Retirement Homes in Niagara Falls (Ontario): What to Look For
When you think about senior living communities, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Many of us have outdated ideas about what senior living is like.
However, retirement homes in Niagara Falls, Ontario, have come a long way and are nothing like they used to be. Today, instead of looking like sterile hospitals, retirement residences are like community hotels and take an innovative approach to senior holistic wellness. It is no wonder that so many older Ontarians include senior living communities in their retirement plans.
But how can you be sure you are choosing the right retirement home in the Niagara region? By asking the right questions and being observant when visiting them.
Use the tips outlined in this blog to empower your older loved ones to efficiently and effectively transition to senior living with confidence.
What to Look For When Touring Retirement Residences in Niagara Falls
It’s vital to make the most of your trip when visiting retirement homes in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Follow these tips to find a community your aging loved one will gladly call home.
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Ask About Their Living Options
When visiting retirement communities, be sure to ask them about the types of assistance they can provide, both now and in the future. Remember, not all retirement residences can serve the varying requirements of seniors. Hence, retirement homes in Niagara Falls, Ontario, often provide different types of services to their residents. Some of these are:
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Assisted Living
For seniors who require round-the-clock assistance, assisted living is a good option. Along with maintenance-free services and amenities, they will have someone to look after them and their needs for things like showering, eating, and dressing.
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Independent Living
Independent living is for active seniors who can move around and do not need help to do everything. In this living situation, they can reduce home maintenance chores and have free time to pursue and discover hobbies and passions. Such communities have staff on-site for emergency and security purposes, but do not have round-the-clock caregivers.
For more information, take a look at the key differences between independent and assisted retirement home living.
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Share a Meal
This is a great way to assess the nutritional value and overall quality of the meals provided to your aging loved one. You should make it a point to eat it in their dining area with the other residents. This allows you to see how staff and residents behave. Besides helping you determine whether your aging loved one will feel welcomed, you will also understand how likely they are to be able to socialize with others.
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Pay Attention to the Tone and Layout of the Community
Does the community you are looking into accommodate mobility challenges? Is the space clean? Are the staff members helpful and friendly? By evaluating core questions like these, you can determine whether the retirement home in Niagara Falls you are touring is the right choice. Be sure to pay attention to the scents and sights. For instance, if the facility has an unpleasant odour, it could indicate a lack of cleanliness.
Also, be attentive to the furnishings and windows, and ask to see a typical residential suite. This will help you see exactly where your loved one will stay and the type of view they will have. Finally, pay attention to the colour scheme and decor to gauge whether they lift the residents’ moods.
There are a variety of factors that go into choosing the perfect retirement home in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Keep these tips in mind when touring any facility to make the right decision on your loved one’s behalf. Hopefully, they have provided insights on how to make the most of your retirement community tour in Niagara Falls.