As we age, we may find ourselves starting to slow down a little bit. Perhaps our current homes are simply becoming too much to maintain on our own, and downsizing to a smaller home, townhouse or apartment starts to look appealing. Alternatively, the very opposite can occur; many of today’s seniors are healthy, active and independent, and these seniors are looking to enjoy their retirement years fully, not being burdened with endless chores and yardwork.
Whatever your reason for wanting a change, it’s important to educate yourself about the senior housing options available to you. By planning for your future, you can best ensure a happy, fulfilling home environment that will match your current lifestyle and health needs, as well as provide peace of mind down the road that your needs will continue to be met.
As you start researching independent living options for seniors, there are a few steps to take and things to consider to guarantee you’re choosing the right community. In other words, just because your neighbor moved into an assisted living community, that doesn’t necessarily mean that type of community is right for you. Start the process by taking the following steps:
Step 1: Assess your physical capabilities. We mentioned before that the physical changes of aging can tend to make some tasks more difficult, like mowing the lawn or vacuuming up and down the stairs. You might be in great shape right now and lead an active life, but in later years our muscle strength, endurance and flexibility can decrease. Look for a senior living community that makes day-to-day life easy by offering a variety of services and amenities, like home maintenance and dining options. Plus, the community should offer health and fitness activities to keep you in good physical health for as long as possible.
Step 2: Consider your safety. We mentioned before that the physical changes of aging can tend to make some tasks more difficult, like mowing the lawn or vacuuming up and down the stairs. You might be in great shape right now and lead an active life, but in later years our muscle strength, endurance and flexibility can decrease. Look for a senior living community that makes day-to-day life easy by offering a variety of services and amenities, like home maintenance and dining options. Plus, the community should offer health and fitness activities to keep you in good physical health for as long as possible.
Step 3: Factor in your current social situation. The loss of a spouse or close friends can take a toll on you emotionally, and you may find yourself with less of a support system or social network than you once had. Since keeping socially active offers benefits like a decreased risk for depression, as well as a reduction in chronic conditions like osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and even Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to have opportunities to connect with others as much as possible. A senior living community should offer a variety of social events and activities so you can continue to build relationships as you age.
Step 4: Think about your financial situation. Maintaining a home can be costly, especially when big-ticket items need replacing, like a roof or furnace. Plus, you need to take into consideration that at a senior living community, you’ll have priority access to health services like assisted living, 24-hour skilled nursing, rehabilitation and memory care – all included in your monthly fee. Or, you should be able to determine the services you need and only pay for those you use.
Step 5: Take a tour of several communities. The last step in choosing the best senior living community for you is to actually visit some communities and get a feel for the environment. Talk to residents and staff, take part in an event or enjoy a meal, and tour the grounds.
We invite you to come for a tour of Advent Christian Village to experience why our unique community may be the perfect option for you. Or, contact us today for more information.
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