Senior Living Communities Are Much More Than a Place to Live.
If you’ve spent any time looking at communities or their websites, then you probably already have a feel for the kind of lifestyle that’s available in many communities.
Those like ours that offer a full continuum of care — assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and, more often than not, rehabilitation services — typically offer independent living as well. That means they cater to active seniors who are looking for upscale amenities, a social calendar with lots of options and services that will enhance and extend their independence rather than diminish it.
The Residences Feel Like Home
While we’re on the topic of places to live, we want to emphasize that the residences in Life Care communities like Christwood are comfortable, private homes, whether they’re apartments, villas or cottage homes. 
And when you visit the community, you’ll find that the residences are designed with safety features specifically for older adults.
In case you’re wondering, many communities, including ours, will let you furnish and decorate your new home to suit your tastes and preferences.
Perhaps best of all, the community takes care of all maintenance and repairs, including the landscaping. For many people, that’s the most appealing reason for moving to a community like Christwood.
Quality of Life Almost Always Improves.
Some older adults are reluctant to move into a senior living community for a variety of reasons.
In actuality, once most new residents settle in and become familiar with their new community, they wish they had moved sooner. Every day they have opportunities to explore new interests, form new friendships and participate in a tantalizing assortment of activities for seniors.
More Possibilities, Not Fewer
Far from being restrictive, living in a community like Christwood often opens up brand-new possibilities. Residents are free to come and go as they wish. Those who no longer drive have the added benefit of scheduled transportation for shopping and medical appointments, so they don’t have to rely on a friend or family member to take them.
Chefs, Not Cafeterias
These days, senior living communities seek out culinary talent. Many also either consult with a registered dietitian or have one on staff.
In some communities, residents are as familiar with the head of Dining Services as they are with the fitness coordinators who teach the water aerobics classes.
While we can’t speak for the cuisine at other retirement communities in Louisiana, we can say with certainty that residents here at Christwood appreciate the deliciously creative approach our culinary staff takes to Southern cooking. Some say it tastes even better because they didn’t have to go to the trouble of preparing it themselves.
Living a Healthy Lifestyle Is Easier
Generally speaking, the healthier you can stay, the better your quality of life will be. That’s just common sense. For most older adults, moving to a senior living community makes it easier to maintain (or attain) a healthy way of life.
Here are just a few reasons it’s easier:
- You can enjoy nutritious meals every day — without having to shop for food, prepare it and clean up afterward.
- You have access to a variety of fitness and wellness classes, one or more personal trainers, cardio and strength-building equipment, and (usually) a pool without having to buy a gym membership or drive somewhere else to work out.
- In addition to an array of social opportunities, you can engage in different types of activities to enrich your mental, emotional and spiritual health.
- Just being in a community like ours prevents loneliness and isolation — and that, in turn, can boost your health in ways that can help you live longer.
- Most senior living communities have nursing staff on-site 24/7, and many have a health center where residents can go for basic primary care.
- Living in a Life Plan community like Christwood alleviates stress. For example, there’s no need to worry about maintaining your home. And, there’s the security of knowing that help is available immediately, if and when you need it. So is advanced care, should that be necessary in the future.
It’s Better to Move Before You Need Help Caring for Yourself.
There are two reasons we (and others) say it’s best to move before you “must”:
- With all there is to do and enjoy in a senior living community, you’ll want to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible while your health is still optimal. As we noted earlier, one of the few regrets we hear from residents after they’ve been here a little while is they wish they hadn’t waited so long.
- If you hold off too long, your choices could be limited. Immediate availability might be an issue in some communities, and some may have health eligibility requirements for new residents.
Come Experience Senior Living Firsthand
There truly is no better way to get a sense of whether you’d enjoy living in a community than to visit in person and spend some time there. Have a meal while you’re there to sample the cuisine. If possible, stay overnight. Or stay a couple of nights. At Christwood, we have a guest suite that’s ready when you are.
To arrange a visit or learn more about our community — including our remarkable, 23,000-square-foot Community Center, all you need to do is contact us.