Category: Making the Decision

Senior living communities help older people achieve more meaningful and fulfilling lives. Numerous reports tout the health benefits for older adults who live a more social life. With many different factors that may limit social opportunities for your parent, senior living communities make it easier to connect with others. Additional benefits include delicious meals, regular fitness and exercise classes, a 24-hour staff and discreet support when needed.

Still, senior living communities are often an afterthought because of caregiver guilt or the potential sadness or resentment from the older adult.

What are the top 5 benefits of senior living?

 

1. Senior Living Benefit #1: Unparalleled convenience
2. Senior Living Benefit #2: Opportunities to create new connections
3. Senior Living Benefit #3: Easy access to care services
4. Senior Living Benefit #4: Healthier mind and stronger body
5. Senior Living Benefit #5: Families can be families again

Senior Living Benefit #1: Unparalleled convenience

Older adults who move into senior living communities often say they feel relief after downsizing and moving out of their homes, in large part because being a homeowner means shouldering the responsibilities of tidying up the house, mowing the lawn, fixing the gate latch whenever it breaks or calling the plumber when the sink clogs.

At a senior living community, the staff handles the cleaning and maintenance. Most utilities are also covered in the monthly rent, so there’s no need to worry about paying multiple bills on time. At many communities, there are drivers to help your parent get to appointments and run errands. Plus, amenities such as a fitness center, art studio, movie theater and game room may be only steps from their apartment door.

Senior Living Benefit #2: Opportunities to create new connections

Life at a high-quality senior living community should include a calendar of robust events like guest lectures, card games like bridge and rummy, board games, group walks outdoors, exercise programs, art classes and opportunities to connect with neighbors. The events calendar should feature programs and activities that help your parent rediscover hobbies and find new interests.

Many senior living communities also often offer opportunities to volunteer in the local community. This contributes to an active brain and improves cognitive health, which can lower the risk of dementia. If your parent enjoys giving back or finds value in joining a just cause, volunteering will add to their sense of joy and purpose.

Senior Living Benefit #3: Easy access to care services

Currently, your parent may have access to an in-home caregiver during certain hours of the day. Or maybe they call upon you and other relatives to remind them about appointments, refill their prescriptions, or help them take a shower or get dressed. At an assisted living community, a professional staff handles these services.

Some communities offer discreet care 24 hours a day, and services generally fall into three categories: personal care (bathing, grooming, getting dressed and safety checks), medication assistance and incontinence management.

Memory care services, which are geared toward those who are experiencing the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, are also offered at some senior living communities.

Senior Living Benefit #4: Healthier mind and stronger body

In a senior living community, your parent will have access to fresh, delicious meals to enjoy alongside their neighbors. Whether it’s dinner in the restaurant or hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at the bistro, dining with new friends will positively impact your parent’s emotional and physical well-being.

Fitness is also a key to aging well. Many senior living residents enjoy outdoor walking areas, exercise classes and other avenues, which help contribute to a healthier lifestyle than they experienced at home.

Senior Living Benefit #5: Families can be families again

Many find that moving into a senior living community relieves the strain on familial relationships caused by the complexities of caregiving. Look for a senior living community that will empower your parent to enjoy a more fulfilling life, which includes reconnecting with you as their child rather than as their caregiver.

To discover the benefits your parent would experience at a senior living community, we invite you to visit us for a tour. If your parent would prefer to try community living to see if it’s right for them, a short-term stay is a good option to consider. No matter what you decide, our experienced staff is always available to help you navigate the complexities of caregiving and guide you during the transition to senior living.

 

Our Guide on the Benefits of Senior Living (PDF)

It’s important to prepare yourself with senior care information and tools you can use before taking a tour of a senior living community. Reading online reviews can give you an idea of what to expect, but the best way to get a clear picture of community life is to visit and experience it in person. Having a list of questions specific to your situation is also a good way to plan ahead.

Are the needs of your parent or family member growing faster than you anticipated? Are you stressed more than you’d care to admit? The earlier you look into communities and other senior care resources , the more confident you will feel about making decisions regarding your parent’s care.

Finding a new community to call home can be difficult at any age, but it’s especially challenging for an older adult who may be firmly rooted in a family home where many memories were made. The transition from home to community can stir feelings of excitement for some, and sadness for others.

Below, you’ll find questions to help initiate conversations and tips for finding the best fit for your parent’s needs.

6 questions and other important considerations when touring a senior living community

Prepare a checklist of questions for the assisted living or retirement community beforehand. If your parent is open to the idea, have them join the tour with you. If not, consider bringing them with you after weighing the pros and cons of each community.

 

1. How does the community make residents feel at home?
2. What training is required of staff members? Are any healthcare professionals on call?
3. What are the safety and security protocols for diseases and natural disasters?
4. What services are included in the rental rate?
5. What levels of care services are offered?
6. Are financial planning or other resources available?

How does the community make residents feel at home?

Take notice of the property around the senior living community. Look for easily accessible walking paths and common areas such as gardens, patios and courtyards. Upon entering the community, ask yourself these questions: Did I receive a friendly greeting? Are common areas tidy? Do residents look happy and engaged? Are the hallways and common areas well-lit, spacious and easy to navigate?

When touring apartments, inquire about privacy protocols and what residents are allowed to bring from home and what is prohibited. Is the senior living community pet-friendly? If so, what breeds or types of animals are accepted? If possible, request the floor plans of available options. If décor and customization to the apartment is important, ask what is allowed and if upgrades are available. Make sure to ask about accessible accommodations if your parent requires a wheelchair, walker or cane.

What training is required of staff members? Are any healthcare professionals on call?

It’s important to get a feel for the team that interacts with residents the most. After all, they are vital members of the community. Inquire about the training and various credentials required of staff members. Is the community fully staffed? What is the staff-to-resident ratio?

What about continuous training and education to keep employees informed on best practices and the latest research? Knowing these specifics can provide you with comfort and peace of mind.

How long is the average length of tenure for staff members? Loyal employees are indicators of a positive workplace. Observe staff and resident interactions. Do staff members call residents by their names? Do they seem warm and approachable?

Are there nurses or medical professionals on-site? If your parent requires specific assistance due to chronic illness, for conditions such as diabetes or Parkinson’s disease, ask if staff members have experience managing those needs or addressing their specific diagnosis.

What are the safety and security protocols for diseases and natural disasters?

Questions about safety and security are most likely at the top of your priority list. Is there round-the-clock security, seven days a week? In case of natural disasters – like fires, floods, earthquakes and power outages during extreme weather – what is the protocol? How are personal emergencies handled? A community that has invested in proper safety and security measures for the well-being of their residents is the hallmark of a residence that is dedicated to high-quality senior living care.

Add questions to your checklist about safety measures taken during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and how the community continues to mitigate the spread of contagious diseases like influenza, respiratory infections and the stomach flu.

Ask about safety equipment and devices such as easily accessible fire alarms, pull-cords in the bathrooms, handrails in hallways and emergency alert devices such as wristbands or pendants. If your parent needs memory care, ask about safety implementations that contribute to a secure neighborhood.

What services are included in the rental rate?

A major perk that draws older adults to a retirement community or senior living community is the services that enable a fuller, more flexible lifestyle. Is housekeeping available? Laundry service? If chef-prepared meals are an option, what selections are on the menu? Are there options for low-sodium and other specific diets? How many meals will your parent enjoy on a daily basis? How many dining venues are there? If possible, grab a bite to eat in one of the venues. After all, the best way to learn about the dining experience is to sample the cuisine yourself.

Is transportation offered? If so, how often? The more day-to-day tasks that are handled by a dedicated staff, the more time and energy your parent can put toward things they love.

While you want to make sure your parent is supported with all they need, don’t forget to inquire about the services that foster connection, curiosity and growth.

Are there events planned for residents? Ask to see a calendar. Is there anything your parent may find interesting and engaging? Are there group outings? Any social events? Are classes offered to enrich the mind? Are there groups that get together based on common interests? How are events kept fresh and engaging for residents?

Ask if you can attend an event, class or workshop. Are there programs designed with cognitive and/or physical health in mind? These fine details will elevate your parent’s experience and encourage them to stay engaged and active – both which are keys to aging successfully.

What levels of care services does this community offer?

If your parent needs additional care services, be prepared with questions to ask assisted living caregivers as well as information about your parent’s specific needs. Whether they are relatively independent but need help with medication management or they have limited mobility and find activities of daily living difficult to manage on their own, it’s important to be clear about the support that is needed – to make sure the community can accommodate your parent’s needs. Inquire about what kind of assistance and services are available. Does someone accompany residents to each meal? Can a staff member help them get dressed or assist with grooming?

If your parent has been diagnosed with a degenerative disease or a condition that you anticipate worsening over time, like multiple sclerosis, lupus or Parkinson’s, ask if the staff has experience managing that condition and if the assisted living community offers progressive care services.

Is care customizable? Are personal check-ins offered? How is medication managed? Do staff members administer medication? Is there a licensed physician or nurse on staff? What about certified nursing assistants? Ask if an assessment is required and what it entails. How many caregivers are there overnight?

Are financial planning or other resources available?

The person conducting the initial tour will probably wait to discuss fees, rates and other costs until the end, but it’s always helpful to be prepared with questions before you walk through the door. Research senior living communities beforehand to acquire some understanding of pricing to avoid sticker shock.

What is the pricing model of the senior living or assisted living community you’re touring? What services are included in the rental rate? For example, are housekeeping, utilities, dining and transportation included? What about amenities such as a spa, fitness center and other communal benefits?

Don’t assume all care services are offered at a flat rate in an assisted living community. Ask specific questions about expenses, especially if your parent has specific needs. Is assisted living pricing tiered based on the level of care needed? Are services offered à la carte or are there additional fees? Ask about any move-in fees or other introductory costs associated with being a new resident. Also, ask about refund policies and billing and payment policies.

After you receive pricing information, ask about financial planning assistance. While the administrative staff at an assisted living community or retirement community aren’t substitutes for financial advisors, they may be able to introduce you to helpful contacts and resources, which can help you determine the smartest way to pay for senior living.

Here’s a helpful tip for creating the most purposeful checklist of questions: Discuss the idea of transitioning into a senior living community with your parent. You may be initially met with resistance – making you hesitant to broach the conversation again in the future. Your parent may feel they would be sacrificing their freedom, or they may not understand the full benefits of senior living. When the timing feels right and they seem receptive, gently revisit the conversation to see what their wishes and desires may be.

Maybe the size of the living space is a deal-breaker or your parent wants to stay close to their place of worship. Do they prefer an idyllic country setting over a bustling urban one or vice versa? Let their input guide you. You may want to search online for options or ask your inner circle – after all, nothing beats a word-of-mouth recommendation. Eventually, you’ll want to schedule a time to visit a senior living community. Consider only touring a few of your top choices with your parent to avoid making the experience overwhelming.

Interested in visiting an Atria community? Both in-person and virtual tours are available at most communities.

We’ll ask a few questions to find out what you’re looking for in a senior living community. Then, we’ll create an experience that focuses on the aspects that are most important to you. Bring a comprehensive list of questions or concerns you have. We’d be delighted to show you everything Atria has to offer.

Our Checklist for What to Ask a Senior Living Community (PDF)

Atria Senior Living communities are recipients of 38 Caring Star Awards and 35 Best of Senior Living Awards for 2022. 

“It’s an honor to receive these awards, especially because they are directly based on the words and experiences of our residents and their families,” said Sanela Graziose, Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Communications at Atria Senior Living. “Our communities are home and so much more for our residents. It’s where they enjoy chef-prepared meals together with neighbors, attend events and programs curated to their interests and receive support from professional care staff.”  

“Adult children want to help their parent picture themselves living in a senior living community, and online reviews are a smart resource for them to have at their fingertips as they begin having conversations with their parents about senior living,” Graziose said. “Seniors and their adult children want to imagine this decision as one where they enjoy staying connected to each other, their neighbors and the larger community.”  

These accolades are a testament to our commitment to provide quality in every facet of the daily experience for residents and their families. Our Quality Enhancement program was created to support this commitment. This comprehensive yearly review measures roughly 300 aspects of community life – from landscaping and dining to housekeeping and care services – and guides the Atria staff to ensure things are done the right way, every time. 

38 Atria Senior Living communities received the Caring Star Award 

The 2022 Caring Star is awarded by Caring.com – a leading senior living referral service and the nation’s top site for senior care reviews – and are based on reviews from residents and their families. The awarded communities include: 

Atria at the Arboretum – Austin, TX  

Atria Bay Spring Village – Barrington, RI  

Atria Bethlehem – Bethlehem, PA

Atria Briarcliff Manor – Briarcliff Manor, NY  

Atria Canyon Creek – Plano, TX  

Atria Chandler Villas – Chandler, AZ  

Atria Cutter Mill – Great Neck, NY

Atria Darien – Darien, CT

Atria Del Rey – Rancho Cucamonga, CA  

Atria Hacienda – Palm Desert, CA  

Atria at Hometown – North Richland Hills, TX  

Atria Kennebunk – Kennebunk, ME

Atria Las Posas – Camarillo, CA  

Atria Longmeadow Place – Burlington, MA  

Atria Marina Place – North Quincy, MA  

Atria Merrimack Place – Newburyport, MA A 

Atria Palm Desert – Palm Desert, CA  

Atria Park of San Pablo – Jacksonville, FL  

Atria on Roslyn Harbor – Roslyn, NY

Atria Rye Brook – Rye Brook, NY  

Atria Sugar Land – Sugar Land, TX  

Atria Willow Park – Tyler, TX

Atria Woodbriar – Falmouth, MA  

Atria Retirement Alexis Gardens – Toledo, OH 

Atria Retirement Blue Water Lodge – Fort Gratiot Township, MI 

Atria Retirement Genesee Gardens – Flint Township, MI 

Atria Retirement Golden Oaks – Yucaipa, CA 

Atria Retirement Lodge at Cold Spring – Rocky Hill, CT  

Atria Retirement Maple Downs – Fayetteville, NY  

Atria Retirement Maple Suites – Dover, New Hampshire 

Atria Retirement Niagara Village – Erie, PA 

Atria Retirement Peninsula – Gig Harbor, Washington 

Atria Retirement Rancho Village – Palmdale, CA 

Atria Retirement Simi Hills – Simi Valley, CA 

35 Atria Senior Living communities received the Best of Senior Living Award 

The Best of Senior Living Award is also determined solely by reviews from residents and their families on SeniorAdvisor.com. The awarded communities include: 

Atria Almaden – San Jose, CA 

Atria Bell Court Gardens – Tucson, AZ 

Atria Campana Del Rio – Tucson, AZ 

Atria Chandler Villas – Chandler, AZ 

Atria Cinco Ranch – Katy, TX 

Atria Collwood – San Diego, CA 

Atria Cypresswood – Spring, TX 

Atria Del Sol – Mission Viejo, CA 

Atria Forest Lake – Columbia, SC 

Atria Golden Creek – Irvine, CA 

Atria Hertlin Place – Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 

Atria Kennebunk – Kennebunk, ME 

Atria Kinghaven – Riverview, MI 

Atria Kingwood – Kingwood, TX 

Atria La Jolla – San Diego, CA 

Atria Las Posas – Camarillo, CA 

Atria Marland Place – Andover, MA 

Atria Newport Plaza – Newport Beach, CA 

Atria on Roslyn Harbor – Roslyn, NY 

Atria Palm Desert – Palm Desert, CA 

Atria Park of San Mateo – San Mateo, CA 

Atria Park of Vintage Hills – Temecula, CA 

Atria Plainview – Plainview, NY 

Atria Rye Brook – Rye Brook, NY 

Atria San Juan – San Juan Capistrano, CA 

Atria Santa Clarita – Santa Clarita, CA 

Atria Stamford – Stamford, CA 

Atria Sugar Land – Sugar Land, TX 

Atria Summit Hills – Crestview Hills, KY 

Atria Sunnyvale – Sunnyvale, CA 

Atria Tarzana – Tarzana, CA 

Atria Westchase – Houston, TX 

Atria Willow Glen – San Jose, CA 

Atria Willow Park – Tyler, TX 

Crestavilla – Laguna Niguel, CA 

If you or someone you know wants to learn more about Atria, visit our website to discover the location nearest you, schedule a private tour, or perhaps even a short-term stay to experience everything our vibrant communities have to offer. 

Senior living can be a complex term for many, describing everything from independent living to a skilled nursing facility – which are two distinctly different living environments.

It’s important to know the various options of senior living, so that if the time ever comes to make a decision of where and when to move your parent or family member, you are prepared and confident in your choice.

In this video, Abby Figueroa, Senior Vice President of Functional Operations at Atria, explains how senior living communities are not the same as nursing homes, and provides more detail about the two different options designed specifically for older adults.

What is senior living?

Generally speaking, senior living can be anything from apartments, condos or townhouses specifically for those 55+ – commonly referred to as “senior housing” – to a thoughtfully designed community where the cost of care, utilities and more are covered under one monthly rate.

Some senior living communities are equipped with amenities such as salons and barber shops, fitness centers, swimming pools and restaurants. Many have a staff that can plan events, group outings and other opportunities to reach personal goals, explore personal interests or simply enjoy the company of others. Senior living communities provide all the comforts of home, without the responsibilities associated with homeownership. Daily tasks like housekeeping, cooking, home maintenance and even transportation are handled for the residents by a dedicated staff.

If your parent lives alone, then he or she would greatly benefit from an all-inclusive community rather than simply an apartment or condo. Many senior living residents report feeling empowered and fulfilled while their adult children witness an improvement to their parents’ mental and emotional well-being.

These types of senior living communities typically fall into three common categories: independent living or retirement communities, assisted living or supportive living, and memory care.

What is independent living?

If your parent leads an active, independent life – and no longer wants the hassle of home ownership and daily tasks like housekeeping – they are probably best suited for independent living. These communities provide daily opportunities for social engagement and the freedom to pursue personal interests without worrying about cooking, cleaning, transportation and home maintenance. Many independent living communities allow residents to arrange third-party home health services in the event care is needed.

What is assisted or supportive living?

Older adults who would benefit from discreet care are best suited for an assisted living community, which is sometimes referred to as supportive living. Here, your parent would enjoy opportunities to socialize and pursue personal interests without the burden of housekeeping and cooking – just like an independent living community. However, with the added benefit of 24-hour support with personal care, medication assistance and incontinence management, your parent will be able to feel more empowered and self-reliant, knowing their needs will be quickly and expertly handled. To provide another layer of professional support, assisted living communities can employ full-time licensed nurses or a physician.

Some independent and assisted living communities partner with rehab facilities to offer therapeutic services on-site. Alternatively, therapists are often able to make “house calls” at the community.

What is memory care?

If your parent has challenges due to Alzheimer’s or other forms of memory impairment, they would greatly benefit from a memory care community. These safe and secure environments offer round-the-clock staff to assist and support with activities of daily living, medication management and more, plus auxiliary programs like support groups for caregivers, programs geared to improve cognitive health, and events to keep residents happy and engaged.

A thoughtfully designed memory care community will leave no detail unturned for the well-being of residents. For example, playing music throughout common spaces and using vibrantly colored dinnerware to increase food recognition and appetite all play a part.

How are senior living communities different from nursing homes?

The residents who live in nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities often have conditions best treated with long-term palliative care or prescription medication administration. They may also require specialized rehab services such as speech or occupational therapy, though these services can also be arranged in senior living communities through a third-party provider. The primary focus of nursing homes is to provide 24-hour supervision and medical attention.

Some people may stay for short-term rehab following a hospitalization. Some nursing homes may offer hospice care.

Because of its clinical setting, nursing homes are restrictive by nature – especially when considering the lack of events and opportunities for social connection that are offered in independent and assisted living communities.

As you continue to research senior living communities and senior care options available to you, make notes to compare the cost and quality of each option. Consider visiting each community alone for preliminary observations, and then – when the time feels right – with your parent to see how they feel about it. You may even be able to arrange an overnight trial or short-term stay to test the waters of senior living.

If researching and visiting senior living communities creates resistance from your parent, let them know you are simply preparing in case the need ever arises. Being informed and knowing your options leads to better decision making. The staff at each community can help answer any questions you have, whether your family is ready to make a decision or just researching.

 

Our Infographic on What Senior Living Is (PDF)

What is respite care? That’s one of the most frequently asked questions that senior living professionals receive. Effectively, respite care for the elderly amounts to a short term assisted living option for older adults who want to experience how friendly and supportive senior living can be, or to recover from an illness or a surgery. Read on for an overview of how respite stays benefit older adults and caregivers alike.

Join a community

Becoming a part of a senior living community is a serious decision, and short-term respite stays can provide older adults with a glimpse into what life is like at a community. Guests can get to know the other residents, sample the culinary options, exercise at the fitness centers, and experience the services and amenities for themselves. That way, they can be sure they’re making the right decision when choosing to live in a community.

A place to recover

Following surgery or a stay at a hospital, older adults may not be able to recover at home. Instead, they might consider recuperating in a senior respite care setting. As they regain their strength, a caregiving staff can assist them round-the-clock with medical management, dressing, and eating, as they regain their strength.

Questions to ask a community

Respite care can be a complex topic, so when exploring different respite options, be sure to come equipped with the questions to help you find the right community. Those questions might include the following:

• What type of respite care services does the community offer
• What type of training does their staff receive?
• How much does short-term assisted living cost?
• How do they handle and mitigate medical emergencies?
• Is there a limit to how many hours of respite care a guest is allowed?
• What accommodations and amenities are available in their community?

Short-term stays at Atria

Atria’s door is always open for those who want to recover or rediscover a vibrant way of life in a supportive environment. We consider respite stays an excellent way for older adults to get a feel for a community, prepare for assisted living, and gauge how much caregiver support they need before transitioning into their next long-term living option. Find out more about the industry-leading care services that Atria offers – for full-time and short-term residents alike.

If you or someone you know wants to learn more about Atria, visit AtriaSeniorLiving.com/FindACommunity to discover the location nearest you.

The right amount of discreet care can help older adults participate, grow, and engage in what brings them purpose and joy. Here are a few of the benefits that quality senior care options can provide.

Opportunities for engagement

One of the key benefits of assisted living is the social connection and engagement that senior living communities foster. Research has found that isolation negatively impacts our health, and older adults are most at risk.

Moving to a senior living community that provides opportunities to participate in programs and workshops, attend fitness classes, volunteer with local organizations and socialize with other residents can improve quality of life for seniors. For those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, specially designed memory care neighborhoods staffed with caregivers help residents stay safe while also maintaining their independence.

Tidy living spaces

In many senior living communities, standard services might include chef-prepared meals, housekeeping and apartment maintenance, or transportation to and from local events and programs. Those tasks can keep the apartments and the community where residents live clean, well-tended, and organized. Plus, they provide ample opportunities for residents to enjoy healthy and delicious dishes, and to meet other people – warding off the possibility of being lonely or unable to access nutritious food.

Relief from worry

The best senior caregiving gives residents and their families the peace of mind of knowing that a helping hand is always available. In addition to providing the services listed above, a discreet care staff may also assist residents with medication oversight, periodic check-ins, accommodations for special diets, assistance with transferring to a bed or a chair, among other services. All that assistance can assure residents that they’re receiving the right care for their needs, which may improve their physical and mental wellbeing and lead to greater independence.

Care at Atria

Experiencing care services at Atria means living with the confidence that an attentive caregiver is ready 24/7 to support residents in ways that are professional yet welcoming. For older adults who want to maintain a level of independence – yet could use a helping hand doing so – assisted living offers a secure option. Learn how much assisted living services cost in your area with our care calculator.

If you or someone you know wants to learn more about Atria, visit AtriaSeniorLiving.com/FindACommunity to discover the location nearest you.

The safety and well-being of residents should be the top priority of any senior care community. As such, licensed nurses generally assess each resident’s physical, emotional and functional needs prior to move-in, and then on an as-needed basis following that initial care plan.

Because these assessments often involve medical terms, and families may not have undergone this process before, it can be difficult to know which questions to ask. Read on for an overview of issues to address and answers to seek during a care assessment.

How the care assessment process works

Every senior living community conducts its care assessments differently, but this is a general overview of how the process works:

 

• Prior to a new resident moving into a senior living community, a licensed nurse will meet with the resident to identify the needs they may have, including medication assistance.
• Generally, the senior living community will request a physician’s health evaluation of the resident. Those requirements vary from state to state, however, and it’s worth noting that in many senior living communities, a physician’s assessment is often distinct from the assessments that nurses or RSDs provide.
• Following move-in, ongoing assessments are conducted and updated based on a resident’s changing needs – as the staff observe and report them – as well as a resident’s requests for increased services.

Questions to ask during a care assessment

The issues that you’ll raise during the care assessment will vary considerably, depending on the services provided, the evaluation results, and the needs of the resident. Yet here are a few pertinent questions that might apply in most situations:

 

• What are the levels of care for seniors?
• What care is provided in assisted living communities?
• When is the right time to move from assisted living to memory care?
• How frequently do staff members provide discreet care to residents?
• How do you assess care needs for seniors, and what are the differences between them?
• Which services do you provide (personal care, medication assistance, incontinent management, and so on)?
• What type of medical documentation will residents need to provide prior to move-in (a physician’s report, a nursing assessment, a TB test, and so on)?

Making the right decision for your family

At Atria, our senior care services are backed by industry-leading quality standards. “The differentiator in Atria’s care is our preparation, our response, our protocols, our internal Quality Enhancement review process,” Joanna Mansfield, Atria’s Senior Vice President of Care and Life Guidance, said. “We have stringent guidelines. We have checks and balances to make sure residents’ needs are being fulfilled.”

Atria only hires nurses with a clinical skill set and management experience who are also familiar with working with older adults. The attention to detail required in their jobs helps give them the structure necessary to provide the best senior care for the world’s wisest people. And if you have any questions about that care, we’re here to help.

If you or someone you know wants to learn more about Atria, visit AtriaSeniorLiving.com/FindACommunity to discover the location nearest you.

There are many articles and even entire books devoted to helping you enjoy your retirement. While the specific guidance they offer for active senior living varies, they generally have these two points in common: the importance of relationships and of finding purpose in daily life.

At Atria, our vibrant senior living communities provide daily opportunities for the kind of meaningful connection and expanded learning that support creating a purposeful life. These topics are discussed in our Next Chapter series, which explores how residents are making the most of their retirement – and how Atria fosters their ability to do what they love. Here’s a look at how these older adults are enjoying retirement.

Colorful connections

“When you live as long as I have lived – for 94 years – you live many lives within one life.”

That 94-year old is Sarah, a passionate artist and Atria on Roslyn Harbor resident. Her many lives include raising a family and being an accomplished illustrator, teacher and fine artist specializing in sculpture and painting.

Sarah says she lives her life as though she’s going to live forever, because she doesn’t want to think that her age is holding her back from pursuing what brings her joy. For Sarah, this joy includes spending time with family and her continued passion for painting.

Atria is delighted to support Sarah’s interests and to offer our community as a venue for her upcoming art show. Living at Atria has also helped her develop some very dear friendships. As Sarah explains, she was living alone, but the wonderful friends and community staff bring her a sense of security and make her feel like she’s part of a family.

The power of music

“Music is life itself,” is a Louis Armstrong quote that resonates deeply with Ira. When he made the move to Atria, music was Ira’s key to making new friends and renewing his sense of purpose.

Music was a powerful bond between Ira and his father, and it’s what inspired him to create a music appreciation group called Musical Memories. Beth, the Engage Life Director at Atria Forest Hills, encouraged Ira every step of the way. Soon, others were looking forward to tapping their feet, clapping their hands and singing along to Ira’s playlist at the group’s regular gatherings.

Atria helped Ira share his childhood joy and fostered meaning in his life through the many new friends he’s touched with his love of music.

Inspiring others

“I’m finally the person I’ve always wanted to be.”

Nanci, a resident at Atria Tanglewood, expressed this sentiment while reflecting on her life – a life filled with great joy and the intense challenges she faced after being diagnosed with Lupus in her 20s. After raising a family as a single mother, Nanci later remarried. When her second husband passed, she made Atria her home.

The person Nanci has become is one who is sharing her love of the written word by reading to the first-grade students at a local school. She is finishing up a very special storybook – a gift to the many enthusiastic children who so enjoy her regular visits.

Nanci appreciates the support Atria provides and regards the community staff as family. In addition to volunteering at the school, she has found meaning in serving on the resident counsel and helping new residents discover the many opportunities her vibrant community offers.

A personal pursuit

Retirement is a time to learn fun new things and share one’s passions with others. Atria is delighted to support the interests of so many of the world’s wisest people, like Dorothy, who recently fulfilled a lifelong dream of publishing a second book.

Then there’s Sarah’s community neighbors Eleanor, Doris and Phyllis, New York natives who became fast friends at Atria but have very different interests; Shirley, who enjoys sharing her love of film with her neighbors; Bob, a veteran who just took the flight of a lifetime; and Linda, who loves teaching her Atria neighbors how to make beautiful watercolor paintings.

As these residents’ experiences show us, retirement is truly a time to begin writing your next chapter. Atria is dedicated to providing the support and opportunities to make retirement as enjoyable and gratifying as it can be.

One of the benefits of moving into a senior living community is the opportunity to stay active and engaged. Communities use an assortment of names to describe these opportunities — “senior activities,” “elderly enrichment,” or Atria’s Engage Life^® programs — but they generally refer to a customized calendar of events where residents can connect with each other, pursue their passions and express themselves creatively. Let’s delve into the types of activities you can do in most senior living communities and why they’re vital to the well-being of the residents.

Why activities are important

Recent studies have provided an insight about human behavior that cultures have known (or sensed) for countless generations: People who stay physically active and maintain strong social connections are healthier than people who are isolated or inactive. The more opportunities that we have to connect and get to know the people around us, the better our health, outlook, memory and brain function — and our capacity to continue to learn — will all be.

Common activities available in senior living

The activities offered in a senior living community can differ substantially, but here are a few of the mainstays that you typically find:

 

Exercise Classes and Games

Bowling, yoga, golf, lifting weights, playing bocce, ballroom dancing, taking boxing lessons — a vibrant senior living community should foster opportunities for residents to engage in a range of physical activities.

 

• Workshops and Classes
  • Participate in a book club. Learn Sanskrit or sign language. Start an embroidery class — or a new discussion group on current events. Residents who love learning, discussing complex subjects, and broadening their skills can enjoy the insight and intellect of their peers with these self-hosted courses.
• Creative Talents
  • Some of us are driven to create, whether we’re painting a summer garden on the patio or filling page after page with a story that keeps running through our minds. A quality senior living community will provide residents with the space and schedule to tap into their creative energy and connect with likeminded artists.
• Interaction and Engagement
  • A great senior living community should also support an environment where residents play cards or Mahjong tournaments deep into the night, or enjoy some “grape therapy” — that is, a wine and cheese social — or run into each other at a happy hour in the patio or around the garden.
• Group Outings
  • Another advantage of being a resident at a senior living community is the opportunity to go on trips to different cities or places of interest — a museum in Manhattan, for instance, or a scenic route through a canyon in California, as well as sporting events, lunches in the park, and shopping trips.

How activities foster community and friendship

Meeting new people, lifting weights, or playing a late-night bridge session help people feel like they belong. That, in turn, can lead to many other positive outcomes — improved self-esteem, peace of mind, and an investment of time into deepening the network of support that improves everyone’s quality of life.

Engage Life^® at Atria

At Atria, we consider activities to be among the most important features of a senior living community, but we don’t call them “activities.” Our term is the Engage Life^® program, which we’ve set up to foster interactions and bring new opportunities for residents to achieve their goals. Each community at Atria has an Engage Life^® director who takes the interests of the residents into account to create a calendar of events and outings tailored to what they want to do. Learn more about Engage Life^® and reach out today to learn more about what Atria has to offer.

If you or someone you know wants to learn more about Atria, visit AtriaSeniorLiving.com/FindACommunity to discover the location nearest you.

The health, wellbeing and happiness of Atria residents and their families are of the utmost importance to us – which is why we take their feedback seriously. To that end, we send out surveys to our communities twice a year to gauge the opinions and insights of the world’s wisest people.

We’re excited to share some of the Atria reviews that we received from five communities who took our Spring 2021 survey, and we’re proud to announce that we earned excellent scores in the following categories:

• Safety and well-being of residents
• Courtesy and friendliness of staff
• Responsiveness of community leadership to concerns
• Desire of caregivers to accommodate requests

Read on to learn more about the recent senior living reviews, and how our staff and caregivers go above and beyond for the residents every day.

Atria Tarzana

Shak Rafat, the Executive Director of Atria Tarzana in Los Angeles, California, ensures that the Atria mission statement is top of mind for each employee at the community, and instills the core company values of trust, integrity and respect into his team. Shak takes the time to get to know each new employee. He also meets every week with the Resident Council president. That way, he can absorb the residents’ feedback and then take that feedback to the community directors so that they can implement it.

For Shak, and the culture that he has helped create at Atria Tarzana, the emphasis is on continuous improvement. Everyone on staff puts in extra effort to provide an optimal experience for residents. Carlos, the valet, dedicated an entire day to helping a widowed resident find his wife’s wedding ring, which had gone missing. That’s just one example of how the staff at Atria Tarzana go above and beyond for the residents.

Here’s a quote that seems to sum up how residents feel about Atria Tarzana: “The people that work there are amazing! They help make Atria a happy place.”

Atria Windsor Woods

Located in Hudson, Florida, Atria Windsor Woods was ranked second among Atria communities according to the recent senior living ratings. Executive Director Janet Brown attributes that placement to the hard work of everyone on staff – and their mindset of viewing feedback as an opportunity to improve. One example of acting on this attitude is the proactive steps that Windsor Woods took after residents discussed the food selection. The new staff members in the kitchen implemented the residents’ recommendations into new and improved menus. Their “Taste of food” scores went up around 10 points.

The quotes that we received from the residents indicate that Atria Windsor Woods is a supportive community. “Everyone is so kind. This is now my home,” said one resident. Another resident said: “During the pandemic, all department heads helped out in the community. Very nice management decision to support front-line staff.”

Atria Forest Hills

For Jill Draggota, the Executive Director at Atria Forest Hills in Queens, New York, customer satisfaction starts with hiring compassionate team members who love what they do. Focusing on the details helps Jill and her team improve lives every day, and has led to results large and small. An Engage Life Director at the community, for instance, worked tirelessly to livestream a resident’s grandson’s wedding during COVID-19. Draggota’s team has also established an open-door policy with the Resident Council to absorb and build upon their feedback on an ongoing basis.

A key quote from the recent survey: “The building is immaculately clean. The activities bring people together. They do everything they can for all of us. I love this place.”

Atria Crestavilla

Brian Keys, the executive director at Atria Crestavilla, follows the same plan whenever he receives survey scores: He asks his directors to report each month on areas where the survey indicated they could improve. Addressing those improvement areas have always led to increased resident satisfaction. The consistently excellent work that Brian’s team has demonstrated, in turn, inspires him to continue going above and beyond.

As an extension of the culture of improvement and open communication that Brian has encouraged at the community, families have access to Brian via his cell phone, and he and his team work to resolve any issues within 24 hours. That approach, it seems, has led to some of these expressions of resident satisfaction: “The people who are part of the Crestavilla Team offer outstanding support. They may have a title, but in addition, these people wear a lot of hats! When an extra pair of hands is needed, they jump right in.”

Atria Rancho Peñasquitos

Spring 2021 was the first time that Atria Rancho Peñasquitos in San Diego, California, was among Atria’s top rated senior living communities according to the customer satisfaction survey, which came as no surprise to Executive Director Quinn Hernandez, who felt like his team shined during COVID. Hernandez witnessed his directors working in different departments, helping out at the front desk, and pitching in wherever they were needed.

Hernandez instills in his team the idea that they are working in the residents’ homes, which helps put everyone’s job – including his – into perspective. He also addresses the feedback from the Resident Council right away and works with his directors to formulate improvement plans.

According to feedback from one of the residents’ children, Hernandez’s assessment of how his staff exceeded the expectations of their jobs is accurate: “The staff is wonderful. They did an excellent job during COVID with keeping the residents and staff as safe as possible.”

Outro

Atria values its senior living ratings because of our commitment to quality and our mission to create vibrant communities where extraordinary older adults can thrive and participate. When you choose Atria, your voice is heard. Learn about some testimonials from residents about their experiences – and contact us today to find a community that listens to you.

If you or someone you know wants to learn more about Atria, visit AtriaSeniorLiving.com/FindACommunity to discover the location nearest you.