Less than an hour east of New York City, Mountainside, New Jersey, offers a small-town atmosphere while still making a day trip to the city enjoyable. Nestled in beautiful Union County, Mountainside is an ideal town for any age group. However, it’s no wonder why seniors are flocking to Mountainside in retirement; its location, charm, and beauty are just a few reasons why older adults are calling it home.
If you are exploring senior living in Mountainside, you’ll be pleased to see you have a variety of options for meeting your current and future needs. However, you’re likely to have quite a few questions during your research process. At Arbor Terrace Mountainside, our team has the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to senior living and planning retirement.
What is senior living?
When searching for senior living, it’s best to start with the basics. Senior living communities are residential communities that cater to serving older adults. There are different types of senior living communities, each of them serving a unique population.
What are the different types of senior living?
Perhaps the most common types of senior living communities are: independent living, assisted living, dementia care, and skilled nursing. Independent living communities are ideal for active older adults who are seeking to downsize their household responsibilities and increase their time pursuing favorite hobbies with new friends. Assisted living communities offer all of the amenities of independent living in addition to the peace of mind and assistance that comes with caregivers who are available round the clock.
Dementia care communities are assisted living communities that were specially designed for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. Finally, skilled nursing communities offer round-the-clock nursing care for more complex medical conditions, as well as in-patient therapy for those recovering from a recent hospital stay.
I was just recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Do I need dementia care?
Research shows that many more older adults are now diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease years earlier than before. This means that more adults are living through the early stages of the disease and are able to have more autonomy over their current and future plans.
In general, dementia care communities were designed for those living through the middle or late stages of the disease. At Arbor Terrace Mountainside, our unique Bridges neighborhood was designed for those living through the early stages of the disease. Residents enjoy the extra support they need to remain as independent as possible without the extra stress of managing their condition.
Can I afford senior living?
Many retirees live on a fixed income, so it is common for them to wonder if senior living is something they can fit into their budget. Fortunately, senior living is quite realistic for most older adults. Senior living often charges a monthly fee that includes rent for their spacious apartments, utilities, chef-prepared meals, housekeeping visits, transportation services, and social activities.
How can I choose a senior living community?
Choosing a senior living community begins with thorough research. Narrow down your choices by type of community (independent living, assisted living, dementia care, and so on) as well as your desired location. Then, set appointments for virtual or in-person tours where you can get more details about the community and catch a glimpse of life there.
Learn what to look for and which questions to ask on your next tour by downloading our free resource, “Finding a Safe and Comfortable Senior Living Community.” You’ll be able to make the most of your initial and follow-up tours in order to make your most confident decision for a community that will meet your current and future needs.
