It takes a lot of careful thought and planning to move into a retirement community because it’s such a significant step. If you or a loved one is thinking about moving into a retirement community, you might be wondering when exactly you should start looking.
Some seniors are eager to move into senior living. Others are more cautious or resistant. Family members often wonder what signs to look for to determine if a loved one should move into senior living.
In actuality, there are other considerations you should make in addition to age. Here are some things to think about before deciding it’s time to embrace senior community living because the right time really depends on the individual.
The Right Age
Although there may come a time in your life when you realize a loved one could benefit from living in a senior community, there is no magic number that determines they’re ready. While private organizations may consider people 55 and older to be eligible for senior discounts, you must be between the ages of 60 and 65 to receive government benefits.
At the risk of sounding corny, age is just a number. When your loved one begins to feel the burden of living on their own and maintaining a household, regardless of their age, it’s time for them to move into a retirement home.
As we get older, health problems become more common. Not just diseases like diabetes and hypertension, but also mobility, flexibility, balance, and other factors. Going to the doctor, picking up prescriptions, and dealing with the day-to-day is exhausting, and it doesn’t always get done because there’s no time, no one to help, or whatever else can cause speed bumps.
A lot of that stress is relieved in senior living. Care teams and nurses are on hand in communities to assist with a wide range of medical needs and issues. Not only that, but they lend a helping hand when necessary. Moving to senior living can be extremely beneficial if your mom or dad have difficulty getting in and out of the bathtub or dressing.
Memory Issues
Dementia affects about 10% of people over the age of 65, and the risk increases with age. It’s estimated that one in every three people aged 85 and up have some form of cognitive decline.
If you begin to notice worrying signs such as:
- Mom’s memory isn’t what it used to be
- Dad’s suddenly not staying on top of bills when he was always on top of it before
You may want to consider senior living with memory care. If your parent has already been diagnosed with dementia, you should make the move as soon as possible. The sooner a person with dementia moves into a community, the easier the transition.
Declining Personal Care
As we get older, simple tasks can become more difficult. Personal hygiene can be especially difficult for many seniors due to a lack of mobility and, in some cases, a lack of energy. Depression, isolation, dementia, a fear of falling, or medication side effects can all lead to seniors losing interest in or completely disregarding their personal hygiene and grooming.
- Is your loved one grooming as usual, or have they a habit of not getting ready for the day?
- Are they taking regular showers or baths? Do you notice any new smells?
- Are their clothes tidy and/or clean?
- Have they recently lost or gained weight?
- Is it possible that they have any cuts, abrasions, or other minor injuries that are taking a long time to heal?
Financial Issues
Many elderly people are losing their ability to keep up with all of their financial obligations. Bank and insurance bills can pile up because seniors either lack the motivation to pay them or simply cannot. Dementia, for example, impairs seniors’ ability to think abstractly and handle numbers on a complex level.
This can cause problems when doing taxes or paying multiple bills at once. Seniors are especially vulnerable to financial scams, whether from telemarketers or family members. These scams can put seniors in crippling financial situations, preventing them from taking care of themselves whether they live in their own home or not.
Why Senior Living Can Be Fun
One of the most significant benefits of senior living communities is the opportunity to socialize and have fun. There are book clubs, gardening, movie nights, games, and other activities available on a daily basis.
Some communities also offer residents the opportunity to visit local museums, shopping malls, and other attractions. Socializing improves emotional and mental health and can even help prevent certain illnesses!
Senior Living at Butler Street
We strive to create a social community in which our community members can thrive, as well as a safe, trustworthy environment in which they can form long-lasting friendships. Our team members care, and as they carry out their specific responsibilities, they uphold our value of making everyone feel welcome, safe, and cared for.If you’re looking for a trusted senior living community where your loved one will be taken care of while being able to do activities they love, consider calling us today. We would love to help you in the transition process. Everything your loved one needs to live well is provided in a beautiful, modern setting.
