If you have been considering moving into a senior living community, you may be wondering where to begin. These communities are a wonderful option for individuals of a certain age looking for convenient resources and vibrant social interaction. These days, there are many, many communities to choose from, and it can be overwhelming to decide which retirement community is right for you. A licensed Senior Real Estate Specialist can help you find a match for your specific needs and desires.
What Is Senior Living?
The term “senior living” often carries with it a certain stigma. Hollywood films tend to depict it as some sort of way station for the elderly, with tenants aimlessly milling about while stuffy nurses give them little cups of pills to take. But this is a wild misrepresentation of what it is like at a senior living community!
Senior living simply implies that a community has been designed with older persons in mind. As we age, we may be more prone to illness or find our mobility more limited. Senior living takes these issues into account, with easier access to things like groceries and on-site healthcare.
Senior living communities have an age limit, usually 55+. Your home will usually be a private condominium or cottage, with access to amenities like a clubhouse, pool, exercise facilities, and 0a wide variety of social activities.
Independent Senior Living vs Assisted Living Facility
Independent senior living
In an independent senior living community, residents do not require assistance with activities of daily life, such as bathing, shopping, and cooking. They can enjoy convenient resources, amenities, and a full social calendar while also knowing that medical care is readily available if they need it.
Assisted senior living
If you find yourself struggling with daily activities, such as keeping the house clean, taking a shower, or cooking a meal, assisted senior living may be right for you. In these cases, a caregiver will visit you in your home to help with any tasks you need. He or she will work with you to determine exactly what needs to be done and how often you would like them to visit.
Your assisted living community will also help you with healthcare related tasks, such as oxygen care, medication administration, and coordination of care with your medical providers.
- Memory Care
Some assisted living communities also specialize in memory care, which includes resources designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related illnesses. Memory care communities focus on consistency, security, and stimulating activities to help a loved one feel safe and cared for.
How to Know if You Are Ready for Senior Living
The process of moving into a senior living community can be long, so you will want to start the discussion early. Ask yourself the following questions to determine if it is time to make the transition:
Are you overwhelmed with Activities of Daily Life?
Activities of Daily Life (ADLs) include everyday chores and tasks, such as:
- Getting in and out of bed
- Getting dressed
- Bathing/Hygiene
- Household chores
- Eating/preparing meals
- Going up and down stairs
If assistance with these tasks would significantly lower your stress and/or physical discomfort, senior living may be a great option.
Does Your Social Life Need a Boost?
One of the best parts of senior living is the opportunity for social interaction. A common demographic and plenty of organized activities lends itself to relationships and enrichment. If you are feeling increasingly isolated due to a lack of peers nearby or a reduced ability to engage in your previous hobbies, a senior living community might be the next step.
Can You Keep Track of Your Healthcare?
As we get older, we often have the need for more medical care. This means arranging and attending various appointments, filling medications at the pharmacy, and other details of staying healthy that can quickly become overwhelming.
Senior living facilities will coordinate your care for you so you never miss an appointment and don’t have to worry about overlapping visits or arranging transportation. In fact, most assisted senior living facilities have providers on site that can visit you in the comfort of your home.
Are You Getting Proper Nutrition?
Regardless of age, shopping for and cooking nutritional meals is a challenge. But healthy options are especially important for seniors to help reduce the chance of illness and increase overall energy. Assisted senior living communities offer the option of three chef-prepared meals a day, with great care given to special dietary needs and nutritional quality. You will also have access to healthy snacks and beverages at all times.
If you find you are having difficulty grocery shopping and preparing balanced meals, consider assisted senior living to help you address this concern. Healthy eating can significantly boost your quality of life, which is why nutrition is one of the top reasons individuals start considering assisted living!
How Do You Choose the Right Senior Living Community?
Once you have made the decision to move to a senior living community, there are many things to consider. Aside from your budget and location needs, you will also want to visit your potential community to get a sense of its individual culture and style. Every senior community is different, and you will want to find the one that makes you feel the most at home.
In addition, you will want to take your future needs into consideration. Can your senior living community cater to your healthcare needs as you get older? Will they be able to provide care after an unexpected medical event, such a surgery?
Consider, also, the financial stability of the community’s organization. Are they a widely-established company with a solid reputation? How many residents do they have, and how long have they been in operation? The answers to these questions will give you peace of mind knowing you won’t have to leave your home due to financial troubles or other disorganization within the community’s operators.
Finally, one of the most important steps you can take in finding your ideal senior living community is to hire a Senior Real Estate Specialist. This is a special designation earned through extensive training that provides insights into the specific needs of today’s senior citizens. Understanding first and foremost the motivations behind moving to a senior living facility makes these real estate professionals highly skilled at finding your perfect home.
Your Colorado Senior Real Estate Specialist
If you or a loved one is planning on moving to a senior living community in Colorado, contact Brenda Kellogg Meyer. Brenda is a certified Realtor and Senior Real Estate Specialist. Colorado is home to hundreds of senior communities, and Brenda can help you find the one that meets your specific needs and wants. Whether you are looking to be closer to grandchildren, enhance your social life, or transition to long-term care, Brenda can help you find the perfect fit. Call or go online today to schedule a consultation!
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