Considering future care needs, while daunting, is key for all adults as they age, regardless of support system or lifestyle. It’s important to have honest, realistic conversations about how needs and values may change over time. For solo agers, or those making decisions about their future independently, it can be even more crucial to be proactive and explore care options, should there ever be a need. Many solo agers in Lanham, MD find an assisted living community that allows freedom and independence, while also providing peace of mind for future needs.
Solo Aging at Home
Solo aging refers to individuals aging without the support of a partner or adult child nearby. Many embrace the lifestyle as a way to maintain autonomy and independence, however, there are some challenges associated with solo aging. Solo agers may be more vulnerable to feelings of loneliness and mental health issues due to the risk of social isolation. It can take thoughtful planning to successfully age in place alone, as a solo ager.
Solo agers can find themselves in a unique position. They have the opportunity to choose where they want to retire and age, oftentimes staying in familiar surroundings. However, those who are living in their own homes may feel increased pressure to identify support and care options, even further in advance of needing them. Solo agers may have to think more thoughtfully about retiring from driving, whether their home is suitable for aging in place, safety risks, and coordinating future support. All of the coordination needed to maintain home upkeep, stay active, and care services takes time, energy, and finances.
Benefits of Assisted Living Communities for Solo Agers
An assisted living community offers the services and amenities that offer solo agers the support they may need, with the independence they want. Many assisted living communities offer scheduled transportation to medical appointments, local errands such as a trip to the Greenbelt Farmers Market, and even day trips to Washington DC. Some communities even offer on-site salons and wellness centers to increase their accessibility.
Especially after they are no longer driving, solo agers may find it difficult to stay social. An assisted living community offers plenty of opportunities to socialize and stay engaged with a variety of enrichment programs that appeal to a wide range of interests. Plus, many offer fitness centers to help maintain or improve physical wellness.
Solo agers living independently may overlook changes in themselves, while the care team at an assisted living community offers ongoing assessment and evaluation. This can help identify changes and provide overall safety and support. If there becomes a need for more help, the care team can step in and make recommendations.
While there is a cost associated with assisted living communities, in most cases, it is financially more efficient compared to aging at home. Older adults living at home are responsible for not only the cost of maintaining the home and household expenses but also paying for care services and even making home modifications for it to be suitable for aging in place. The costs associated with aging at home ultimately end up surpassing that of an assisted living community.
Perhaps most importantly, assisted living communities provide the peace of mind that support is available at any stage. While decisions around care can still be made autonomously, the opportunity for support is available as desired. For many, an assisted living community offers the opportunity to maintain independence while having the time and energy to do whatever matters most.
Making an Informed Decision
The decision to move to an assisted living community in Lanham, MD is never an easy one. At first glance, it can feel like a transition accompanied by loss. However, the assisted living lifestyle allows for the opportunity to continue doing all that matters most, while having the reassurance that future needs can be accommodated with ease.
When deciding if an assisted living community might be right for you, it’s important to consider your values and goals for aging. If familiar surroundings are most important, then coordinating appropriate services for aging in place might be key. If the ability to maximize independence and reassurance for future planning is most valuable, an assisted living community may be the best fit. When considering if aging in place is an option, think about what modifications may be necessary to make the home suitable for aging in place, as well as identifying potential care services. Through researching both your home and senior living options, you can construct the plan that best supports your goals.
To see if a Lanham, MD assisted living community may be right for you, schedule a tour at Arbor Terrace. Our trusted senior living advisors can help you understand how assisted living could support you now and in the future. Plus, meet one of Arbor Terrace’s friendly, solo agers to learn how Arbor Terrace has helped them embrace their independent lifestyle.
