About 16.9% of the population in the U.S. is 65 and older, with numbers expected to increase. An aging population, among other reasons, is why many older adults consider senior living communities.
Senior living communities are residences that help older adults live longer, healthier lives by providing services and resources to promote independence or offer assistance if needed.
Moving to a senior living community can be stressful, emotional, or exciting. To make this transition as smooth as possible, we discuss reasons for moving to a senior living community, its benefits, and several things you should know before leaping.
Reasons for Moving to Senior Communities
A senior community could be the first move someone makes after living in their home all their life. There are various reasons why someone decides to move into a senior living community:
- Downsize: Want to downsize from a larger home? Apartments in senior living can be a lot like homes, with a sleeping area, kitchenette, and a private bathroom.
- Cost: Reduce the cost of home ownership or cut down on expenses.
- Quality care: Most senior living communities have a team of healthcare professionals available 24/7 to help residents when they need it. These teams can include licensed nurses, specialists, and therapists. Additionally, these communities typically offer assisted living and memory care services to help those with more complex needs, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
- Social life: Going out and making new friends isn’t always easy with health and mobility issues. Senior living communities offer plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded people.
- Amenities: Upscale amenities that wouldn’t have been available otherwise, such as a games room, movie theatre, library, dining, and gym.
- Death or divorce: They may not want to live alone after the death of a spouse or divorce.
- Maintenence-free lifestyle: Worry-free lifestyle with less responsibility and more freedom.
- Safety: When people age, their bodies are more susceptible to health issues that may impact the safety of living at home, such as injuries from falls. Senior living communities offer the resources necessary to help people live safer lives.
What to Know Before Moving to a Senior Community
There are several things to consider when moving to a senior living community based on your needs and preferences:
Budget
The rate can differ from one community to the next. Assisted living rates can include just the apartment and go up as you pay for what you need. As the level of care increases, such as for memory support, residents pay a monthly rate depending on their apartment size, lifestyle, and additional services and amenities.
Lifestyle Options
Senior communities differ in what type of lifestyle they offer. Some can have one or all of the following: Independent living, assisted living, and memory care. It’s best to identify your needs now and in the future to ensure you can transition to a higher level of care if needed without hassle.
Amenities and Services Provided
To keep seniors engaged, connected, and enjoying their time, amenities and services at senior living communities should match their preferences and interests. Examples are fitness programs, lectures, social clubs, happy hour, arts and crafts workshops, and live performances.
Questions to ask when moving to a senior living community can include:
- What safety and security protocols do they follow?
- Do they offer transportation, and are there extra costs associated with that?
- Do they have a waitlist?
- What training and qualifications do the staff have?
- Can couples with different physical and cognitive needs live together?
Benefits of Senior Communities
Senior living communities free up time, so you can focus on doing more of what you love and enjoy the golden years in comfort. Here are some benefits of moving to a senior living community:
- They take the burden off by helping with activities of daily living.
- They have engaging events and activities to keep seniors mentally and physically stimulated and active.
- Provide a sense of community to foster social integration and keep loneliness and depression at bay.
- Encourage an independent lifestyle as much as possible.
- They look after nutrition by offering chef-prepared meals that cater to dietary restrictions and requirements.
Explore Senior Living at Mattison Crossing
As more older adults explore senior living communities, weighing your options can lead to a better fit for your needs. Learn more about Mattison Crossing by booking a tour today.
