Top 10 Reasons to Move to a Senior Community

If you or your loved one is considering a move to a senior living community, such as an assisted living facility or a board & care home, you may ask yourself, “What are the primary reasons to make such a move?” While moving to assisted living is an individual choice, and may not be the right one for everyone, millions of seniors and their families have decided that assisted living is right for them. Here we count down the top ten reasons why a move to assisted living may be right for you.

10. No More Home Maintenance Blues

Gone are the days of calling a plumber to fix a leaking pipe or a toilet that won’t flush. Say goodbye to raking leaves in the fall or watering outdoor plants and grass in the summer. Home maintenance can become a sizable and costly burden for a senior addressing  leaky faucets, roof repairs, exterior painting,  landscaping, foundation  and other related issues.

9. Avoid the Grocery Shopping Blues

The activities associated with routine grocery shopping can become a major chore for seniors. Whether driving or taking public transportation to the grocery store, seniors have to carry heavy bags of groceries home and then unload them. In assisted living, senior’s do not have to worry about keeping their home stocked with fresh groceries nor disposing of spoiled or expired foods. Generally, assisted living communities provide three fresh, nutritional meals per day along with snacks.

8. Take Years “Off”

While I have visited several assisted living communities with fountains, I have yet to visit one with a fountain of youth. However, there is an interesting effect that can happen when a senior moves into a community of his/her peers – they are not constantly reminded of the age difference between themselves and the general population. Since much of aging is psychological, the assisted living environment often makes seniors feel younger since their age is comparatively less obvious, thus freeing them to better enjoy their lives.

7. Call My Chauffeur

OK, so you don’t get a real chauffeur when you move to an assisted living community, but you do get transportation to and from important appointments like doctor and dental visits. Transportation is also provided to group activities outside of the community including restaurants and cultural events. Generally, the cost of transportation is free.

6. Activities Galore

Similar to summer camp or a cruise, activities play a large part in daily life at assisted living communities. With as many as eight activities per day, seniors can enjoy staying active doing those activities that interest them most. Activities can include movie night, arts and crafts, cooking classes, and exercise classes. Most communities also bring in professionals such as comedians, musicians, vocalists and speakers on various topics to entertain/educate residents.

5. Medication Management

Many seniors relieve themselves of the burden of managing their medications by giving the responsibility to the staff of the senior living community. With many seniors taking upwards of 6 medications per day, outsourcing the accountability reduces the risk of over- or under-medication and the complications therewith.  Assisted living communities generally charge an extra fee for this service, while medication management is mostly included in the monthly fees at board & care homes.

4. Social Butterflies

One of the greatest benefits of moving to an assisted living community is it is very difficult to be isolated. Many seniors who live at home without frequent visitation from family or friends can easily become isolated.  Isolation can lead to, among other things, depression, malnutrition, hoarding behavior and medication misuse. With a community of residents living in close proximity to one another, even formerly quiet or reserved seniors often come out of their cocoons to become social butterflies upon meeting new and interesting neighbors.

3. Your Beck and Call

It is nice to know that help is available 24 hours a day. There is a standard amount of assistance that comes with the monthly rent and assistance above that level generally comes at an additional fee in assisted living. Full assistance is usually included in the monthly rent at board & care homes.

2. Safety First

As posted on the walls of industrial plants everywhere, safety comes first.  Assisted living communities are equipped with safety bars, elevators, ramps, emergency alert systems and staff trained in emergency response. Although no system is full proof, you can take comfort in knowing that the appropriate precautions have been taken to reduce the risk of dangerous falls and to keep your loved one as safe as possible.

1. Pay the Cost to be the Boss

The old adage, “The customer is always right” applies here. As the paying client, you have the ability to influence a variety of factors including the quality of care, quality and selection of food, the selection and type of activities as well as the staff. Most communities are open to feedback on the quality of care and community because they want to keep their residents happy. There is peace of mind in knowing that there is a full staff of people who are incentivized to maintain the health and well being of your senior loved one.