Tennessee is a highly desirable state for people of all ages and incomes. It’s filled with 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 was founded in 1925 and hosts a weekly concert which has been broadcast on the radio since the 1920s.
Tennessee offers a mild climate, moderate cost of living, and friendly residents. We like the state so much that we offer seven 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 Options
Assisted living communities provide personalized care and health services for seniors who typically require some help with what is known as Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The level of medical care is not as extensive as what is received at a nursing home, but is more intensive than a senior independent living arrangement. Assisted living is considered 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. If this is a concern for your family, find out about the availability of what is often referred to as “memory care.”
Research Costs
According to a 2014 national survey on long-term care costs, Tennessee ranks just below the national monthly median rate for assisted living, at $3465/month. This may vary depending on whether the community is located in a rural or urban center. When looking at the cost of assisted living in Tennessee, find out what costs are included in the monthly fee and what costs are à la carte. 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
Maybe you feel that a spacious community environment located near the beautiful Smoky Mountains, yet close to medical centers, banking, shopping and dining would be the best choice for mom or dad. Find out if the assisted living community offers multiple apartment options, such as one or two bedroom apartments, large studios, efficiencies and private balconies.
Consider Dementia Care Availability
Maybe you’d like an assisted living community that also has an adjacent state-of-the-art dementia care center that offers dignity, security and companionship for your loved one who is developing Alzheimer’s or other dementia related diseases. Make sure that dementia caregivers 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 assisted living center that you’re considering. When you narrow your choices down to the finalists, make unscheduled visits at various times of day to assess staff care and resident comfort levels. Drop in on activities that you see on the center’s activity calendar.
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