Senior Care 101

As with any other major life decision, contemplating a move to a Senior Living community requires many considerations. When is the right time? Which residence best meets my needs? Will I be able to afford it? What services are available as part of long-term care options?

Take a look at some important questions that you should be asking when making this important decision.

Would I benefit from being in a community with other seniors?

One of the major life changes that accompany retirement involves a loss of social connections. It’s not uncommon for many people age 65 and older to live alone, according to the CDC.

In many cases, you no longer have daily interactions with co-workers, children and other relatives who may have moved away from your neighborhood. Those feelings of isolation intensify for many seniors who have lost a spouse or significant other.

While it may be difficult to think about leaving your current community, moving to a Senior Living community can represent the opportunity to meet new friends and form new bonds. At Oakleaf Village, we have many group activities that encourage a sense of family among our residents.

Are activities important to me?

Just because you’re a senior doesn’t mean you’re ready to slow down. Many seniors want to continue to be active by engaging in hobbies like gardening and participating in other events.

Being a part of an active Senior Living community can represent the opportunity to stay engaged. It also may provide the incentive for you to participate in activities that stimulate your mind, spirit and body.

Being part of the community at Oakleaf encourages many residents to stay active through various group activities.

Do I need assistance to maintain a level of independence?

If you’re very interested in maintaining a level of independence, a Senior Living community setting can help you achieve that goal. Many Senior Living communities like Oakleaf Village offer Assisted Living programs that provide helpful services that assist you with medication management, food delivery, grooming, laundry and other services in a safe environment while assuring your independence.

Would it help me to have professionally planned meals?

Planning meals can be troublesome, especially when you have specific dietary demands for diabetes, heart disease or other conditions. One of the most important benefits a Senior Living community can provide is the availability of healthy meals. With Oakleaf Village, for example, you can be assured that you will receive up to three meals a day.

Do I sometimes worry about experiencing a medical emergency?

One of the top concerns many families have when seeking senior care is the 24/7 availability of medical care in emergency and non-emergency situations. Whether they currently have medical concerns or not, many seniors find a level of comfort in knowing that services are available to them if they need them. At Oakleaf Village, for example, seniors can find varying degrees of care — from Independent Living to Assisted Living and Memory Care, which provides specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s and other related conditions. We also provide on-site and off-site medical care for regular appointments.

Is my home becoming hard to navigate?

Another conversation you may need to have involves your ability to navigate your home. Many seniors want to downsize when they find that their home is becoming too difficult to maintain or navigate.

You may simply find that you’re dealing with too many difficulties when it comes to cleaning, managing clutter or simply getting around because of stairs or other structural challenges. It’s important to ask yourself if it’s time to stop stressing about managing a home, including taking care of bills, cleaning and maintenance.

How do I narrow my options for Senior Living communities?

If you decide to start reviewing Senior Living communities, you’ll quickly find that the options can be as diverse as shopping for any other new living arrangement.

Many factors can contribute to your decision, including the quality of medical care, the professionalism and friendliness of the staff, the cleanliness of the Senior Living residence, and flexible payment options. And, of course, it may take numerous visits before you’re confident you’re making the right decision.

Since there are so many considerations before making a decision, many families will start the research process early — many months before they expect to make a final decision.

When narrowing your choices, include the following as features you can compare.

Alzheimer’s care/Memory care
Activities
Cleanliness
Selection of apartments
Flexible financial plans
Veterans benefits
Medicaid benefits
Trained, experienced staff members
Professional medical care on-site (RNs, LPNs, CNAs)
Diabetes management
Housekeeping
Incontinence care
Medication management
Meals per day
Wheelchair accessibility
Mobility assistance
Personal care
Personal laundry
Transportation

Will the community satisfy my lifestyle needs?

Moving is considered one of the most stressful life events anyone can undertake — at any age. Making a decision about a Senior Living community is no different.

While the living conditions and the access to quality medical care and professional staff are extremely important, you also want to feel a sense of community in your new environment. Check for the availability of activities, transportation to medical appointments offsite; and services for hair styling and other conveniences.

You can minimize the stresses that come with moving by asking the right questions. Use this list as a start.

If you have any other questions, please contact us at Oakleaf Village. We’re happy to discuss our options for a Senior Living community.