When it comes to finding a place for your older loved ones to get the care and attention they deserve, it can be intimidating to find the best place for them to call home. To find the perfect place for your loved one, research should be done on what you should look for in a senior living facility and the cost of each residency. We here at The Residency At Ridgewood, a luxury boutique assisted living and memory care community in Waco, Texas, have made it easy with this comprehensive guide on senior living in Waco.
Overview Of Senior Living In Waco, Texas
Waco, TX, is great for your loved ones or family members to enjoy their senior years. With a growing community and a convenient location in the heart of Texas, Waco provides many great benefits for families. Senior care facilities in Waco, Texas, offer easy access to Hewitt, Woodway, China Spring, and Baylor University. When choosing a senior living community, there will be a few things you will want to take into consideration. This can include location, amenities of the community, price point, services offered, and overall friendliness of the staff.
Benefits Of Staying At A Senior Living Community
As your loved ones get older and require more attention, some may need more time or resources to accommodate specific lifestyles. A senior living community offers great benefits to seniors to ensure they are cared for, stay active, and make new friends with other residents. Let’s take a look at some of the best benefits of staying in a senior living community.
Emphasis On Active Lifestyles & Wellness Activities
You Will Have Access To Trained Caregivers & Caring Nursing Staff
You Will Get A Sense Of Community & Hospitality
Access To Healthy & Nutritious Meals
You Will Have Access To Various Support Services
There Is A Strong Emphasis On Senior Healthcare
You Will Stay In Updated/Senior Friendly Rooms
They Ensure Safety & Security For All Residents
Types Of Senior Living Facilities In Waco, Texas
Choosing the right type of senior living facility will require you to know what types of facilities are available. In the Waco area, there are plenty of facilities to choose from, so let’s take a look at what type of facilities you can choose from.
Independent Living
An independent living facility is a community where residents can live mostly independently in a residential setting. This allows seniors to engage in a community-style life while still being able to enjoy private accommodations. These facilities allow seniors to live independently while still having access to amenities that make life easier than living alone.
Residential Care Homes
Residential care homes are smaller facilities with about 20 or fewer residents with 24-hour staff that can administer non-institutional, home-based services. These types of facilities are great for seniors who do not need 24-hour nursing care but still offer assistance services such as bathing, dressing, and toileting.
Assisted Living
An assisted living facility is a great solution for seniors who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), but do not need the full assistance a nursing home provides. These facilities allow residents to live an independent lifestyle while still being able to get assistance throughout the day. Assisted living communities offer personalized care, hands-on assistance, social activities, and independence.
Memory Care
If your loved ones are suffering from a memory loss disease such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia, a memory care facility is a great option. A memory care facility offers a safe and structured environment with an emphasis on set routines to help decrease the amount of stress for residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Skilled Nursing
A skilled nursing facility is equipped with trained staff and equipment for those who require skilled nursing care. Some facilities will also offer skilled rehabilitation services and various other health services related to rehabilitation. Residents of a nursing facility are temporary while receiving medically necessary rehab and are not long-term care residents.
Retirement Community
Several retirement communities are available depending on where you are located. From age-restricted communities to more lifestyle-focused communities, there are many different options to choose from. A retirement community is designed for those who do not need as much care as someone who would benefit from an assisted living facility. Residents of retirement communities don’t require higher assistance with ADLs. All meals are provided, and these facilities are staffed 24/7 with highly trained employees and medical staff. Most will offer housekeeping, transportation, and laundry services.
How To Choose The Best Senior Living Community
To choose the best senior living community for your loved ones, consider the following:
Location
Location is a big factor when it comes to choosing a living community for your loved one. You will want something easy to access for the family if visitation is a priority. If you want a facility with scenery to make your loved one's stay more enjoyable, find a facility where they can enjoy a view.
Benefits/Amenities
You will also want to consider the benefits and amenities the resident will get to benefit from and use during their stay. Depending on the resident’s level of needs and wants, this will usually vary greatly. This will require you to make a list of what your loved one needs and what they would like from a senior living facility to make your decision much easier.
Price
Price is obviously one of the biggest, if not the largest, factors when it comes to choosing a senior living facility. According to assistedliving.org, the average cost of an independent living community can range from $1,500 to $4,000 a month, and those who live in assisted living facilities can expect to pay around $3,500 to $10,500 a month. These prices will vary between state, facility, and amenities offered, so setting a budget can help you narrow down your choices.
Reputation Of Facility/Friendliness Of Staff
Lastly, you will want to take the facility’s reputation and the friendliness of the staff into consideration. Checking online reviews and taking a tour of the facility should be something you do for any facility you are considering. This will give you a first-hand look at how your loved ones will live.
Luxury Assisted Living Community In Waco, Texas
At the Residency At Ridgewood in Waco, Texas, we provide a boutique assisted living and memory care community for senior citizens. With a smaller resident count, our highly-trained and courteous staff can ensure that your loved ones get the attention and care they deserve. Our location offers easy access from large cities such as Austin or Dallas and is conveniently located near Baylor Scott & White Hospital and Ascension Providence Hospital. Your loved ones will enjoy a great sense of community, a facility that features resort-style comfort, nutritious meals, and much more.
To get more information about our facility and join our waitlist, fill out our waitlist email form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Average Cost Of Senior Living In Texas?
As of 2021, the average cost of assisted living in Texas is $3,988 per month, according to Genworth’s Cost Of Car Survey 2020. This makes it lower than the national average of $4,300 per month.
What Amenities & Services Are Typically Offered In Senior Living Communities In Waco, Texas?
Senior living communities offer health and personal care assistance in a homelike setting. They also prioritize dignity, privacy, and independence. Most senior living communities will provide services that include three daily meals, snacks, dressing, toileting, and assistance with medication management.
Is There A Difference Between Assisted Living And A Retirement Home?
The difference between an assisted living and a nursing home is that a nursing home will provide medical and personal care in a clinical setting. Assisted living facilities will provide personal care in a more social, home-like setting.