Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Greg Pascucci
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, being proactive in your research and beginning the process of discovery early on will make the transition much easier.
Many factors, such as the loss of a spouse or sudden illness, may precipitate a move to a senior living community. Other reasons might include limited opportunities for social engagement, the ever-surmounting responsibilities of home maintenance and fear of driving/inability to drive. The key to minimizing the stress, should you be faced with one of these scenarios, is to begin researching in advance—before the need arises.
One of the key considerations when selecting a senior living community is to determine if the community is accredited. Accreditation matters. Designed to encourage ongoing performance efforts and pursuit of excellence, accreditation is no longer just associated with healthcare and higher education institutions. It is an important seal of approval older adults should look for when exploring senior living options.
“Most people would not go to a hospital that isn’t accredited or send children to colleges that aren’t accredited,” said Bill Diamond, Executive Director at The Carlisle Naples, an active retirement community. “So why isn’t that expected when considering a retirement community? Moving into a community that is accredited affords greater peace of mind that care and services have undergone intense scrutiny by an outside, third-party.”
The community is proud to have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) since 2008. Though federal and state guidelines don’t require senior living communities to be accredited, The Carlisle believes that this demonstrates consistent adherence to high standards of quality, successful professional practice, continuous monitoring, evaluation and improvement of programs, and that a retirement community’s priority is resident comfort, care and quality of life—all of which are factors that matter when entrusting the care of a loved one.
To achieve accreditation from CARF, a senior living community must demonstrate comprehensive conformance to approximately 1,500 elevated standards that measure quality care and services.
“Having continuously accomplished the highest level of three-year accreditation speaks volumes for the services, amenities and programs at The Carlisle Naples, but more so to our dedication to provide the very best in resident care,” added Diamond.
The Carlisle’s licensed and accredited supportive services are designed to provide comfort, convenience, and peace of mind—now and in the future. Taking a “whole-person” approach to wellness, assisted living services are tailored to meet residents’ needs and can be dialed up, or back, at any time. Available in one- and two-bedroom residences, these services are complemented by a wealth of amenities such as an onsite restaurant, laundry and linen service, and a full calendar of social, cultural and physical opportunities.
The Carlisle also holds an Extended Congregate Care (ECC) license, which is held in addition to the standard assisted living license. This allows the community to provide the maximum care possible for residents requiring assistance with activities of daily living. Enhanced supportive and nursing services are also provided.
In addition to being accredited, experts suggest you consider the following factors when choosing a senior living community:
• Understand the different types of senior living options that are available and the types of services and care they offer. From life plan communities which require upfront entrance fees to rental communities like The Carlisle Naples which offer a flexible, affordable lifestyle with an all-inclusive monthly fee, there’s a community to fit every budget.
• Take into account location, the services you require and activities you enjoy. Working from a checklist—matching your preferences and needs to what is being offered—may be helpful in the selection process.
• Look beyond square footage of your residence. By taking the time to explore your options, you will discover that quality senior living communities will offer peace of mind for the future and a retirement lifestyle filled with unlimited opportunities for sophisticated cultural, social, educational and wellness programs—all within a few steps of your front door
Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers 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.
Luxury Rental Retirement Living
6945 Carlisle Court, Naples, FL 34109
239-221-0017 . www.srgseniorliving.com
