According to recent data from the United States Census Bureau, more than 16 percent of residents of Spartanburg County are age 65 or older. If you or a loved one is a member of this demographic, you might be looking into assisted living in Spartanburg.
Although a move to assisted living is exciting, it can also be a complicated process full of choices and considerations you may have never thought of before. Read on for our answers to some critical FAQs about this journey.
1. What Is Assisted Living?
Although every assisted living community is unique, there are some elements you should expect to find in any community. First and foremost, assisted living aims to give seniors a comfortable, fulfilling life with as much independence and autonomy as possible. It offers more support with daily tasks than independent living but is not as structured or supervised as dementia care.
Another key element of assisted living is an emphasis on community. Residents are encouraged to build new friendships with each other and with staff members, and there is always a group class or activity to join.
2. How Can I Know If Assisted Living Is Necessary?
Sometimes, there are clear signs that it’s time to consider assisted living in Spartanburg: Falls are becoming more common, memory is starting to fade, or it’s no longer practical to continue paying for and living in a home by yourself or with just one other person. But the decision is often murkier than that. Here are some questions to ask yourself or a loved one:
- Would my health be at risk if I spent several days alone or with no one checking in on me?
- Am I relying on loved ones to run errands or help me with other daily tasks?
- Has my doctor expressed concern about my current situation?
- Am I lonely?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then it is a good idea to start seriously considering assisted living. It is important to discuss this transition with your loved ones and make sure that all involved parties feel heard.
3. Can Assisted Living Residents Still Enjoy Spartanburg?
Absolutely! Spartanburg is a beautiful city full of sights to see and things to do. More than that: It’s home. The staff at Eden Terrace love Spartanburg just as much as you do, and we take care to frequently schedule events and outings in the area. We are also always happy to provide transport to any of Spartanburg’s great classes and programs for seniors, or to help plan or organize activities based on residents’ ideas — just let us know what you’re thinking, and we’ll do our best to make it happen!
4. What Are Living Spaces Like?
Most assisted living communities offer multiple floor plans, from studio suites to deluxe apartments. These spaces are designed for comfort and convenience. Arguably more importantly, assisted living apartments are completely customizable so that each resident can make their space their own. Deciding what furniture to bring from home and how to decorate are great ways to make the transition more fun. As a bonus, all maintenance and upkeep is taken care of by community staff — no more taking out the trash!
5. What Do Residents Do in Assisted Living?
At top-tier assisted living communities, residents essentially fill their days however they want. They are welcome to participate in a given day’s scheduled activities and classes, enjoy an old favorite hobby with a new friend, or simply spend a relaxing afternoon reading in a welcoming community space. Some of the options, such as walking clubs, guest lecturers on a variety of topics, and even on-site therapy, might surprise you. Mealtimes are designed to be social and fun, and our wonderful chefs enjoy coming up with new menus as well as accommodating any special dietary needs.
6. Can I Afford Assisted Living?
According to 2019 data, the average cost of assisted living in South Carolina is lower than the nationwide average, and Spartanburg is one of the most affordable areas of the state, with average monthly assisted living costs ranging from $2,275-$3,000. When deciding whether this is affordable, there are many factors to consider, such as what amenities and services are included in the cost of assisted living that would otherwise be separate expenses.
It is also important to weigh the cost of assisted living against the cost of staying at home, especially if the latter would include hiring in-home care of some kind. Know that there is help available as you work through the financial aspect of moving to assisted living, including Arbor’s cost calculator.
7. Why Choose Eden Terrace of Spartanburg?
There’s so much that makes Eden Terrace of Spartanburg special, from our compassionate and highly trained staff to our beautiful facilities to our innovative programming. We are proud to be operated by The Arbor Company, which has more than 30 years of experience in senior living.
Click through our photo gallery or, if you’re ready to learn more, contact us today. We would love the chance to talk with you about what makes Eden Terrace the best choice for assisted living in Spartanburg.
