More and more adults are choosing to find retirement homes to care for their aging parents. Retirement homes can provide constant care, medical assistance and activities for seniors. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, retirement homes are more in demand than ever.

As a retirement homes provider, it's important to provide excellent care and help seniors maintain their quality of life. Residents need medical care and treatment, but they also need a welcoming environment where they can stay active and feel comfortable. Aim to provide the following:

1. Assistance for seniors with limited mobility

2. Activities and events for residents

3. Adequate retirement homes information to keep families of residents informed

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Make your retirement home facility senior-friendly

Make all common areas of your retirement home easy to access for all residents, including those with limited mobility who rely on mobility aids for stability and support. Install non-skid mats on tile flooring for residents using walkers and canes and keep doorways and walkways clear for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

I recommend: Buy safety treads, reaching aids and bath safety equipment from Carex to keep your residents safe. Install wheelchair ramps from Discount Wheelchair Ramps inside and outside your retirement home to aid residents with limited mobility.

Plan activities to keep retirement home residents happy and active

Coordinate daily activities and events to keep residents active and entertained. Organize a list of daily workshops and plan special activities or field trips for holidays. Let residents make suggestions for the retirement home's list of activities.

I recommend: Buy arts and crafts projects from Pepperell specifically designed for seniors with limited mobility and hand dexterity. Utilize the Senior Citizen's Guide to find field trips and travel opportunities in your area that residents can participate in.

Keep families and residents educated with the latest retirement homes information

Keep families of residents well-informed about the progress of their loved ones and activities happening at the retirement home. Include contact information for your center on a local retirement homes directory or retirement homes list so it's easy for friends and family members to stay in touch. Organize family activity days in addition to regular visiting hours so that families can come interact with their loved ones often.

I recommend: Register with the National Family Caregiver's Association to make your retirement home easily accessible to the family members and caregivers of residents. This site also provides resources to help family members deal with their loved one living in a retirement home and aging. You can also buy adapted sports equipment from Gopher Sports and have sports days with families and residents.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Part-time employment can be a great way for your residents to retain some independence. Organize a bus schedule from the retirement home to area shops and stores so your senior residents can have part-time jobs.