Life is unpredictable and ever-changing. Although the changes and uncertainty can be scary, they’re also a source of life’s beauty. After all, if everything was predictable and nothing ever changed, there would be no adventure or excitement. As you age, you may find your body and lifestyle changing. In a society that devalues aging, it’s easy to perceive these changes as negative, and fear the future. The truth is that, with the right support, even painful age-related changes offer a chance at growth and a deeper sense of purpose. Assisted living can help you bridge the gap between the physical abilities you have and the retirement you want.
And although many seniors are reluctant to give assisted living a try, the truth is that assisted living is often a path to greater independence, better relationships, and more joy. You’ll get help when you need it, as well as access to gourmet dining, a wide range of activities, transportation, special events, live music, and more. Here are five signs it may be time to transition to assisted living.
Trouble with Daily Routines
Every senior has their own routines. Whether it’s a daily shower, cooking every night, or tidying up each afternoon, these routines give shape to life. They’re also important for your health and well-being. If you struggle with your daily routines, it might be time to move to assisted living. In assisted living, you’ll get help with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, and cooking. That means more time to do what you love, whether it’s reading in the garden, going on outings with friends, tending to your houseplants, or taking up a new craft. You’ll gain peace of mind and support, without the stress of relying on loved ones or trying to find an in-home caregiver.
No Longer Driving
The loss of driving can mark a major decline in a senior’s quality of life. When you must rely on others to get where you want to go, you may start to limit your outings. That means more isolation, less freedom, and a less enjoyable retirement. For some seniors, the inability to drive can even be dangerous. If you don’t have regular transportation to a doctor’s appointment or to your Tuesday aerobics class, you might skip these important health outings. Assisted living offers you a wide range of activities under one roof, restoring a sense of adventure to your retirement. You’ll also have transportation to important appointments, as well as access to community field trips, ensuring that you never get cabin fever.
Relying on a Loved One for Care
Most seniors like the idea of relying on a loved one rather than paying someone to help care for them. After all, this is someone you trust, who knows and loves you. Leaning on a loved one, however, shifts the balance of power in your relationship. Resentments can fester and your relationship may suffer. You may feel guilty, worry about asking for too much, or feel reluctant to ask for what you need. Transitioning to assisted living means you can ask for help without guilt, while again enjoying a relationship of equals with the people you love most.
A Serious Medical Diagnosis
A diagnosis of dementia, cancer, or osteoporosis might be a good time to think about assisted living. Transitioning before you need extensive support can help ease anxiety about the future and ensure you feel comfortable in your surroundings. The right assisted living community can offer a continuum of care that changes as your needs change. At Arbor, a senior can transition from assisted living to memory care as their condition progresses.
Frustration, Boredom, or Loneliness
When you’ve worked hard your entire life, you deserve a little joy in retirement. Yet many seniors struggle with loneliness, boredom, or isolation. Seniors who are more socially engaged and active lead longer and healthier lives. Indeed, loneliness presents a major public health threat. Assisted living makes it easy to find fun activities and meet new friends.
The Arbor Company believes that every senior deserves to live life on their own terms. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all retirements. Instead, we work with each senior we serve to build lives of purpose and meaning, while creating lasting memories. We’d love to talk to you about what your ideal retirement looks like. Give us a call to learn more!