The Arbor Company Senior Living Blog

As with most big decisions in retirement, timing is everything. Knowing when to look for senior living options can mean having more time to make a thoughtful decision and to downsize without feeling any stress. Waiting too long to find senior living during retirement can sometimes mean your family will be making the best decision for you while you are recovering from a medical emergency or other crisis situation. It’s best to begin searching for your new home sooner rather than later so that you can make the most confident choice.

Many seniors seek the amenities, care, and lifestyle offered by senior living, but are hesitant to make the move because of safety or health concerns. This is the topic we will explore in our next Senior Living LIVE webinar, with special guest, Dr. Jamie Brodarick. 

Aging can be scary because of its uncertainty. You don’t know what your long-term health will be like, how it might affect your ability to live the life you want, or how it might affect the people you love most. Uncertainty doesn’t have to be scary, though. It can also be exciting. The next chapter of your life offers a chance to learn new skills, nurture lasting friendships, and grow fully into yourself — without the constraints of working or raising a family. Finding a senior living community where you feel safe and confident that your needs can be met can ease your anxiety about the future and make your retirement as joyful as you deserve it to be. You may wonder whether skilled nursing or assisted living is right for you. Here’s how to make the decision.

You’ve worked for decades knowing that retirement was on the horizon, and though you may have loved your career, you can’t help but look forward to the extra time that retirement brings. However, some older adults find that adjusting to retirement takes a little longer than expected. Whether you are approaching retirement soon or already retired, here are a few tips for making the adjustment to retired life easier.

We all forget things sometimes. But as we get older, it gets harder to distinguish between common forgetfulness that comes with aging, and actual dementia. 

Our Arbor dementia expert, Susan Robbins, sits down with Melissa Lee to discuss the topic of the upcoming webinar Senior Living LIVE: Dementia or Normal Aging? As a preview for the full webinar, scheduled for September 29, Susan compares dementia and forgetfulness, and gives some signs to look for and when to see medical help. 

For more information, watch the recording below. And make sure to sign up for the full webinar later this month for more helpful information about dementia. 

As you get older, you may find yourself struggling to find answers to questions about your health, finances, or social opportunities. Fortunately, there are organizations that help senior citizens in nearly every town, county, and state. These organizations are designed to provide support and resources that keep older adults active, healthy, and happy.

When making the move from living in a single-family home to a senior living environment, some worry about the adjustment needed to live among other people. 

Connecting with others is important at all ages. However, research has shown us that socialization with peers is even more important as we age. Feelings of perceived loneliness have been linked to rapid cognitive decline, numerous health problems, and even premature death. Fortunately, older adults don’t have to host huge parties in order to reap the benefits of socialization. Instead, cultivating relationships with small groups of family members or peers can boost overall emotional and physical health.

When your loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, your entire family has much to process. In addition to weathering the emotions that naturally follow this diagnosis, families must convene with the diagnosed older adult in order to make plans for their current and future needs.