How To Choose The Right Assisted Living Community in Fort Worth
Choosing to make the move to an assisted living community is a big responsibility. When you are in need of assistance in your later years, it’s best to be informed before making a decision.
Fortunately, Fort Worth has its share of excellent assisted living communities to choose from, each offering unique flavors of lifestyle while ensuring a quality of life far better than you might expect!
If you’re looking to find the best assisted living community in Fort Worth, here are our top tips!
1. Ensuring The Right Location
One of the best things about living in and around Fort Worth is the diverse neighborhoods that the city has to offer. Each one comes with its own character – which can be great for those looking to change up their lifestyle.
For example, a community near the Cultural District offers easy access to museums and entertainment, while one in Southwest Fort Worth might be closer to family living in Benbrook or Aledo.
Consider the drive times from family members’ homes or workplaces. You’ll want to know that visits are convenient, especially considering Fort Worth’s busy traffic hours.
2. Check Any Medical Partnerships
You’ll also want to look for communities with strong connections to Fort Worth’s most major medical centers. Make sure to ask about relationships with local medical groups and how they handle everything from routine checkups to emergency healthcare situations. Some assisted living communities have 24/7 on call nursing to help reduce ambulance rides and hospital visits.
3. Evaluate The Weather Preparedness
We don’t have to tell you that Texas weather can be a bit extreme! Whether it’s the scorching summer temperatures or those unexpected winter ice storms, you’ll want to ensure that the assisted living community you choose has plenty of safety and emergency protocols.
4. Explore The Dining Program
We all know that good Texas food matters! While you’re on tour, don’t be afraid to sample a meal and ask about the dining hours. Ask to see the menu and inquire about any special dietary accommodations that are possible for residents. You can also ask if they offer familiar local favorites, if family members can join you for meals, and when.
5. Review Transportation Services
Another important element to check out is the community’s transportation schedules. Do they make regular trips to places like Sundance Square, and are they near local churches or other places of worship?
You may want to ask about medical transport as well, particularly if they can accommodate last-minute appointments or emergency transportation.
6. Assess The Activity Calendar
Here’s another one to think about – make sure that your assisted living community of choice has plenty of activities that match your interests. The best Fort Worth communities will offer outings to local attractions, as well as plenty of on-site activities to keep residents busy. Some may even offer hobby groups or activity classes to help keep residents socially engaged.
7. Understand The Costs
Make sure to take time to ask plenty of questions about financial considerations – and get all the information you can about monthly rates and what those rates include. Many Fort Worth assisted living communities have different pricing structures – some offer all-inclusive, others a la carte.
Don’t be afraid to ask about the average yearly rate increases and if they are private pay or have financial assistance options available.
8. Ask About Staff Retention & Training
A happy staff usually means happy residents. Ask about staff turnover rates and what kind of training programs and qualifications the community requires of their staff members. See how long key staff members have been with the community and observe how they interact with current residents while you’re on tour.
9. Evaluate Living Spaces and Safety Features
Here’s a big one – what is the living space like in your assisted living community of choice? When you go on tour, look at several floor plans and ask about customization options.
Check the air conditioning systems (crucial for Texas summers!) and maintenance schedules. Some communities allow more personalization than others, so you should find out what’s permitted in making the space feel like home.
10. Read Reviews and Talk to Residents
A great rule of thumb? Look at online reviews of any particular assisted living community, which can be a treasure trove of great information.
Even better, make sure to talk to current residents and their families. You’d be surprised at how much insight this can give you into whether the day-to-day at a particular community matches what you see on brochures or on tour.
This real-time, real-world feedback can be invaluable in making the right choice!
Struggling to Find An Assisted Living Community in Fort Worth? Come Visit Mirabella Assisted Living & Memory Care
We know that making the choice to move to assisted living or memory care can be a difficult decision, but with the right questions, you can feel comfortable that you’ve picked the right one!
Here at Mirabella, our team of compassionate and trained care professionals are here to help answer any questions you might have along the way. We invite you to come take a tour of our community and see why Fort Worth residents choose Mirabella Assisted Living & Memory Care as their favorite!
