The Arbor Company Senior Living Blog

When you think of senior care communities, do you envision sterile, hospital-like environments full of rushing nurses and unstimulated seniors? For many people, these old stereotypes of nursing homes are forever in mind due to childhood visits to a great grandmother decades ago. Now, nursing homes are more resident-centered than in the past, but are still not appropriate venues for all older adults.

Growing older is hard. It often means more aches and pains, less mobility, and increased difficulty managing one’s own life. It’s no wonder that so many seniors are determined to remain independent. One survey found that about 90% of seniors hope to “age in place,” remaining in their current homes for at least the next 5-10 years. Yet about two thirds of seniors need help completing at least one daily task. It’s painful when your mind wants one thing and your body seems determined to push you in a different direction. This is why so many seniors who need assisted living refuse.

The arrival of summer means your travel dreams can finally come true. People of all ages are subject to wanderlust, and it is hard to dispute the sense of adventure and relaxation that comes from a trip. Science has recently started to back up those happy feelings that come from vacation, no matter if your trip is a few towns away or across the ocean. In 2013, a study published by the American Psychological Association noted that vacations can combat stress and negative emotions by removing us from our otherwise stressful lives. But the benefits of taking a vacation go beyond stress relief. A study out of the Wisconsin Medical Journal demonstrated that women who vacation twice a year are far less likely to suffer feelings of depression than women who vacation less that once every two years.

Senior living is a broad industry, giving care and options for older adults who live with different challenges and preferences. Today’s seniors are fortunate to have such a variety of solutions to suit their needs, but so many choices can quickly lead to feelings of confusion. For example, if you have done your due diligence to narrow down your senior living choice to assisted living, you may be surprised to find out there are multiple levels of care within your assisted living community. Each of these levels of care features a different cost, as well as a different amount of hands-on care.

Assisted living is a wonderful option for older adults who need some hands-on care or reminders in order to stay healthy. Seniors living with chronic medical conditions, a long or confusing list of regular medications, or some mobility issues may find that assisted living offers the perfect blend of independence and access to caregivers available to lend a hand when needed. For family members, assisted living communities can offer peace of mind when it comes to safety. All in all, assisted living benefits seniors and the family members who love them.

Senior living communities have evolved drastically over the past few decades. While new features such as spas, swimming pools, and cutting-edge technology make senior living more appealing, it can also muddy the waters when trying to find a solution for yourself or your aging loved one. If you find yourself feeling frustrated or overwhelmed when searching for a senior living community that meets the needs of you or your loved one, you are not alone.

Without previous experience searching for a senior living community, you can easily get overwhelmed by all of the available information. Fortunately, you have many options to choose from—you just have to know where to start.

Are you preparing to move into your new assisted living community home? Congratulations! While this transition can seem daunting at first, you are close to enjoying a lifestyle and amenities that will keep you healthier, happier and more engaged. The key to a smooth transition to your new home is a smooth move-in process. With a bit of preparation, thoughtful packing and a positive attitude, you will soon be able to feel settled in your new home.

When you begin researching assisted living communities for yourself or for your loved one, you likely focus on location, care, and amenities. However, you must also pay attention to a rather important part of the selection equation: the cost. If you have had a bit of sticker shock when it comes to assisted living costs, you are not alone. It can be jarring to see a monthly fee that perhaps exceeds what you or your loved one are used to when it comes to a mortgage payment.

Assisted living versus memory care. This is not really a debate or a competition, but rather, two levels of senior living that many people do not understand the differences between. As a result, the two terms are often incorrectly interchanged. This is unfortunate, because seniors who require care in a senior living community need amenities, assistance, and a philosophy that corresponds to their situations. And amid the assisted living versus memory care “debate,” they often don’t receive what they truly need.