The decision to move into a senior living community is as individual as the person making the choice. Though there are no clear-cut templates or step-by-step instructions on the exact time to know when to consider moving. However, there are some signs and topics that can lead to the initial conversation, such as: assistance with meals, medication management, extreme loneliness and inability to upkeep one’s home.
Choosing a senior living community is one of the biggest decisions one can make in their retirement years, coupled with coming to terms that a current living situation may not be the healthiest or best option at this stage of life. There are so many options for senior living communities available today, more than there were decades ago, and many places offer a true ‘family’ atmosphere.
Choice is an important theme to maintain when it is time to have this type of conversation. There are choices with the type of needed assistance, meals, the location of the community and overall choice of which place best suits you or your loved one’s physical and emotional needs.
While every senior living community is different, typical services include:
- Housekeeping services
- Transportation
- Assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and walking
- Access to health and medical services
- Alzheimer’s and memory care
- Staff available to respond to both scheduled and unscheduled needs
- 24-hour security
- Emergency call systems for each resident’ apartment
- Exercise and wellness programs
- Medication management
- Personal laundry services
- Social and recreational activities
Making the choice to move is usually unsettling and uncomfortable for both you and your loved one. Many seniors worry about loss of independence and control so we suggest families visit together.
Perhaps the most practical wisdom we can give, in addition to the logistics, is to follow your heart to know when it is time to make the transition.
Tealridge Retirement Community offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Contact us here to receive more information and to schedule a tour.
