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If the time has come to consider assisted living as an alternative to living at home, it’s also time to understand what you can expect when comparing assisted living communities. There are plenty of assisted living community choices out there, but if you want to know what to expect from the best, consider all that The Birches has to offer.
What you can expect in the best assisted living communities
Care with compassion
Perhaps the single most important aspect of assisted living is care. It can be an intimidating prospect for seniors who have been receiving care from people they know and love and are leery of what to expect from strangers. At The Birches we understand because we would feel the same! That’s why our dedicated team members make it a priority to know our members and to forge solid relationships that are based on respect, dignity and compassion. We also consider the unique care needs of each member and create a care plan that is comprehensive yet adaptable. To better understand what assisted living offers, check out “Your Complete Assisted Living Guide.”
A sense of community
Living at home is a great option, until it isn’t. As mobility becomes challenging and it is harder and harder to get out and spend time with friends, the resulting isolation and loneliness can have devastating impacts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s article, “Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions,” problems include higher risk of premature death, a 50% increased risk of dementia, a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicide.
At The Birches, the first and only certified Montessori Inspired Lifestyle community in Illinois, we work hard to promote a sense of community and belonging so each and every assisted living member feels included, respected, and part of something bigger than themselves. We put an emphasis on autonomy and independence, but also inclusion so everyone knows they aren’t just residents but contributing members of our greater community.
No more boring days
Boredom is a common theme among elders who live at home. Yes there’s TV, playing games on a phone or tablet, and the occasional call or visit from family, but in assisted living there is so much more to expect. At The Birches we incorporate a wide variety of mental, physical, and spiritual aspects into our daily offerings so every member can choose what suits them best. As noted in our blog, “Do I Have to Play Bingo if I choose to live in an Assisted Living Community?,” members can play a variety of games with friends, but can also join or create a new club, enjoy a concert, take a trip to the theater or other local venue, volunteer, join an exercise class, go for a walk, attend a worship service, or just cozy up at home with a good book. The choice is theirs!
Wellness with a capital W
Getting older brings with it health challenges that can quickly become serious when wellness isn’t a daily pursuit. At The Birches wellness is part of everything we do. Not only do we provide hands-on care with daily tasks, we also go a step beyond by offering medication management, coordinating rehabilitation services like speech, occupational and physical therapies, assisting with health care appointment transportation, coordinating communication with primary care physicians, providing on-site professionals like a geriatric specialist, a dentist, a podiatrist, an audiologist, and more. Learn all about our comprehensive wellness services in our blog “Is assisted living the best option for your loved one?”
Services that really matter
Service is a keyword for the team at The Birches — as both a verb and a noun. We work hard to serve our members in every way we can while providing services that elevate their lifestyle from ordinary to extraordinary. Starting with top notch culinary services, our chef-prepared meals rival the best restaurants for nutrition, taste and appeal. And members always have a say in our menu planning. Members can also expect weekly housekeeping (including UV-light disinfection as requested), maintenance and repair services, and even personal assistance with using technology like phones, computers, and email to stay connected and more fulfilled.
As described in our blog, “Safety & Security: The Peace of Mind Senior Living Communities,” our members also benefit from 24/7 year-round safety and security that is built-in, top-notch technology and always standing guard. Whether in their apartments or around the grounds our team provides the peace of mind families and seniors alike truly appreciate.
At The Birches we offer so much more than many assisted living communities - but don’t take our word for it. To find out more about all we have to offer contact us and schedule a tour.