Making a Successful Transition from Home to Senior Living
By Angie McClure, Director of Community Relations, The Views Senior Living Community, Linn County LIVING WELL Magazine
For the last 40 years Mrs. Smith has lived in her ranch style home. This is where she and her husband raised their children and entertained family and friends. Mr. Smith passed away a year ago and Mrs. Smith’s children told her they would love to see her move to a senior living community where she could socialize, make friends and have help when she needs it.
Mrs. Smith didn’t want to have anything to do with moving to an “old folk’s home.” “I’ve heard about those places” she said. Meanwhile, Mrs. Smith would sit in her chair watching television most of the day. She was forgetting to take her medications regularly and the children questioned whether she was eating well.
How do you move forward in to this unknown territory? How do you know moving to a senior living community is the right decision? What questions do you ask? Start by asking the following questions:
How do I know if I need independent or assisted living?
A. The difference between independent and assisted living is the medical care service you receive. Independent residents typically receive meals, housekeeping, laundry services, a wellness program, and occasional transportation. Assisted living residents get the same services but also receive assistance with medication management, bathing, grooming, dressing and more. Ask if the independent living building is certified to provide assisted living services as well so that your loved one doesn’t have to move again if they need more assistance down the road.
What do I need to know when it comes to pricing?
A. Many communities require an upfront buy-in fee or a long-term lease. Search for a community that doesn’t charge a buy-in fee and provides a month-to-month lease in the event of an emergency discharge. In addition, an “all inclusive” community offers peace of mind, as you know that the monthly rent includes all of the necessary services, rather than you having to purchase “packages” which add cost.
Just remember, the senior themselves, as well as the family, are going through an emotional process. Change can be challenging. The keys to success are preparation, a positive attitude, along with patience and understanding.
Angie McClure is director of community relations for The Views Senior Living Community. You may reach her at 319-390-7000.
