If you’re like many seniors, assisted living is the last thing you want to think about. You might be concerned about retaining your independence, reluctant to take on the additional expense, or worried that moving to a senior living community could mean a less vibrant and enjoyable retirement. The truth is that today’s assisted living communities are dynamic worlds bursting with energy, activity, and joy. In fact, many seniors find that switching to assisted living is life-changing, offering a chance at the retirement they’ve craved for so long. Here are five reasons assisted living in Atlanta, Georgia, could be right for you.
A More Enjoyable Retirement
Finding events, arranging transportation, scheduling meetups with friends, and the many other tasks you must complete when trying to enjoy your retirement can take up a lot of time. Fun can be a lot of work — especially if you no longer drive or do not live near loved ones.
Assisted living makes it easy to enjoy a wide range of activities, because those activities take place in your community. Take a few steps outside your door to enjoy yoga, or walk downstairs to attend a live music performance. If you crave connection, head to the dining hall to meet up with old friends and maybe make some new ones.
More activities in a central location makes it easy to enjoy your retirement, and without all the planning and expense. You’ll also have the chance to attend field trips and other events in the community. So relax. Put away the day planner.
Better Family Relationships
When you need help with activities of daily living, you may rely on loved ones. Even if you use an in-home caregiver, odds are good that your family fills in gaps. You might ask your kids for transportation, or get your spouse to help you coordinate doctors’ appointments. Leaning on loved ones to act as caregivers is natural and normal.
It can also change the balance of power in those relationships. Some seniors feel guilty or embarrassed. Others find that their loved ones now treat them differently. Assisted living frees you from this frustrating experience. Your loved ones no longer have to struggle with the challenges of caregiving. This adjusts the balance of power, and may even improve your relationships.
More Freedom and Independence
Assisted living gives you the help you need to manage your day and your life, whether you struggle with food preparation or need a little help with bathing. This actually offers greater freedom and independence because you won’t have to rely on loved ones, and you won’t have to worry about what will happen if you don’t get help.
You’ll have plenty of chances to attend classes and special events, and you’ll gain access to reliable transportation. All of that means more freedom to live life on your terms. When your body doesn’t want to cooperate with the life your mind desires, assisted living helps bridge the gap.
Affordability
Assisted living is more affordable than you might think. It frees you from the expenses of homeownership. Your budget becomes more predictable because everything is included under one price tag. In many cases, long-term care insurance or other benefits programs may help fund a portion of the costs. For help comparing costs, check out our Senior Living Cost Calculator.
Peace of Mind
If we’re lucky enough, we all get old. And each of us only ages once, so we’re all inexperienced newcomers to the world of aging. Getting older can be fun, but it can also be scary. Many seniors, especially those who live alone, worry about what would happen if they were injured or needed help. Some fear the effects of loneliness on their cognitive and physical health.
The right assisted living community offers just the right level of support, ensuring you get help when you need it, while maintaining your independence. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re safe and supported can make the strange, wonderful, occasionally scary journey of aging infinitely better.
Arbor Terrace at Cascade supports seniors who want to chart their own course, and build retirements of purpose and joy. We’d love to help you map out your ideal retirement. Give us a call to learn more!
