Top 5 Things to Look for When Searching for Senior Living in Naperville, Illinois
By: Arbor Company
Tags: Aging, Senior Living, Chicago, Naperville, Assisted Living

An inviting, safe suburb of Chicago, Naperville, Illinois, is the perfect spot for an active retirement. With a wide range of community events, plenty of waterfront attractions, and a responsive government that’s committed to accessibility, Naperville offers plenty of options to help seniors of all ages and ability levels remain active. Senior living in Naperville, Illinois, allows your loved one to take advantage of all that Naperville has to offer, while giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing they’re safe. Here are the top five things to look for when you begin your search.

The Right Location

As any Chicago metro resident knows, the wrong location can mean you spend hours fighting traffic every day. Spend some time mapping out your usual drives-to work, school, friends’ houses, or other common stops along the way. Then look for a senior living community that fits easily into these routes. This will maximize your opportunities to visit your loved one without the added stress.

It’s equally important to choose a senior living community that’s in a good location in its own right. The best senior living communities are in safe, relatively quiet areas, but still offer easy access to nearby attractions, as well as conveniences such as grocery stores and pharmacies.

Plenty of Activities

For perhaps the first time in your loved one’s life, they no longer have to spend most of their time at work or caring for family members. Retirement offers the chance to learn a new skill, revisit a long-lost hobby, and make new friends. The best senior living communities offer a wide range of activities every day, as well as exciting and meaningful special events. Ask to see a schedule or calendar of events, and consider attending a few to get a feel for community life.

A Commitment to Daily Quality of Life

It’s easy for a community to brag about a few parties or special events, but the best communities are committed to daily quality of life. Consider what will matter most to your loved one as they go about their day. Some factors to look at include:

Food. Is there a variety of good options? Is the food both nourishing and tasty?

Surroundings. Is the community attractive? Every senior deserves a home they can be proud of.

Community areas. Can your loved one easily access community hubs such as a park or other gathering spot? These are great starting points for spontaneous plans and new friendships.

Transportation. Can your loved one get transportation to medical appointments or the grocery store? How easy is it to schedule transportation?

Caring Staff

In senior living, a caring staff makes a world of difference. These are the people who will serve as your loved one’s friends and confidantes, as well as their source of support in times of need and vulnerability. Spend some time talking to staff. Do they seem caring and competent? Are they committed to senior living? Interested in making a difference? The best communities have employees who have been with them for years. Look also for growth opportunities, since quality communities reward their team with promotions and other rewards.

The Chance to Age in Place

Most seniors say they want to stay in their current homes as they age. If your loved one’s needs change, moving can be stressful and expensive. It can also disrupt the lifestyle to which they’ve grown accustomed. Senior care communities that offer a continuum of care ensure your loved one can age in place even if their needs change. So ask about additional care options, especially if your family has a history of chronic illness or your loved one has been diagnosed with a progressive medical condition.

Arbor Terrace Naperville proudly offers independent living, assisted living, and dementia care, allowing us to serve seniors at all stages of the aging journey. We believe that retirement is what you make it. We aim to make it great. We work with seniors to build lives of joy and purpose even when they face physical or cognitive limitations. We’d love to show you what sets us apart, or to welcome you to one of our many community events. Give us a call or schedule a community tour to learn more!