The Role of Family in Transitioning to Senior Living
Senior Living options can at times be overwhelming for both seniors and their loved ones. Many choices are available from independent living communities to assisted living and memory care. Making the transition often involves multiple extended family members, and the right senior living choice requires meticulous research, understanding individual needs, and considering the financial implications.
AARP reports that 73% of seniors want to stay in their homes for as long as they can but 44% believe a move is inevitable. A senior’s house offers familiarity and memories, but as we age, living at home might not be the best option, physically or financially.
Taking care of a home and its adjacent property frequently requires physical work. Even for seniors who are in good health and capable of living alone, performing yard work, regular cleaning, laundry, and home maintenance can become an incumbrance. In addition, these jobs become additional monthly expenses as caretakers are hired to perform them.
Senior Lifestyle estimates that standard expenses to operate a home can cost seniors between around $2,000 to $3,000 each month, before including other essentials such as food, healthcare, lawncare, maintenance and transportation which can increase monthly costs to $5000.
Challenges Faced
Accepting the Need – The decision to explore senior living often arises due to changes in health, mobility, escalating costs, or social needs. Families are often the first to notice these changes, such as difficulty managing daily tasks, increased isolation, or safety concerns.
Extensive Research – This includes evaluating their loved one’s preferences, budget, and care requirements followed by touring communities, meeting staff, and reviewing services offered. Senior Living options in most areas include:
- Home Care – For seniors who prefer to age at home, with services that include companionship, transportation, and assistance with daily activities.
- Independent Living Apartments or Homes in a Senior Community – For residents who can live independently with little to no assistance.
- Assisted Living Home or Residence – For residents who need some help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, or taking medicine.
Emotional Support Required – The need for emotional backing cannot be overstated. For most seniors, leaving a home filled with memories can be intimidating.
Assist With the Move – Family members can assist by helping with packing, downsizing, and organizing belongings to create a comfortable environment. While space in a senior living community is usually limited, the following items are regarded as the essential stuff to establish a new home:
- Five changes of comfortable clothing
- Five changes of underwear
- Two pair of shoes and two pair of slippers
- Three pair of pajamas and two robes
- One coat, hat, and scarf
- Toothbrush
- Deodorant
- Body Lotion and Powder
- Shampoo
- Hairpins and rollers (if used)
- Brush and comb
- Shaving cream and razor
- Make-up/cosmetics (if used)
- Writing materials
- Small cosmetic mirror
- Photos/A Family Photo Album – If you have any prior generation photos of grandparents, uncles, aunts or other previous generations of family, start the book with copies of them.
- Mementos – 2 or 3 small, cherished belongings including an ornament made by a child or grandchild and a favorite knick-knack.
Remaining Involved After the Move – Regular visits, phone calls, and participation in community events can help seniors feel connected and supported in their new home. Be sure to let them know an approximate day you or another family member will be visiting again and check to see if they need anything.
Benefits of Senior Community Living
- Activities: Combat loneliness and improve quality of life.
- Connection: Being a member of a community provides social interaction and a sense of belonging.
- Security: Reduced stress and fear lead to increased hope and joy.
- Support: Assistance with daily tasks.
- Well-being: Communities encourage exercise, healthy eating, and mental stimulation.
Why The Harrison of Wildwood is the Right Choice for Assisted Living and Memory Care
When your loved one is ready to enjoy the retirement years to the fullest, look no further than The Harrison of Wildwood Assisted Living & Memory Care. The community delivers all five of the benefits of senior community living. Schedule your tour today and see how The Harrison’s residents experience a socially active, serene, and fun community with many activities, events, and communal spaces to ensnare their interest. Whether you are joining us in Independent Living or Assisted Living, you will enjoy:
- Chef-Prepared Meals
- Housekeeping services
- Scheduled transport
- On-site gym
- Group events in our game and activity rooms as well as our community newsletter
- Additional benefits include licensed nurses 24/7, medication management, safety and wellness checks, personal grooming assistance, a pet friendly community, and linen services.
It is often said that raising a child takes a village. The same can be said for caring for a senior loved one. An assisted living or memory care community can help overcome feelings of isolation by delivering needed social interaction and a sense of belonging. It also can deliver needed support for food, medication management and mobility. At the same time, a family that assists a senior to transition to senior living is more likely to grow closer.
