You may not have a crystal ball, but you probably have a pretty good idea of what you’d like your lifestyle to look like for yourself or a loved one in an assisted living community. If not, we at The Herrick House suggest this simple exercise: take a look at the chart below and decide if an item is on your list of assisted living needs or wants—then you can search with confidence for the community that best suits you.
Assisted living needs and wants: what does your carefree lifestyle look like?
There are non-negotiables and nice-to-haves in every major life decision — choosing a house, car, college or even a spouse. Assisted living is no different! Identifying these early on can help you stay focused on your search so your needs and wants are met as best as possible.
| Residences: | NEED | WANT | NOT SURE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washer/dryer in apartment | |||
| Individual heat/air conditioning | |||
| Private bathroom | |||
| Full kitchen | |||
| Kitchenette | |||
| Storage space | |||
| Other: |
Your assisted living residence is your home; your place of comfort, relaxation, and enjoyment. As you think ahead, consider which features appeal most. At The Herrick House, each of our modern, private apartments overlooks the meticulously maintained gardens and grounds, offering both a scenic view and natural light.
| Lifestyle: | NEED | WANT | NOT SURE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant style dining | |||
| Outdoor spaces | |||
| Walking paths | |||
| Art classes | |||
| Lifelong learning programs | |||
| Scheduled transportation & outings | |||
| Beauty Salon | |||
| Pet-friendly | |||
| Wi-Fi | |||
| Other: |
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Socialization is vital for senior health, and assisted living provides the perfect opportunity for engaging and connecting regularly. Classes, parties, special outings to areas of interest, volunteer projects, social hours, outdoor events…you have your choice of just how active and involved you want to be. As you consider your assisted living needs and wants, think about how you like to keep busy and be sure to check the activity calendar of each community you visit.
At The Herrick House, we believe in interesting activities and amenities that align with our residents’ interests. For example, piano in the parlor. Outings to the local theater. Beautiful mature gardens with walking paths and patios. Our Heel Tapper Pub and unique dining areas. As a not-for-profit community, we are able to continually re-invest in our residents’ quality of life.
| Care/Wellness: | NEED | WANT | NOT SURE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24-hour on-site licensed nursing | |||
| Healthcare Coordination | |||
| Memory Care | |||
| Wellness Checks | |||
| Access to emergency services | |||
| Spiritual, social, & educational wellness programs | |||
| Other: |
Healthy aging is often at the top of every senior’s assisted living needs and wants. Exercise classes, yoga and Tai Chi, walking groups, meditation, attention to dietary needs, opportunities for connection and mental stimulation, and more all help form a lifestyle that is focused on longevity.
The Herrick House sets itself apart from other assisted living communities in Beverly, Massachusetts, by offering 24-hour on-site licensed nursing, along with a host of health care coordination services delivered through our Wellness Center. Our smaller size also allows for each resident to receive more personalized attention, particularly those in our memory care program.
| Safety/Security: | NEED | WANT | NOT SURE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless Lifeline Service | |||
| 24-hour staffing | |||
| Emergency preparedness plan | |||
| Interior & exterior surveillance system | |||
| Full power generator |
Everyone likes to feel safe and secure in their environment; confident that they can go about their day with enthusiasm and peace of mind. From the ground up, the modern assisted living community has senior safety front and center. You no longer have the worry of home maintenance or chores, reducing the possibility of injury or accidents. You enjoy accommodations with specific safety features that help keep you active and free of hazards. And perhaps most importantly, trained staff are nearby 24/7 to assist with any emergency.
Take your time and make the right choice.
The above chart of assisted living needs and wants is just a beginning. You might have more considerations to add. For example, the size of the community. Its location. How it approaches healthy aging.
Smaller by design offering a cozy ambiance, The Herrick House is nestled in a beautiful and private wooded setting on the upper campus of Beverly Hospital. Its unique location offers easy access to physician, outpatient, and 24/7 hospital services. As a member of Beth Israel Lahey Health, The Herrick House staff can connect residents and families to a comprehensive range of healthcare services. We invite you to learn more.
Download your free copy of our Family Decision Toolkit. Contact us to learn more about The Herrick House or to schedule a tour.
