Retirement Living: What To Expect When Mom & Dad Make the Move

Retirement living has evolved.  For many, it is becoming more like resort living than the feared “home for the elderly” many parents still picture. For others, they are becoming more flexible in how they serve seniors, and may provide respite (temporary), or adult day care- where seniors may live at home, but spend their days while you are at work in their care. 

A day spent in Retirement Living is filled with options.  Perhaps they might enjoy a swim in the pool, or a card game with other residents?  There are excursions to movies, special events, grocery stores and shopping centers.  There are special theme parties, hobby groups, or a weekly happy hour.  The best thing about Retirement Living is truly- your parent has many opportunities to keep their day as full and complete as they wish. 

There is usually a library, a fitness room complete with trainer, a computer room where Mom & Dad can learn how to use the Internet.  There can be extras like a garden, private dining room, a gift shop, a solarium or sunroom, special spa facilities like massage or acupuncture, as well as a hair salon.  It is all there at their fingertips.

Within this resort type environment is a place where seniors can get around easily.  Hallways have railings, bathrooms are accessible, food is prepared according to dietary guidelines and requirements, and, depending upon the level of care for your parent, can mean peace of mind on several fronts: including 24-hour care, home monitoring, medication dispensing, full balanced meals, and a nursing staff on premise in case of emergencies. 

The greatest hurdle, more often than not, is searching out the options and educating mom and dad before crisis mode hits. 

What are Top Five Advantages of Retirement Living?

1.  Budgeting Finances is easier when staying in a Retirement Community. Financially, although for many it may seem quite expensive, the reality is that moving to a retirement community can be a sound decision on many fronts. With most communities, your parent will be able to establish a regular annual or monthly fee that may change annually while living in the community. This fee is often inclusive of meals and utilities. As such, Mom & Dad can budget their expenses accordingly to make sure there are enough funds to do other things they hoped to enjoy during retirement, such as travel or taking classes to learn about something they have always been interested in.

2. Social Life Improves:  One of the leading causes of depression in adults is isolation.  Depression can contribute to a faster onset of diseases like Dementia and Alzheimer’s.  It can contribute toward a lower quality of life full of despair and unhappiness.  At a Retirement Community other adults share similar interests and there are opportunities for your parent to interact during activities, which cater to the interests of their generation.  The Activity Director is constantly searching for a wide variety of entertainment options from theatre to exercise classes.  Most newer communities provide a fitness center, media room, a theatre, bistro or café’ options for happy hours, an on-site medical clinic, a private dining room, card room, billiards and much more.

3. Pursue your personal interests:  Life is convenient in a Retirement community.  Most importantly, Mom & Dad’s apartment is safe and secure.  They don’t have to worry about going to the store for food or cleaning their home. They’re free to handle the things she has had to put off due to a busy schedule.  While there are a host of activities inside her community, having their life taken care of frees them to do things outside the facility, as well.  Traveling no longer includes finding someone to pet sit or worrying about the safety of their home while they are gone. 

4. Safety and Security:  Retirement communities offer an added layer of security that most people cannot afford or achieve in their own homes.  As a homeowner, your mom & dad could install an elaborate security system and cameras, at great expense.  But, what happens when she falls outside of camera view or phone.  In addition, there are personal alert systems to keep her safe that are also available at a retirement facilities.  Most retirement communities have 24-hour security, gated property, and a staff that will notice if mom has not been seen for lunch or dinner.  It is this extra security in an emergency situation that can make a world of difference to your parent.

5. Life is easier and convenient:  Sorting through and paying bills is never fun.  It is especially frustrating for seniors when they may not be able to rely on their memory about which bills have been paid and which have not. In a retirement community, in most cases, expenses are covered under one fee, including taxes, insurance, utilities, food and entertainment that are provided by the facility.  This makes budgeting easier, as mom can track monthly expenditures and life opens new possibilities.  In addition, though Mom & Dad may no longer be a safe driver due to vision issues or other health concerns, most communities have scheduled transportation available at no additional cost.  Some even offer concierge services to chauffer them to appointments and social engagements. 

Finally, for you as a caregiver it can give you a solid peace of mind.  No longer will you wonder if Mom & Dad are getting a good meal, if they are lonely, or if they are safe.   Build an ongoing relationship with the staff, and let them know your concerns, or things you know that can help Mom and Dad’s stay be much easier.  They often times go to great lengths to make your parent feel at home.