Latest Posts

Atlanta’s senior population grew by 20 percent from 2010 to 2014, helping this Sun Belt city to become home to one of the country’s fastest growing and most vibrant communities of retirees. Arts and culture, close proximity to nearby adult children, access to medical care, and abundant  senior living options in Atlanta have all been contributors to the city’s senior population boom.

For those looking for senior living in Atlanta, defining options, spotting red flags, and prioritizing amenities are the keys to success.

1. There Are Options for Everyone

A lot of different terms are thrown around when talking about senior living, and it’s easy to get confused about different options and what, exactly, they mean for seniors and their families.

Here are some options for senior living in Atlanta, each designed to meet different needs:

  • Assisted living: Apartment-like communities for seniors who can live independently with some personal care. Assisted living means freedom and independence for residents to come and go as they please, planned social activities, nutritional support, and healthy aging.
  • Independent living: Like assisted living but for seniors who don’t need help with daily activities. Independent living means safety, security, socialization, and maintenance-free accommodations.
  • Memory care: For seniors with Alzheimer’s or age-related dementia. Memory care means 24-hour supervision, family counseling and support, attention from specialists, and personalized cognitive care plans.

Communities such as Arbor Terrace at Cascade in southwest Atlanta offer assisted living and have dedicated, secure areas staffed with dementia care specialists who provide memory care.

2. Spotting Red Flags When Searching

Senior living should be clean, comfortable, and staffed with caring and compassionate professionals. Be on the lookout for any signs or red flags that indicate otherwise while touring or researching communities.

Here are a few common red flags:

  • Residents should be engaged with each other and staff members. They should also appear “put together” and wearing weather- and situation-appropriate clothes; residents wearing pajamas to lunch, for example, is a red flag.
  • State violations or negative reviews posted online should be scrutinized.
  • Staffers who are hard to get hold of, avoid answering questions, or don’t ask probing questions that help get to know you or your loved one should be considered a red flag.

Senior living is all about personalized care, and there’s no way to provide it unless staff is caring and responsive to individual needs.

3. Atlanta Provides Must-Have Amenities

Sure, senior living amenities enrich the lives of senior living residents—but they also do much more. Outstanding amenities encourage socialization, healthy lifestyles, good nutrition, and healthy aging.

Amenities should reflect personal interests, but here are a few must-haves:

  • Community living rooms and inviting dining rooms that encourage socialization
  • Wellness centers that offer age- and ability-appropriate fitness and exercise programs
  • Fine dining options that include chef-prepared, enticing meals
  • Programs that encourage residents to interact, learn, and be active

Communities such as Arbor Terrace at Cascade go above and beyond by offering additional amenities, including an on-site salon, outdoor garden seating area, and chef-prepared meals.

Beginning Your Search

It’s important to get out there and experience senior living in Atlanta firsthand. Contact Arbor Terrace at Cascade to learn more or schedule a tour.

Shay Martin-Williams

About the Author: Shay Martin-Williams

With a MBA/Health Administration degree, Shay has over 15 years of experience in healthcare. She is a resource and advocate for seniors.

Subscribe to Email Updates

Senior Living Cost Calculator

Try it now!