Senior living communities tend to be thought of as nursing homes from years ago, but the reality is they are very different. Today’s senior living communities have modernize to meet the demands of seniors who want an active, vibrant and healthy lifestyle. When planning for the future, seniors need to know what life is really like at senior living communities.

Independence is a priority

Today’s senior living communities recognize the importance role active aging (i.e. engaging in life) has on independence. Senior living communities offer numerous services to support active aging and independence including local transportation and on-site dining, salon and barber, fitness center, pool and more. Furthermore,  independence is a priority at every level of care – independent living, when no help is needed; assisted living, when a little help is needed, and skilled nursing, when 24/7 care is needed.

Care is helpful, not invasive

Modern senior living communities offer a range of care levels designed to exactly meet the needs of each resident, without sacrificing privacy. A care plan is created for each resident when arriving to the community. The plan outlines the type and level of care that is necessary for the resident to remain independent and healthy. Though help may not initially be needed – as in the case of the independent living level of care, if there does come a time when it is needed, residents can easily transition into a greater level of care that continues to promote independence. Learn more about the different levels of care in senior living communities from our blog post, Senior Living Options: The Pros and Cons.

Outstanding housing options

Senior living communities offer a variety of housing options from single family homes to apartments that are designed to be accessible as well as beautiful, bright and comfortable. In addition to choosing where in the community they want to live, seniors can choose from numerous floorplans. For example, at Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant we offer modern one and two-bedroom homes and apartments with options like basements, dens and patios or balconies. In essence, there seniors have many option for selecting the best fit for their needs.

Excellent cuisine

One of the greatest and most welcome changes in senior living communities is the shift from cafeteria-quality meals – think hospital food – to fine dining that rivals the best restaurants for ambiance and cuisine. Elegant formal meals are inspired and prepared by a talented and dedicated chefs and served in an equally elegant dining room by trained serving staff who strive to make each meal an event to remember. Another great innovation is the addition of casual dining options, like our Bistro and Main Street Pub, where seniors can enjoy daily specials or a snack and drink with friends. Discover the man behind our exceptional dining in our blog post, Chef Green: Culinary Talent and Team Builder.

Things to do and people to see

Whether it be volunteering, joining a club, getting involved in life-long learning classes or tackling physical fitness goals, senior living communities have raised the bar on making each day full of engaging and meaningful activities and events. With no home maintenance to worry about, seniors can live a care-free lifestyle at senior living communities – spending their retirement years doing the things they want to do. Social spots and daily activities/classes, its easy to meet up with friend and make new friends.

Senior living communities are vastly different from nursing homes of long ago. Services and amenities promote active aging in support of residents remaining independent for as long as they are able. Plentiful housing options offer seniors a choice and and delicious chef-prepared meals rival that of any restaurant. Learn more from our Senior Living Options Guide.

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