When deciding where to retire, it’s important to find a community that does more than meet your basic needs. While location, staff, security, size and layout of the apartments are important, the right retirement community should also provide comfort and convenience, as well as a host of amenities designed to enhance your quality of life.
To help you compare retirement communities and find the right one for you, here are the top 5 amenities to look for in an independent senior living community.
Dining Options
For many seniors, the quality and variety of dining options is one of the most important amenities to consider when choosing a retirement community. So find out if the menus are planned and prepared by a chef and dietician. Make sure there are a variety of menu options, and find how special dietary needs are handled. It’s also a good idea to ask if meals are only provided at scheduled times, or if there is a coffee shop, deli or café available for light snacks.
While all of the Independent senior apartments at Eddy Senior Living include kitchens, our restaurant-style dining is probably one of our most raved about amenities. As one resident offers, “I’m thrilled with the fact that I don’t have to cook. One of the best things about dining services is that you have such a wide variety of menu choices, and the meals are always amazing.”
Recreation & Activities
Routine physical activity and exercise, as well as social interaction, are key to the prevention and treatment of physical decline and frailty with aging. So it’s important to find a retirement community that offers wellness programs and social activities for residents. Find out if there is a fully equipped fitness center and regularly scheduled exercise classes. Ask about other social and cultural activities, as well as educational programs.
All of the Eddy Senior Living communities offer an extensive schedule of fitness classes, as well as social activities, entertainment and educational programs, both on and off campus. Two of our retirement communities in Slingerlands and Niskayuna even have a pool. “I’m an exercise nut, so [the fitness classes] are perfect for me,” admits one resident. “Plus, I go to the Symphony, SPAC, The Wood Theatre, all of the things I couldn’t do while I was living alone.”
Transportation Services
If you prefer not to drive at night, or would rather forgo the expense of a car, maintenance and insurance, you’ll want to choose a retirement community with transportation services. Even if you’re still driving now, these services could become valuable in the future. Be sure to ask if the community provides transportation to medical appointments, shopping, religious services and other scheduled outings.
All of the Eddy Senior Living communities provide regularly scheduled transportation, as well as trips to entertainment and special events. “Having given up driving at night, I’m thrilled that I haven’t had to give up attending the events and activities that I love,” raves one resident.
Outdoor / Green Space
While most retirement communities provide lots of indoor living space for socializing, working out and dining, outdoor or green space is a coveted perk for many retirees. Whether it’s a community garden, a putting green, walking paths, a dog park, or simply an outdoor patio or gazebo, outdoor space is a top amenity to look for when choosing a retirement community.
All of the Eddy Senior Living communities offer acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, and residents enjoy miles of walking paths, as well as patios and gazebos. Many of our retirement communities also offer some form of gardening, and golf putting greens can be found at Beechwood in Troy NY, Beverwyck in Slingerlands NY, and Glen Eddy in Niskayuna NY.
Continuum of Care
It’s important to choose a senior living community that will be able to support you as your needs change over the years. While you may be an active, healthy senior today, what happens if you need assistance with daily activities, skilled nursing or memory care in the future? For many seniors, the security of knowing that they can stay in the same community throughout their retirement, even if their needs change, is more than an amenity, it’s a requirement.
Eddy Senior Living provides residents with peace of mind by offering independent senior living, enriched housing, and in some cases, skilled nursing and memory care all on the same campus. As one couple reiterates, “Eddy provides the full continuum of care we both need under one roof.”
Choosing the Best Retirement Community for You
When comparing retirement communities, the key is to consider what is most important to you. Think about how you want to spend your time, and choose a community that offers amenities that will enhance your quality of life.
For more information about our independent senior living communities in Troy, Slingerlands, East Greenbush, Niskayuna and Queensbury NY, contact us or call (877) 748-3339.