy to help answer any questions you have about senior living.
