People are faced with a number of lifestyle decisions when they decide to retire—one of which is whether to stay in their own homes or to move to a St. Louis retirement living community. If you are considering moving, then you will want to consider the amount of care you and your spouse may require. For those that can still perform many everyday tasks, independent retirement living may be right for you. For those that may need a little more attention and help with everyday tasks, assisted living may be the better choice.

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Choosing Independent Retirement Living

Independent living is exactly that—living independently and on your own, right here in a St. Louis retirement community. Independent retirement living allows you to live how you want to live. Nobody tells you what to do, where to go, or when to eat, wake up, or go to bed. It is just the same as living in your home because the retirement community is your home.

General Amenities Provided by Independent Living Communities

You’ll also find that one major benefit to living in an independent living community is the wide variety of amenities and activities for you to enjoy, including:

  • Maintenance-free apartments with fully equipped kitchens
  • Chef-prepared meals served restaurant-style in a private dining room
  • Weekly housekeeping services
  • Scheduled activities and day trips
  • Transportation for outings or appointments
  • 24-hour security

Many communities may also include additional amenities, such as a pool, exercise room, beauty shop, library and theater room. In addition, some retirement living communities may offer home health care and physical therapy services.

Before making any decisions, be sure to research the retirement community you are considering and arrange for a guided tour by a member of their staff.

Using Assisted Living to Accommodate Your Needs

If you need help performing daily tasks, assisted living is a great way to retire comfortably. Assisted living facilities will offer different amenities depending on their location. Some assisted living communities provide:

  • Three meals a day
  • Assistance with personal care such as bathing, dressing, and oral care
  • Housekeeping
  • Medication administration
  • 24/7 nursing staff
  • Laundry services
  • Planned social activities
  • Many opportunities for informal socialization
  • Private dining rooms
  • Libraries with online access
  • 24-hour security
  • Transportation

One of the most important details to consider is the condition of the facility. Also be sure to check if they have the specific resources you or your loved one may need.

Licensing & Inspections at Assisted Living Communities

When looking for an assisted living facility, it is important to make sure it is:

  • Licensed and certified by a state agency
  • Inspected periodically by the state

Ask to see the community’s latest survey report to find this information.

Before you take a tour, visit their website and do some preliminary research. Many assisted living facilities will offer a variety of information on their website for you to review. It is very important to take a tour before you make a decision on where to reside.

Find the right senior living option for your loved one. Contact Bethesda Today at 314-800-1911.

Need an easy way to estimate the cost of senior living?

With 133 years of experience, Bethesda has become a leader in senior care, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. To see if assisted living is right for your family, tour either of our communities: Bethesda Hawthorne Place or Assisted Living at Charless Village. After meeting with our residents and highly trained staff, you will instantly feel at home. 
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