Any kind of change can be challenging, particularly when it involves our living situation. The prospect of leaving the comfort zone of a family home, no matter how necessary it might be, usually involves some measure of anxiety — especially when moving to memory care facilities. Even seniors who have chosen a senior community and are committed to moving can still feel unsure about their decision. We’ve seen hundreds of seniors make the transition from feeling unsure to questioning why they waited so long. If your mom or dad needs some encouragement, here’s a sampling of comments we’ve heard from residents who have made the change and never looked back:
- “I have so many friends!” Loneliness is not only epidemic among the elderly; it has also been linked to depression and other serious health problems. Senior living communities like LCB’s build a robust (and elective) social life into the daily routine, through planned experiences and outings, fitness and music classes, on-site seminars and other cultural events. And the communal dining element is central to daily life at these communities, meaning no one ever has to eat alone unless they prefer to.
- “I don’t miss looking at chipped paint.” Even the most basic home maintenance can be physically and financially challenging for an elderly person on a fixed income. Assisted living amenities vary, but usually include options for housekeeping and repairs in all apartments and common living spaces.
- “I love not having to think about dinner!” The demands of food shopping, cooking, and cleaning up mean that many older people living independently lack the proper nutrition so important for senior health. That’s all taken care of in senior living communities, where full-service culinary programs are standard fare. And our country’s cultural shift towards fresher, more locally sourced ingredients has driven the quality of these programs way up over the last decade, with many communities offering menu-driven, restaurant-style dining.
- “I feel safe.” Many seniors choosing to stay in their homes require environmental modifications or in-home healthcare that can be cumbersome and expensive. This is especially true when your loved one is in need of memory care. Assisted living apartments and communal spaces are designed to provide residents with the greatest amount of mobility in the safest way possible. And all, especially memory care facilities, have options for expert care and medical attention onsite.
- “It’s like being back in school.” An active brain is a healthy brain – that’s true for all of us, but especially critical for seniors hoping to prevent cognitive impairment or dementia. Assisted living communities provide a broad array of learning opportunities to their residents that most seniors would be hard pressed to access themselves, including art and music classes; computer lessons; movement classes, like Tai Chi; and book clubs. They also often offer opportunities to attend outside lectures or other civic events. And those communities located near colleges and universities often make it possible for residents to take classes or attend academic discussions and talks.
We always say there’s no substitute for being on site. Encourage mom to visit her new community again before moving in, if she’s feeling unsure; seeing the happy, vibrant community she’s chosen will go a long way in allaying anxiety! If she’s still deciding where to go, share our Senior Living Options guide with her – it’s packed with useful tips that help her find her perfect fit.
