SENIOR LIVING ELEVATED

If it’s no longer safe or healthy to live on your own, moving to a senior living community can improve your quality of life. You’ll also make new friends and have more time to do the things you really enjoy. Here are a few more reasons why moving to a senior living community may be the right move for you or a loved one. 

Safety you can rely on. Seniors have special needs to keep them safe, healthy and happy. At Terra Bluffs, we ensure a safe and protective environment with daily wellness checks, emergency call systems, and enhanced cleaning practices.

Active engagement. Senior living communities provide residents with opportunities to stay active and engaged. You can count on your community to provide safe and fun ways to gather, celebrate and thrive. 

Access to health services. Many senior living communities have on-site healthcare available to support aging in place while maximizing resident health and well-being. 

Carefree lifestyle. At Terra Bluffs, most of the chores and concerns that go with living at home are done for you. Instead of worrying about home maintenance or wondering what to prepare for dinner, residents can pursue their interests and enjoy a more carefree lifestyle. 

Help with the moving process. If you’re considering a move to a senior living community, start your research early. Phone calls and virtual tours can make your initial search easier. Then visit the communities at the top of your list for a good look and a gut check. At Terra Bluffs, we’re always ready to answer your questions so you can make an informed decision. Our expert team can help make your move go smoothly and safely. 

You may have mixed feelings about moving a loved one into an assisted living community. Your parent or loved one may not even want to have the conversation. But the last thing you want to do is wait until a health crisis forces the issue. If you’ve noticed your loved one struggling to live on their own, now’s the time to start the conversation. Here are a few signs that your loved one needs assistance.

What to watch for

It’s important to be mindful of certain changes. Consider the following situations that might affect your loved one:

• It’s increasingly difficult for them to climb stairs, do housework, prepare meals, manage finances, or maintain their home.
• They’re having trouble getting to medical appointments, running errands, and shopping for groceries.
• They’re feeling increasingly isolated after the loss of a spouse or loved one. Or friends and family members have moved away.
• They’ve been diagnosed with a chronic or progressive condition, such as cancer, congestive heart failure, diabetes, dementia or Parkinson’s disease, which may make living independently more difficult over time.
• They need help with basic activities of daily living, like toileting, bathing, dressing, and taking prescribed medications.

The benefits of assisted living

When talking to a parent or loved one about assisted living, it’s important to highlight the benefits. There are no homeownership responsibilities. At Terra Bluffs, residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle in their own private apartment. There are opportunities for socializing and pursuing your interests. And friendly, respectful staff members are available 24/7 to help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, using the bathroom, or getting up and about. To learn more about assisted living at Terra Bluffs, give us a call at 720-798-3770.

Follow our tips to set you up for having a successful discussion.

Ensure alignment

Before speaking with your loved one about moving into a senior living community, discuss it with siblings or other relatives. Resolve any disagreements among yourselves so you can present a united front to your loved one.

Do your research

Start looking at the options available and think about how close or far they’ll be from family members and friends who’ll visit most or need to be available in an emergency. Compare the costs, services, levels of care and amenities offered at different communities. When visiting potential communities, consider the culture and social atmosphere at each location. You’ll want to find a community where your loved one will feel comfortable — as well as one that best suits their needs.

Know what types of benefits your loved one has or is entitled to, including VA benefits, long-term care insurance, and Medicaid. Does your loved one need to adjust their investments to access funds? Will an additional financial commitment from family members be necessary to supplement your loved one’s resources? You may need to consult a tax advisor or other financial professional to review assets and estate planning strategies. Having this knowledge at your fingertips can help you answer any questions and counter any objection a parent may have.

Be open and honest

While there’s no one-size-fits-all way for families to start the conversation, here are some helpful tips. 

1. Have conversations with your loved one before their situation becomes critical. Explain that you want to honor their wishes during this phase of their life and would like to know their views about future care needs and living arrangements.

2. Express your feelings of concern. Mention circumstances that worry you. It’s OK to let your loved one know how you’re feeling: "I don’t want you to feel isolated and alone." Or "How will you run errands or access appropriate healthcare?" 

3. Identify any hidden issues about making a move. Many older adults consider such a move as a threat to their independence. Thoughts of having to go through a lifetime of belongings, downsizing and starting over can be overwhelming.

4. Examine potential outcomes. Discuss the what-ifs. What would happen if their spouse dies? What if your loved one were to fall, and no one was around to help?

5. Get the facts about your loved one’s health. It’s important for everyone to understand how progressive or chronic conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes or congestive heart failure may affect their ability to remain independent. Discussing potential health problems before they arise enables your loved one to be an active participant in their care versus having care decisions made for them in the event of a crisis. 

What’s next?

Schedule time for on-site or virtual visits, interview staff, and try to meet other residents to hear their stories and get their perspective. Keeping your loved one involved in the decision-making process can help ease their transition into a senior living community. When they know you have their best interests at heart, it can help strengthen the bonds between you.