With 21 percent of the Annapolis, Maryland, population aged 60 or older, there are myriad opportunities for seniors to find new friends and activities. Trouble with driving, physical challenges, cognitive decline, and financial strain can all make it difficult to take advantage of the kind of retirement this great city offers. Transitioning to assisted living makes it easier to get the help you need while enjoying a more engaged and active life. Here’s what you need to know about assisted living near Annapolis, Maryland.
The Benefits of Assisted Living
Assisted living isn’t what it used to be. Today’s assisted living communities are vibrant, thriving communities that cater to active seniors who have high expectations for retirement. The benefits of choosing assisted living include:
- Bridging the gap between the life you have and the life you want. Sometimes your body doesn’t cooperate with the active, independent life your mind craves. Assisted living offers assistance while helping you to remain as independent and active as possible.
- The chance to make new friends in the community.
- More involvement in the world around you. If you no longer drive, taking advantage of all that Annapolis has to offer can be difficult. Assisted living offers outings and special events that get you more involved.
- Remaining physically and mentally active. Exercise classes, special events, and socials keep you more engaged. Remaining active can improve your quality of life, and may also help you live longer.
- A better relationship with loved ones. When the people you love most no longer have to serve as caregivers, you can nurture a relationship between equals, free from the stress and obligations inherent in a caregiving relationship.
Is It Time for Assisted Living?
Making the switch to assisted living is, for many seniors, a path to a better and more fulfilling life. But how do you know if you’re ready? Here are some signs that assisted living might be right for you:
- You feel increasingly bored, anxious, or isolated living at home.
- You no longer drive, and struggle to find ways to fill your time.
- You need help with one or more activities of daily living, such as grooming or getting dressed.
- You have a chronic or progressive illness that makes it difficult to do the things you once enjoyed.
- Loved ones have expressed concern about you living on your own.
- You worry about what would happen if you were injured or needed help.
- You have mild to moderate dementia.
- You want to do more with your retirement, but have limited resources and help.
- Homeownership has become a financial or logistical burden.
- You need help to exercise more, eat nourishing food, or otherwise adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Choosing the Right Community
Choosing the right senior living community is a lot like choosing the right college or the right spouse. Your decision matters, and can affect your quality of life for years. So take time to really dig deeply, researching each community to find the one that most closely aligns with your values and goals. Some strategies that can help you find the right community include:
- Check the community’s reputation first. Ask loved ones and healthcare providers you trust for a referral. Read online reviews. Check the community’s social media page.
- Plan at least one tour of the community. While there, spend some time talking to staff and residents. Are they happy and engaged? Does everyone seem to be enjoying their life, or do residents have unmet needs?
- Make a list of your needs, then compare them to the offerings of each community. During your tour, ask many questions, especially about what you can expect on a day-to-day basis.
- Eat a meal at the community so you can assess the quality of the food.
- Seek input from people you trust. Take at least one other person with you when you tour the community.
Arbor Terrace Waugh Chapel offers luxury assisted living in a safe, supportive, and engaged environment. We believe that no disability or physical ailment should stop a senior from leading a life of joy and purpose. We work with each resident to build a retirement they’ll love. To learn more, schedule a tour, or stop by one of our many special events.