Choosing a Senior Living Community in Brooklyn: Key Factors to Consider
New York City's senior population continues to expand as the Baby Boomer generation starts to age. While around 20% of the current population is comprised of older adults, that number is expected to increase by 40% in the next few decades. Many older residents choose to stay living in the city, making the need for senior living communities vital.
It can be challenging to find a senior living community in Brooklyn that fits the needs of you or your loved one. There are numerous factors to consider, from amenities to environment to levels of care. How can you figure out what are the most important things to consider?
This blog will cover the type of criteria you should look for when exploring the best senior living options in Brooklyn. Find your next future home and live a fulfilling life with our helpful tips and tricks.
Evaluate Their Senior Living Options
Everyone's required level of care is different. Some people may need moderate support for daily tasks, while others might require more assistance throughout the day.
Reviewing their offered levels of care is one of the most important factors for senior communities. You want to ensure they offer the support you need at every stage in your life.
Independent Living
Independent living communities are perfect for older adults who want to live a maintenance-free lifestyle. These residents can partake in the community's activities, events, and amenities. However, they don't require any support from staff members.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is a great option for those who need a little bit of help accomplishing their tasks throughout the day. This can include assistance with:
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Medication management
- Other hygiene tasks
Memory Care
Older adults dealing with memory care conditions, such as dementia or Alzheimer's, may benefit from living in a memory care community. Highly trained staff members are available to provide them with support and rehabilitation in a caring and secure environment.
Respite Care
Many older adults need to stay in a senior living community for a short time while their primary caregiver takes a break. They can also explore respite care services if they need assistance recovering from surgery, illness, or an injury.
Explore Their Social Activities and Engagement
One of the best things about Brooklyn senior housing is that these communities are designed to keep residents entertained and engaged every day. Many of them offer expansive activity calendars that provide residents with a wide array of things to choose from. They often employ a full-time activities director to ensure each day is jam-packed with lively entertainment options.
When reviewing the activities options when choosing senior living, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do these activities seem interesting and fun?
- Are they something I'd be interested in?
- Can I bring friends and family to the events?
- Can I help with planning activities if I want to?
- Are there different activities offered each week?
You can ask for an example activity calendar during your community tour. You'll be able to evaluate if the types of entertainment offered are things that would keep you interested.
Another thing to keep an eye out for is their wellness and exercise programs. They should offer classes that fit various levels of skill.
Check Out Their Dining Options
The food you'll be able to eat should play a huge component when deciding what senior living community in Brooklyn to move into. You want to enjoy the food you eat each day instead of dreading when mealtime comes around. Most senior living communities offer three meals a day with snacks and beverages available throughout the day.
You can ask to see a sample menu during your free tour. Some of the things to look for and ask about include:
- On-staff dietician or nutritionist
- The dining room set up (i.e., buffet style or at sit-down tables)
- Vegan or vegetarian options
Many residents may require special meals to be prepared to accommodate their dietary preferences and requirements. This could include catering to food allergies or serving meals that are easy for them to eat, like if a resident has trouble chewing. Be sure to find out if they make allowances for those types of instances if they apply to your specific situation.
Ensure They Have Transportation Services
Getting around New York City is hard enough - the last thing you want to worry about when you're retired is having to drive to your appointments and errands. Many senior living communities offer transportation services to their residents. You won't have to worry about the hassle of a car payment and fuel costs.
If not driving is important to you, ensure the community offers a reliable and prompt transportation service. Ask how far in advance you need to reserve a ride.
If you prefer to keep your car, inquire about the long-term parking situation. Ask if parking your car at the community would be an additional cost or if it's something included in your monthly rent.
Ask About Their Maintenance and Housekeeping Services
As we've mentioned earlier, living maintenance-free is a big part of moving into a senior living community. Most seniors are ready to kick back and relax after spending decades mowing the lawn and cleaning up around their homes.
Some common household tasks that are included in senior communities are:
- Dusting
- Providing fresh linens
- Vacuuming
- Changing out lightbulbs
A few items may not be included unless you ask for it, like laundry services. Your level of care might also affect what types of tasks are handled by the community. You may have to pay an additional fee if you want these things performed by the staff.
Schedule a Tour at the Leading Senior Living Community in Brooklyn
Choosing a senior living community in Brooklyn doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. Planning and knowing what's important to you before you start your search can help you narrow down your options. Find a community that feels just like home.
At The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights, we strive to curate a welcoming environment where our residents are celebrated. We offer a refined retirement lifestyle where our residents nourish their whole selves each day with holistic programs. Reach out to our office to learn more about our Brooklyn senior care services.