Are you searching for an assisted living community for yourself or a loved one? As you compare assisted living options, you’ll soon realize how different each can be. To make sure the assisted living communities you’re interested in actually fit your needs, take a close look at their care, programs and amenities.
Care that fits your needs
All assisted living communities offer support with day-to-day tasks, but some may be better suited to your unique needs.
As you compare assisted living communities, look into their specialties. For example, some assisted living communities, like Hartwell Place at CMSS, offer assisted living options specifically for people with memory loss. Living at an assisted living community with a memory care focus ensures staff members are experts in caring for you or your loved one.
Also, consider whether an assisted living community fits your financial needs. If you’re seeking financial security in your long-term care search, supportive living may be the right answer for you. In Illinois, supportive living lets you access all of the benefits of assisted living without fear of running out of money for care in the future. At Chicago Methodist Senior Services, Covenant Home of Chicago is our supportive living community.
When you compare assisted living options, take some time to talk to staff members and learn about their work with residents. At some CMSS communities, the same caregivers who help residents with personal care also lead daily programs and outings. This helps staff and residents get to know each other on a more personal level, and helps residents feel at home.
Programs that enhance your life
When you compare assisted living options, look into what wellness, educational or creative programs each community offers. A community with a wide variety of programs provides more opportunities for residents to explore their interests.
At CMSS, we have a range of programs including a special focus on the arts. Within the last year, we’ve developed several new art programs. Creative Community Connections is an intergenerational pen pal program, where residents correspond with and form lasting relationships with other artists, often across generations. Residents who enjoy creative writing can take part in TimeSlips, a creative writing and storytelling program.
People with memory loss can also take advantage of therapeutic arts programs. For example, we’re certified in Music & Memory℠, a music therapy program specifically for people with memory loss.
We also offer lifelong learning experiences, such as the Route 66 program. The monthly program features cuisine, music and art fitting to each major city along Route 66. And, our new arts programming director, Dr. Mark Pohlad, created an educational lecture series through which residents can earn a certificate in art history.
CMSS programs also reach outside our communities. Residents can enjoy Chicago through regular outings in Andersonville and downtown. Outings vary from visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, to experiencing the sights and smells of the local community farmers market.
Premier amenities in a community that feels like home
When comparing assisted living options, see if they offer the services and amenities that matter most to you. Offerings at CMSS communities include:
- A variety of floor plans and room sizes that fit your preferences
- A comfortable dining room and living rooms where residents can relax, and our Hartwell Place community offers a beautiful garden as well
- Formal and casual dining options
- Priority access to our other care communities, whether you need short-term rehabilitation or skilled nursing care
- A convenient location in Andersonville that’s easily accessible for family and friends, and walkable for residents who want to explore the neighborhood
Ultimately, the best way to know if you’d be comfortable in a particular assisted community is to book a tour and visit in person. Download our brochure to see how our care could support you, and plan a visit today.