Senior Housing Connection

It’s never too early to plan for your future.  Even though the thought of moving from a home in which you’ve created a lifetime of memories can be overwhelming, there will almost inevitably come a day when you’ll need to make a change.  Usually we begin to consider senior communities when the day-to-day preservation of our current lifestyle becomes too much.  We begin to dread winters and the increased maintenance of our homes and yards. We start to fear driving in bad weather and avoid participating in hobbies and activities.  We slowly start to isolate ourselves in our houses.  We realize that we’re spending too much time trying to keep up with the demands of our things, instead of enjoying the days of our life. This is the time to plan ahead; long before a devastating event like a fall or sudden illness thrusts the decision on us in an instant.

As with most things in life, things go much smoother with a little planning & research.  Planning for aging is no different.  Though we often joke about getting older, few of us actually plan on it ever happening.

Involve Family & Loved Ones

The most prepared families include seniors and their loved ones.  Seniors have discussed options with their adult children, considered services and are aware of their choices.  As difficult and uncomfortable as it is, it is best to begin having the discussion with our family while we are of sound health and mind, and long before the decision becomes forced out of a crisis.

Unfortunately, it may take a “wake-up-call” to realize we need help.  We may experience a medical emergency, or a moment of clarity after narrowly avoiding a self-inflicted disaster, or the sudden progression of a medical condition. These things can increase the urgency to select a senior community.  In times of crisis or immediate need, we have no time to carefully evaluate our options.   Being unprepared, the focus is on the convenience and capabilities of a community, with little to no regard for any kinds of extras a community may provide.

You should become aware of the various options in your community.  Understand that not all people have the same needs.  One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to senior living.   You’ll want to choose the least restrictive setting where you will have the most independence.  But, you also want to think about future needs, and select a community that can meet your needs now and as they change.  The good news is seniors today have more options than ever:

Independent Living Communities

Independent Living communities are exactly that – apartments and other dwellings that serve independent seniors.   They are typically ample sized units with full kitchens and all the comforts of home.  In addition to living spaces, these communities offer common areas such as a dining, library, fitness center, recreational areas, and entertainment.  They offer plenty of opportunities for socialization and active involvement.

• Allows seniors to maintain independence in a supportive environment
• Maintenance & worry free lifestyle
• Greater social opportunities than at home
• Staff offers security & peace of mind
• Activities to keep seniors engaged in life
• Relatively inexpensive compared to higher levels of care

Enriched Housing Programs

Whether you’re planning ahead or ready to make the decision, you should call and visit several locations.  Find out all you can about the services and amenities they offer.  Here are some things to consider.

• What is included in the monthly fee and what services cost extra?
• How tenured & experiences are the staff?
• How many activities are available each day to the residents?
• Sample the food – ask about how they accommodate special or restrictive diets.  Do the residents choose from full menus like a restaurant, or are they required to select their meals ahead?
• Observe how lively and active the community is.  Are there residents out and about?  Are the employees interacting with the residents?
• Talk to the residents – ask about their experience, and what they like and dislike about their home.
• Ask about security & safety
• Ask about emergency procedures