Most people assume that it’s only time to consider senior living once you can no longer live independently at home. However, that’s not necessarily true. Yes, there are types of senior living which provide daily support and care such as assisted living or memory care. But there’s also another type known as independent living which is mainly focused on helping seniors to live a more active, engaging and convenient lifestyle. Should you or your loved one consider one of these types of senior living? Here are signs it might be time.
Is It Time for Independent Living?
Independent living is a type of senior living designed for seniors who are still able to live independently at home but want to spend more time being active and social with less time on chores and home upkeep. To determine if it’s time for independent living, consider these questions for you or your loved one:
- Is cleaning, cooking, household repairs and yard work getting to be too much?
- Would you or your loved one enjoy more social opportunities?
- Are you or your loved one interested in spending more time pursuing hobbies and/or trying new things?
- Are you or your loved one seeking more purpose in life?
- Is it becoming harder to fill your calendar with fun, engaging activities?
Independent living communities like ours offer:
- Spacious apartment-style suites in a range of floor plans
- Restaurant-style dining
- Weekly housekeeping and linen service
- 24-hour staffing and full maintenance
- Scheduled transportation services
- A fitness center with classes
- Full-service beauty salon and barbershop
- Concierge services
- A wide variety of activities, events, classes, outings, and enrichment opportunities
Is It Time for Assisted Living?
Assisted living features many of the same benefits as independent living, but it also provides just the right balance of support and independence. To determine if it’s time for assisted living, consider these questions for you or your loved one:
- Is falling a concern at home?
- Has there been a health scare or chronic conditions that are worsening?
- Are there nutritional concerns and/or sudden weight loss or gain?
- Is it becoming more difficult to get around?
- Are more social opportunities wanted/needed?
- Is it becoming difficult to keep up with house cleaning, laundry, shopping, and other chores?
- Is assistance needed with personal care or medications?
- Has driving become more challenging?
Assisted living communities like ours offer:
- Private, apartment-style suites
- Care staff available 24/7 to assist with as many, or as few, activities of daily living as necessary like bathing, grooming, eating, and getting around
- Personalized wellness programs and regular health assessments
- An onsite registered nursing team and medication management program
- Restaurant-style dining
- Weekly housekeeping, linen service, and full maintenance
- Scheduled transportation services
- A fitness center with classes
- Full-service beauty salon and barbershop
- Concierge services
- A wide variety of activities, events, classes, outings, and enrichment opportunities
Is It Time for Memory Care?
Memory care is designed to support those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia by offering 24-hour support from specially-trained staff in a secure yet comforting environment to help your loved one stay active and engaged with everyday life. To determine if it’s time for memory care, consider these questions for your loved one:
- Is memory loss affecting their ability to care for themselves and/or their home?
- Have you noticed safety issues such as leaving the stove on or doors unlocked?
- Have there been medication errors or are they becoming more frequent?
- Have you noticed them wandering?
- Does your loved one sometimes get disoriented in familiar places?
- Does your loved one seem depressed or isolated?
- Would your loved one benefit from activities to strengthen cognitive functioning?
Memory care communities like ours offer:
- Private, apartment-style suites
- Care staff available 24/7 to assist with bathing, grooming, eating, and getting around
- Personalized wellness programs and regular health assessments
- An onsite registered nursing team and medication management program
- Supportive, restaurant-style dining with home-style meals
- Weekly housekeeping and linen service
- Scheduled transportation services
- A wide range of stimulating daily activities and events
As You Consider Senior Living
Keep in mind that these signs aren’t an exhaustive list, rather a guide as you consider senior living options for yourself or your loved one. If you’re still unsure, it’s OK to get a second, third or even fourth opinion. This is such a big decision so don’t hesitate to talk to friends, family members, your doctor, and/or even consider scheduling an in-home assessment. What’s most important is that you or your loved one gets the support needed and that everyone feels comfortable and confident about the decision.
For more information, download our Stay or Go Guide to help you decide between care at home or in senior living or contact us today to schedule a tour.
