Are you considering whether an assisted living community might be right for you or a loved one? It’s a big decision and one that you may be wondering how best to make.
The answers to these senior living questions may help guide you in discovering whether community life could support you to achieve the quality of lifestyle you desire.
Senior living question #1: Is your current home accessible and age-friendly?
Many older adults discover their home was not built with aging in mind. There may be entrance steps and additional stairs once inside to reach the bedroom or laundry room.
If assistive equipment is needed, narrow hallways and doorways can present obstacles. Can the bathroom accommodate a wheelchair or walker? Are grab bars installed and must you navigate stepping over the side of a tub to bathe?
Senior living communities offer: accessible and move-in ready private residences that can be personalized to make your own.
Senior living question #2: Is assistance needed with the tasks of daily living?
Is it becoming more of a challenge to dress and successfully handle buttons and zippers? Are you concerned about slipping in the bathtub or struggling to perform daily grooming?
Do you rely on family and friends to help manage your medications or your finances? The more reliant they must become, older adults often begin to feel they’re losing their independence.
Senior living communities offer: a compassionate staff available 24/7 to assist with needed tasks.
Senior living question #3: Are you looking for opportunities to make new friends?
As the years pass, we may not have as many friends as we once did or the ability to spend time with them. It’s not uncommon to become socially isolated or lonely.
At the same time, it can be more of a challenge to meet new people or join our friends in activities, leading us to feel more dependent on others – or alone.
Senior living communities offer: Planned activities and social events where you’ll naturally meet your neighbors and other residents and begin forming friendships.
Senior living question #4: Would you enjoy being more active and involved?
Have you found yourself unable to join in the activities you once enjoyed? Do you feel as if you’re no longer active in your community or in the groups that brought meaning and joy into your life?
It can become more of a challenge to plan and attend different activities, especially if arranging transportation is now difficult.
Senior living communities offer: a monthly calendar of activities and social events with a wide variety of choice.
Senior living question #5: Are you able to remain in shape and keep fit?
It is essential to exercise, build up your strength and your flexibility when you are older in order to keep yourself physically and cognitively fit. Whatever is good for your body is also good for your brain.
Remaining in shape can contribute to your ability to maintain balance, prevent falls and lower your risk of injuries.
Senior living communities offer: fitness centers or classes where you can exercise, practice yoga or learn stretching techniques.
Senior living question #6: Are you ready for healthier nutrition?
Eating right provides a basic foundation to help you reach your health and wellness goals. Unfortunately, many older adults find it more of a challenge to plan, shop and prepare healthy meals.
When it becomes difficult, it may be tempting to begin substituting unhealthy options such as snacks or processed foods – or to skip the meal altogether.
Senior living communities offer: healthy and delicious menu selections for all your meals. All you’ll need to do is order, sit back and enjoy.
Senior living question #7: Are you looking for transportation options?
If you are no longer driving, or are driving less, you may begin feeling isolated and less able to attend the social outings you once enjoyed. You may also find yourself relying more on family and friends for rides.
Unfortunately, many older adults choose to stay at home instead of feeling dependent on others.
Senior living communities offer: scheduled transportation to medical appointments, shopping, entertainment and activities.
Senior living question #8: Do you still feel safe living at home?
There are a few reasons why older adults begin to feel less safe in their homes. First, they may worry about falling down the stairs or what they’ll do if they can no longer keep up with their home’s maintenance.
Second, their neighborhood may have changed – and may either not be as safe as it once was or as age-friendly if it is no longer as walkable or has increased traffic.
Senior living communities offer: safety features in both the community and the private residences and 24/7 staff availability.
Ingleside’s Senior Living
We hope you found this information helpful regarding assisted living and whether it might be right for you.
We also invite you to visit one of our Ingleside senior living communities if you’re searching for the right place to live a high quality of life, for yourself or your loved ones. We believe you’ll enjoy all the benefits that we offer, including:
- Maintenance-free lifestyle
- Chef-prepared meals in our elegant dining rooms or casual cafés
- Fully equipped fitness centers
- Heated indoor swimming pools
- Art studios
- Libraries
- Beautiful walking trails
For information on Ingleside’s Westminster at Lake Ridge senior living community located in Lake Ridge, Virginia, please call (703) 420-7105 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.
For information on Ingleside at King Farm senior living community located in Rockville, Maryland, please call (240) 414-8557 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.
For information on Ingleside at Rock Creek senior living community located in Washington, DC, please call (202) 846-2651 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.