Choosing a Senior Living Community by Bill Diamond, Executive Director at The Carlisle

Tips for Choosing a Senior Living Community

Selecting the right senior living community may be one of the most important decisions you and your loved ones will make. Although there is no magic formula for determining when a move will be right for you, these tips will help you navigate
the process with confidence.

Be Proactive: Begin exploring your options before there is an urgent need such as a health crisis. This allows you ample time to research, visit communities and make an informed decision without feeling rushed. Being proactive also gives you the opportunity to plan for the future and ensure a smooth transition.

“The move was an easy decision once we decided we were ready to move,” said Ken Rotskoff, a resident at The Carlisle Naples, an active retirement community. “My wife and I had a great life, but moving to The Carlisle significantly improved our quality of life. We no longer have the day-to-day responsibilities such as cooking so we can now spend each day as we wish.”

Visit the Community and Interact with Residents: Visiting a senior living community is crucial in determining whether it’s the right fit. Take the time to tour the community, meet the staff and engage with residents. Speaking with current residents can provide valuable insights into the community’s atmosphere and lifestyle. Mary Beth Baxter, The Carlisle’s Assistant Executive Director, encourages prospective residents to attend one of the community’s monthly Lunch & Learn events or one of the many social programs to sample the lifestyle. She believes it is a way to get to mix and mingle with residents and get to know potential neighbors.

Review the Community’s Calendar and Activities: An important aspect of senior living is the opportunity for social engagement. When evaluating a community, review the activity calendar to determine if it offers programs that align with your interests. Ensure the community provides a variety of activities that you can enjoy and actively participate in.

At The Carlisle, an entire team is dedicated to appealing to residents’ mind, body, and soul. Zest, the community’s holistic health and wellness program, offers a wealth of programs to pique every interest – from college-level courses and instructor led fitness classes to live concerts and arts and crafts.

Consider Your Future Needs: Look for communities that offer a continuum of care to ensure that as your needs change, the community can provide the appropriate level of care and support. The Carlisle Naples, for example, holds an Extended Congregate Care (ECC) license, which allows assisted living communities to provide additional supportive and nursing services. Additionally, an innovative, person-centered program, “Club Carlisle,” has been developed to address the needs of assisted living residents whose needs will be best served in smaller groups.

Check for Accreditation and Certifications: Research whether the senior living community is accredited or holds relevant certifications. Accreditation from trusted organizations indicates the community meets high standards of quality and care. The Carlisle Naples was recently reaccredited by CARF International, the fourth consecutive three-year accreditation awarded to the community. Similar to the five-star rating of the hospitality industry, this certification is the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to a retirement community.

Featured Photo: Bill Diamond, Executive Director at The Carlisle

Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers independent and assisted living lifestyles featuring spacious one and two-bedroom residences, weekly housekeeping and flat linen services, basic cable TV, all utilities except telephone, and delicious dining with daily, chef-prepared specials. The community is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an important distinction that provides residents with the assurance that the highest standards of quality care, services and safeguards are maintained. For more information about the community, please call 239-221-0017 or visit www.TheCarlisleNaples.com.