Best Places for Seniors to Live in Metro Atlanta
Independent Living Communities are geared toward residents who still very much like to enjoy social activities, mostly amongst other seniors. Most residents who live in these environments have more control over their daily activities. Often, they do not require extreme amounts of personal care. Assisted Living Communities are virtually extended versions of the independent senior lifestyle. However, these residents require a bit more supportive care depending upon their physical needs. Thus, they tend to receive more assistance with their daily living activities. Continuing Care Facilities generally offer a multitude of services beginning from independent living, all the way to skilled nursing. These kinds of services are typically housed in the same community, but divided into specific sections. Some of these retirement developments also offer Alzheimer’s Care, with activities and programs specifically designed to assist Alzheimer’s patients. These homes often have color-coded halls to help them re-orient themselves, and secured pathways to protect them.
No matter what type of living situation is desired, there are virtually hundreds of options for the retired senior who is in need of a lifestyle adjustment. Here are five of Metro Atlanta’s top Senior Living Facilities, and the services they offer.
WESLEY WOODS Senior Living Community:
This community was developed in 1954, and is made up of (7) retirement communities (located in various parts of Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Blairsville, Peachtree City, and Newnan). Services include independent living cottages and apartments, assisted living, and even Alzheimer’s care. Not all the services are included in all the locations. However, almost all offer planned activities, transportation to medical visits, beauty shops, libraries, and a host of other community activities and services. The minimum age for admission is age 62. The average age in any of these communities is 80 years old.
CYPRESS Communities:
Community offers Alzheimer’s care, and assisted living, located in North Central Atlanta, in the Sandy Springs area. There are two major sections of the community: Cypress Court, which caters to residents who require more specialized care for those with memory loss and other forms of dementia. Cypress Gardens offers what is known as premier assisted living services for those who are a bit more independent. Common areas in both communities are bright, airy with lots of light and very inviting grounds.
ATRIA Communities:
With 125 communities in 27 states, The Atria development is perhaps one of the largest retirement developments in the United States. There are two major metro Atlanta locations: One in Buckhead (Atlanta), and one in Marietta, GA. These developments are fairly upscale, and provide a number of amenities to their residents. Both properties are central to some of Atlanta’s premier shopping areas, including Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. The Buckhead location even features fully furnished apartments, three meals a day-served restaurant style, emergency buttons located inside the private apartments, and a multitude of activities. The Marietta location, in addition to providing some of these same amenities, also offers Alzheimer’s care.
PARK SPRINGS Communities:
The Park Springs Communities are geared especially toward residents who are more active, and enjoy a “country club” type of lifestyle. These residents often enjoy fine dining, on top of health care, and traveling services. This community is situated on a luxurious 50-acre campus near Atlanta’s Stone Mountain. Park Springs makes sure that all needs are handled for its residents. This includes housekeeping, repairs, transportation, and even home maintenance. The dining halls, and common areas are palatial, and do not resemble your typical “home for the elderly”. For those who are accustomed to a posh standard of living, this community is perfect.
MOUNT VERNON Towers:
Mount Vernon Towers is a high-rise retirement community located in Sandy Springs, GA. This community is pegged as an independent senior living community that boasts 3-meal service in an expansive dining room, plus take-out, and even delivery service. There are several different floor plans to choose from, and some units are even furnished. Unfurnished units are airy and spacious, and are just as comfortable and stylish as typical apartment communities in the Metro Atlanta area. Mount Vernon Towers also gives residents the option of renting or owning their living space. Like many other retirement communities, health and transportation services are offered, in addition to many different activities. This development is great for in-town living.
Many of these developments have a multitude of living options. Therefore, it is very important that families discuss with their senior loved ones, all of their specific needs. For some seniors, independence is key. For that reason, having daily activities like meal planning and repairs already taken care of for them, can sometimes feel more like a hindrance than a help. It can take quite a bit of time to get used to relieving oneself of certain minuscule burdens. For that reason, it’s crucial to speak with the Communities’ staff, and take a tour of the facilities being considered. Personalities differ just as much in the senior years, as they do in youth. These days, senior living communities are designed to cater to many different types of personal needs.
