8 Amenities to Look for in Luxury Assisted Living Communities
If your parents are getting older and declining, you may wonder if they need help. The need for long-term care is a reality, and no matter your age today, you might need to consider assisted living in the future. Aging catches up with everyone, but growing older doesn't mean giving up on the finer things in life.
Whether your loved one needs help due to aging, chronic health issues, or even mild memory loss, quality long-term care will improve their quality of life. Sometimes, aging at home is not practical, or your parents may desire a community where they know they are safe but can still stay involved with social activities. An option many couples are considering is assisted living.
Many families are discovering that a luxury assisted living facility offers the perfect blend of comfort, care, and indulgence. This senior care service provides an environment where residents can continue enjoying a high standard of living while receiving the support they need.
Now, here's the question: How do you choose the right luxury assisted living community for your loved one? Well, the short answer is its amenities. Experts suggest several services and resources should be included in any long-term care facility, including assisted living.
Comfortable Living Spaces
When you're on the hunt for a luxury senior living community for loved ones, the living spaces should be at the top of your checklist. After all, this is where your loved ones spend much of their time.
There are many quality assisted living facilities throughout the United States. Finding quality long-term care facilities, like luxury assisted living facilities, can be as easy as an internet search. For example, if you live in Tucson, Arizona, search Assisted Living Tucson, AZ, and you can find many fine facilities like Via Elegante Assisted Living in Tucson Foothills, an assisted living facility that many people say feels like home, not just a room.
Certainly, no matter where you live, an assisted living facility should have features like spacious and organized lounge areas, large windows for natural light, and modern kitchenettes. Don't forget the tasteful decor displays, too—they contribute significantly to a comfortable living experience.
Having a personal space that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing can make a huge difference in the overall satisfaction and happiness of the occupants.
Top-Notch Dining Experiences
The era of bland, cafeteria-style meals is long gone. Today, luxury assisted living communities take pride in delivering restaurant-quality dining experiences. These include:
- Gourmet menus crafted by professional chefs
- Farm-to-table ingredients and seasonal specialties
- Diverse cuisine options, including international flavors
- Dietary accommodations for special needs or preferences
- Elegant dining rooms with white-tablecloth service
Some communities even feature multiple dining venues, from casual bistros to formal restaurants, giving residents plenty of choices. And let's not forget about the occasional wine tastings or cooking classes—because who says you can't learn new culinary tricks in your golden years?
Spa and Wellness Services
Who doesn't love a bit of pampering? Most older adults would surely appreciate it! A luxury retirement facility often includes on-site spas offering a range of services. These aren't your run-of-the-mill beauty parlors; we're talking about full-service wellness centers designed to rejuvenate both body and spirit. Here are examples:
- Massage therapy
- Facials and skincare treatments
- Manicures and pedicures
- Hair styling salons
- Aromatherapy sessions
Some assisted living facilities take wellness a step further. They may offer meditation classes or even salt rooms for respiratory health. These services help residents feel their best and maintain their personal grooming routines. It’s all about providing a holistic approach to well-being.
Cultural and Educational Programs
Retirement is the perfect time to explore new interests or lifelong passions. A reputable assisted living center understands this and offers a wide range of enriching activities and opportunities. When searching for the right community, consider those that provide:
- Lectures and workshops on various topics
- Art classes and creative studios
- Music performances and dance lessons
- Book clubs and writing groups
- Language learning opportunities
There are some luxury nursing homes that even partner with local universities to offer continuing education courses. It’s never too late to earn that degree your loved ones always dreamed about!
High-Tech Entertainment Options
While traditional bingo nights are still popular, luxury assisted living communities are significantly enhancing their entertainment offerings by integrating advanced technology. These are:
- Movie theaters with comfy seating and surround sound
- Gaming rooms with everything from chess to video games
- Smart home technology in individual apartments
- High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the community
The need for long-term care doesn't mean life is over for your loved ones. These amenities provide diverse leisure options and contribute to cognitive stimulation, social engagement, and overall quality of life for residents.
Concierge Services
Luxury living means having your needs anticipated and met with a smile. Many high-end communities offer concierge services that can help with:
- Scheduling appointments and transportation
- Making dinner reservations or ordering takeout
- Planning trips and excursions
- Arranging for personal shopping or dry cleaning
- Coordinating maintenance and housekeeping services
Think of it as having a personal assistant at your beck and call—what could be more luxurious than that?
Personalized Service
Nothing compares to personalized care services. Older adults can enjoy a carefree lifestyle from housekeeping and laundry to meal delivery and personal assistance. The staff should be attentive, respectful, and dedicated to making each resident's experience as enjoyable as possible.
Safety and Security Features
While not as flashy as some other amenities, top-notch safety features are crucial in luxury assisted living communities. Look for:
- 24/7 security staff and surveillance systems
- Emergency call button in common areas
- Secure entry systems to prevent unauthorized access
- Well-lit pathways and parking areas
- Regular safety drills and staff training
These features provide peace of mind for residents and their families, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy the luxury lifestyle.
Why Do People Need Long-Term Care?
Perhaps your parents are still completely independent; however, with aging comes a decline in health, body, and mind. This natural aging process often increases the risk of needing help with everyday living activities like bathing, using the bathroom, personal hygiene, eating, dressing, and more. The risk of mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer's also increases with age.
Health insurance and Medicare will not pay for assisted living or any long-term care, only short-term skilled care. If your parents have Long-Term Care Insurance you're in luck. Luxury assisted living facilities, like all long-term care providers, will love the fact an LTC policy is in place.
However, because of medical underwriting, you can't purchase Long-Term Care Insurance when you need care. LTC Insurance is typically purchased prior to retirement, often in your 40s or 50s, as part of retirement planning.
You also can't depend on Medicaid as that program only pays for long-term care when someone has little or no income and assets and then only for pre-approved Medicaid facilities.
If your parents are in good health, they may still be able to consider obtaining LTC Insurance, depending on their age. Generally, the time to plan for the future costs of long-term care is before you retire, so it is something you should consider as you look for assisted living or other long-term care services for your loved one. Use a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you find affordable coverage.
Takeaway
Luxury senior living isn't just about fancy surroundings. It's about creating a lifestyle that promotes independence, wellness, and joy. These communities often employ a holistic approach to care, focusing not just on physical health but also on mental, emotional, and social well-being.
You can use the LTC NEWS Caregiver Directory to quicky search for quality long-term care services. This free directory has over 80,000 listings, allowing you, with a few clicks, to search for caregivers, home care agencies, senior communities, and long-term care facilities like assisted living.
Remember, as your parents age, their quality of life doesn't have to change, even if they need help with daily living activities. Many caregivers and long-term care facilities will provide the services and amenities so that they can still enjoy life.