Senior living in Athens means access to a community that offers 24/7 care as needed but also encourages independence. The best senior living community should also offer activities and encourage older adults to meet new friends. Additionally, it should be close to loved ones.
Picture this: you schedule a tour of a senior living community in Athens, TN, a town in the Tennessee River valley, only to arrive and find it doesn't live up to its online persona. You start to wonder what you should have looked for in advance -- what questions you should have asked ahead of time.
The good news is that senior living in Athens, TN, isn't just about a supportive staff, although that plays a major role when considering where to live. Lifestyle is also a main factor when making a decision about the best independent living options possible.
In assisted living in Athens, TN, activities and events should be varied and accessible. Ask to see activity calendars in advance so you can get a feel for what each community brings to the table.
Are the events the same from week to week, or is there variation? Do communities take trips into town, exploring local shopping and dining?
For senior lifestyle preferences, a strong activity calendar isn't just bingo and movie nights. Seniors want activities that reflect their interests. They also wish to (and need) activities that reflect their energy levels, which means there should be low-key options as well as something for those who want to be a little more physically active.
How much socialization a person wants is also essential when creating activity calendars, which is why some communities have residents create them alongside staff.
Activities need to be inclusive so everyone can participate. When aging in a community, you might see some activities such as:
The goal isn't just to stay busy. It's about finding ways to create meaningful connections with other residents so you can feel good about yourself and how you spend your days.
Location plays a bigger role than you may realize when choosing senior living in Athens.
You may want to explore the world around you, and being close to shopping and dining in Athens, TN, matters. But that's not the only reason location matters.
For many older adults with family and friends in the area, you'll want a community located close to them. This makes it easier for visits. When residents are physically close to loved ones, they feel connected to their support system.
Support staff can't be overlooked, especially in communities that help seniors as their needs change.
Seniors who want independent living options still benefit from support staff nearby. It offers them and their family peace of mind. Whether it's during the day or at night, someone is there to assist you.
This type of care transitions as a person ages. If a resident's needs grow with age, they won't have to worry about moving. Support staff is there to help them every step of the way.
When touring a community, pay attention to how support staff interacts with community members.
Do they seem patient? Are they respectful and attentive? This helps when making a decision on the best community to move to.
There is no right or wrong answer, but you may want to move before things feel overwhelming. Many seniors move when home maintenance proves to be too challenging. Others move when they want to live in a community of like-minded older adults, making new friends and enjoying new activities.
When choosing senior housing, seniors should be involved in the moving process. This makes them feel in control during a stressful time. It helps to be patient and remember that this may be challenging for older adults, especially if they lived in one home for a long time and have many memories there.
Be sure to decorate their new environment in a way that immediately makes them feel at home, visit often, and be sure to call and check in frequently so they don't feel alone.
The best way for seniors to make friends is by trying new things. They might say hello to someone while dining or sit by new people when playing games.
They can even ask staff members to help break the ice by introducing them to other community members. Being receptive to new experiences is a huge help.
There's no set schedule. Some seniors like to engage in daily activities, while others might only want to participate once a week. What matters is getting out and having fun in a way that feels natural and not forced, and that fits with your schedule.
Yes. Most senior living communities love when friends and family come to visit, as it helps seniors feel comfortable.
When loved ones visit, they add to a senior's support system. Many communities have shared spaces for everyone to get together and spend time.
If you want to find the right senior living community in Athens, TN, then you need to focus on what matters: a supportive staff and plenty of opportunities to connect with residents and make meaningful friendships. When you tour each community, ask questions so you know if it's a good fit or not.
At TerraBella Athens, we encourage all prospective residents interested in senior living in Athens to come visit. We're dedicated to combining personal care with an abundance of activities that offer something for everyone. Our welcoming environment and pet-friendly apartments ensure all residents have the comfort and convenience of home.
Contact us today to schedule a tour and experience a senior living community that puts residents first.