Assisted communities are ideal for older adults who need help with daily activities but still want to live in their own homes. The right community can offer the support and care that your aging parent needs while making them feel at home. However, there are many assisted living communities to choose from, which can make it difficult to find the one that’s right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this list of things to look for when choosing an assisted living community for obese adults in their golden years.
Communities That Offer Daily Exercise Programs
Daily exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and can improve memory, balance, and strength. In assisted living communities, it’s common for residents to partake in physical activities like walking groups or game nights with other residents.
If you’re searching for an assisted living community that offers daily exercise programs, look for communities with at least one large room dedicated to this purpose. The ideal exercise space should be large enough so that it is not crowded when multiple people are using it at once. It should also have enough equipment (like hand weights) to accommodate all residents who want to participate in the program.
In addition to making sure your potential new home has ample space for group activities like stretching classes or tai chi sessions, make sure there are plenty of private areas where residents can work out on their own time if they wish—such as private rooms with treadmills or stationary bikes–and team members available during times when they’re needed most (for example after dinner when some residents may feel more tired).
Communities That Have A Focus On Healthy Eating
Healthy eating is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for the obese. The risk of developing diabetes and heart disease is higher in obese adults than in non-obese adults. Many assisted living communities focus on healthy eating, which can help prevent these problems.
Professionals Certified In Diabetes Care
Diabetes care is a specialty in itself and requires specialized training. Professionals certified in diabetes education, nurse educators, or other related degrees have the knowledge needed to help you manage your condition.
If you are considering assisted living communities for an aging adult with diabetes, the care team must understand how to administer insulin shots and monitor glucose levels properly. They should also be able to help with diabetic foot care, blood pressure monitoring, and assisting with other medications related to diabetes management (e.g., ACE inhibitors).
To get an idea if a particular community has a good team working there—or not—you can ask questions during your tour: Have state inspectors cited any employees? Are there enough people working on each shift? How many hours do employees work per week? Do they receive training every year or so? Is everyone treated equally here (no favoritism)?
An Inclusive Environment Where There Is No Judgment
You should also look for an inclusive environment where there is no judgment. Assisted living communities should be open and welcoming to all aging adults, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. The same goes for physical appearance: You don’t have to be able to wear a bikini—or anything at all—to live here.
Conclusion
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it should give you an idea of what to look for when choosing a senior living community. The most important thing to remember is to rely on something other than the brochure or website when making this decision. You need to visit the community and talk with their team members about what they offer and how they can help your loved one reach their goals.
