Tennessee is a highly desirable state for people of all ages and incomes. It features interesting historical sites, beautiful rivers, lakes and of course, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tennessee is home to Nashville, the country music capitol of the world, and many famous musicians such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison. Nashville's legendary Grand Ole Opry, founded in 1925, hosts a weekly concert which has been broadcast on the radio since the 1920s. It's no wonder that many families are looking at Tennessee assisted living options for their loved ones.
Tennessee offers a mild climate, moderate cost of living, and friendly residents. We like the state so much that we offer multiple senior living communities in various locales. When you're researching assisted living in Tennessee, make the right choice by considering these six key steps, so your loved one can do the "Tennessee Waltz" into a welcoming and secure assisted living community.
Understand Tennessee Assisted Living Options
Assisted living communities provide personalized care and health services for seniors who typically require some help with Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Residents require less extensive medical care of nursing homes, but generally more intensive care than a senior independent living arrangement. Assisted living is an intermediate care level for senior care centers.
Many assisted living communities also provide a continuum of care, especially care for elders who develop Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. Find out about these options. It's important to know if you would have to move mom or dad to another community for memory care services.
Research Costs
According to a 2014 national survey on long-term care costs, Tennessee assisted living ranks just below the national monthly median rate, at $3465/month. Rural or urban center locations may cause prices to vary. Finding out what costs are included in the monthly fee and what costs are à la carte is best when looking at options.
Compare and contrast the amenities available at various assisted living communities - you'll find that they're not all equal in comfort and desirable amenities.
Check Living Conditions
A spacious community environment located near the beautiful Smoky Mountains is beautiful, of course. However, would mom or dad prefer it to also be close to medical centers, banking, shopping and dining options? Find out if the assisted living community offers multiple apartment options, such as one or two bedroom apartments, large studios, efficiencies and private balconies.
During your tour, check furniture quality and assess the status of public areas. Is furniture arranged in a cluttered way, or is the plenty of room to maneuver safely? Do common areas seem clean and well kept? Do residents use the common areas and socialize with each other, or does everyone seem to keep to their rooms?
Consider Dementia Care Availability
Maybe you'd like an assisted living community that also has an adjacent state-of-the-art dementia care center? These communities offer dignity, security and companionship for your loved one who is developing Alzheimer's or other dementia related diseases.
When assessing a Tennessee assisted living community, ask about memory services your loved one might need later down the road. Look for dementia caregivers who are properly trained in the latest evidence-based memory care programs. Such programs offer your loved one greater engagement, safety and quality time for you and other family members.
Investigate Activity Options
Stimulating physical activities are critical for engaging seniors so they stay as healthy as possible. A wide range of social activities designed by experts in senior care helps seniors avoid the trap of withdrawing, which can lead to feelings of isolation and even depression.
Residents at superior assisted living communities look forward to entertainment in an inviting and elegant home-like setting.
Visit, Interview, Revisit
Always schedule personal visits and interviews with key staff at any Tennessee assisted living center that you're considering. When you narrow your choices down to the finalists, make unscheduled visits at various times of day. Are resident comfort levels and staff care consistent? Drop in on activities that you see on the center's activity calendar.
How can we help? Contact us today to learn more about our communities and to schedule a no-obligation tour.
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