Making the decision to move into an assisted living community is no easy task, there are many questions to ask, promising retirement estates to view, costs to evaluate, and more importantly, the future to consider. Whilst the old saying goes “Home is where the heart is”, many elderly people find it difficult to say goodbye to a home that’s filled with countless cherished memories.

Having a clear understanding of the emotional impact that moving can have on your loved ones will help families reduce or potentially avoid stress and frustration. Moving into an assisted living community should be seen as an exciting journey, a journey designed to find the perfect fit for your loved ones’ current and future healthcare needs, as well as finding an environment that will help your loved one flourish and enjoy.

This may seem impossible at first, however let us take a look at what you and your family can do to make that transition a smoother and dare we say, a happier one.

Making a smooth transition

Having a clear strategy in place can really benefit your loved one with the transition into an assisted living community. This strategy should include their thoughts, seeing as the community selected will become their future home and therefore, they should have a say in whether or not it’s the right place for them.

Once you and your loved one have selected the appropriate assisted living community, you should put together a checklist of to-do’s that should be addressed before, during, and after moving. This to-do list can help keep track of what needs to be done and what still needs to be addressed.

Some items to include in your checklist can be:

1. Moving date: If possible, consider moving during the week when the estate is fully staffed and able to help your loved one get situated.
2. Move their belongings in sooner: If possible, try to bring some of your loved ones’ belongings into the apartment sooner. By doing this, you can make the apartment feel more like home, it will also free up some time to help them settle in and relax.
3. Start the downsize process early: If possible, try narrow down the things your loved one wants to keep, although this may be an emotional journey at first, it will help you better plan the furniture size and storage needs in advance.
4. Make the rounds: If possible, take your loved one on a tour of the assisted living community to engage and meet with the staff and neighbours. This will allow them to familiarize themselves with the people they’ll be spending time with and also join in fun activities.

There are other steps you should take into consideration when moving your loved one into an assisted living community. Let us take a closer look:

Finding a Community Together

When searching for an assisted living community for your loved one, you should consider all aspects e.g., The estates offerings, level of healthcare, what people say about the estate, what activities do they offer, the costs and what is included in the costs etc.

It is important to get your loved one involved in the decision-making process, as mentioned by taking them to view the estate in order to get a better feel for the environment and the people living there. This will help your loved one feel more confident and comfortable with their decision to move into the chosen estate.

As mentioned, having your loved one involved in finding the right assisted living community is important as it will provide them with peace of mind when it comes to the decision to move.

Make a List and Stick to it

You’ve found the right community to move into, now it’s time to put your checklist into action. Make certain activities fun for your loved one, so that they don’t feel as though their lives are being uprooted. One way to do this could be by having the family over to help you sort out and downsize your loved ones’ belongings.

It Takes Time

Making a house feel like a home takes time and patience, the same applies when moving an elderly person into an assisted living community. If a loved one is unable to take care of themselves or they are considering a different kind of homeownership: a healthy, safe, accessible, friendly, and inviting community can become the home they need and deserve, given the time.

Bring Your Cherished Possessions

It’s important to keep special memorabilia or perhaps furniture that bring your loved one joy and comfort in their new living space. This can include their favourite chair, books, movies, pictures, art, or knickknacks. Having these reminders of the home your loved one shared with your family can help make the move less stressful.

Visit Often

This is for the children, grandchildren, friends, and acquaintances of loved ones who are moving into an assisted living facility. There is the potential to feel isolated and unwanted when anyone relocates from their established home, if those around them do not keep in contact. The strongest predictors of a smooth and happy transition are the maintaining of quality time spent with friends and family as well as integrating into their new social circles.

Making New Friends

Whether you are nine or ninety years old, making new friends can be hard to do. Something that makes it easier for all of us is entering into a new social circle. Like most of our retired population, these new social circles will be filled with an incredible array of life stories, interests, and experiences. Eating lunch or playing cards with new friends could have a hugely positive impact on your loved ones’ community experience.

So be sure to encourage your loved one to join in on any events or fun-filled activities that may be taking place in the community. You could also join your loved one in some of these activities to make it easier for them to engage with new people and help them make friends.

Take Part in Activities

All of the best assisted living facilities provide a wide selection of recreational activities that keep all members of the community engaged, active and social. These activities have proven to promote mental and physical health for the residents staying there, therefore it’s important that you and your loved ones take a look at what activities are available and sign them up to join.

By joining in on these activities, the previously unfamiliar faces that they may see at breakfast or on their morning walk will fast become teammates, competition, supporters and partners. Try out the different hobbies, arts, exercise, and games that are organized regularly for the community.

Don’t Change Everything

We understand that when a loved one decides to move into an assisted living community, it’s because they are at a stage in their life where they may be struggling with their mental or physical health. Although change is good, try to keep the size and scope of the changes to a minimum as this can help make the transition even smoother.

Dinner dates with friends, game nights with grandchildren, church on Sunday or monthly family lunches are just as important to maintain as anything else. Adjusting to new surroundings is much easier when you do it with the people you love.

The Lonehill Manor Solution

At Lonehill Manor, we know how to make you or your loved one’s transition into assisted living as easy and gratifying as possible. We offer our residents a place to call home, with access to state-of-the-art facilities, beautiful gardens, stylishly decorated lounge, dining room and open spaces, they can enjoy relaxation or easily socialising with friends and family whilst taking part in our estate hosted activities.

Join our wonderful community today and become part of the Lonehill Manor family. Contact our amazing team today for more information on our retirement community.

The post How to Make A Smooth Transition to Assisted Living appeared first on Manor Retirement.

Depending on their physical and mental condition, they may require assisted living, dementia or, even, frail care to assist in performing daily tasks, keeping up with medical needs and personal care. The fact that senior citizen’s physical and mental health decline over time, as a natural part of life, does not mean they cannot still live a fulfilling and joyful life, surrounding by loved ones and community.

Here are four questions you should ask yourself when deciding which type of care facility is best suited for our elderly loved ones:

1. What is offered by assisted living?
   Assisted living offers senior citizens the opportunity to live in their own apartment, with access to health services and personal assistance; all within a communal environment. Retirement villages provide assisted living solutions that are ideal for elderly loved ones who need some help with daily activities without the need for constant medical care. If an older member of society is still capable of enjoying a variety of social and recreational activities, they should have every opportunity to do so.This gives them a chance to live a full and active life while maintaining access to the assistance they need. These private accommodations provide daily assistance with tasks like bathing, cooking, cleaning, medication management and other household chores. All of this occurs in an environment with people in a similar life stage and a wide range of activities to spend their days enjoying.

2. What is offered by dementia care?
   Seniors who require more consistent care due to mental incapacity, such as dementia, need 24-hour access to health services and more frequent supervision. Dementia care offers support for our loved ones that are unable to perform daily tasks and meet their needs. Keeping up with activities, such as cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, managing finances, shopping, medication and other daily chores, becomes almost impossible to do alone.Dementia patients are faced with many social and physical challenges as a result of their mental health. Suffering from memory loss, irritability, apathy and confusion will require specialised care from experienced and trained health professionals who understand and prioritise our loved one’s unique needs. Dementia care has all the social, recreational and residential benefits of assisted living facilities with added supervision and medical attention needed to help them live a full and happy life.

3. Can one transition from assisted living to more advanced care?
   The truth is that life will always contain unexpected changes and hurdles that will have to be overcome. As seniors grow older, their care requirements will grow and evolve to account for any mental, physical and practical needs that are changing over time. Most retirement villages will include frail care and dementia care facilities that provide comfortable and affordable living spaces that have the capacity to meet your loved ones changing medical needs.

4. When is it the right time to move into assisted living or dementia care?
   Noticing when the right time to move your elderly family into assisted living or dementia care can be more difficult than you expect. Knowing your loved ones, the way you do, you may feel able to take care of them or believe them when they tell you that they are able to care of themselves. Signs like forgetfulness, confusion and irritability can indicate the early onset of dementia or other mental decline.It is understandable that we want to keep our parents and grandparents closer to home, even if their health declines. The truth is, the supportive, considerate and caring environment of modern senior care facilities are instrumental to their residents’ emotional and personal wellbeing. The sooner you notice their needs change and get them into the right home and care environment – the happier and safer your loved one will be.

Deciding where your loved ones are going to live, once their physical or mental health declines, is an important and difficult choice to make. Whatever the medical requirements or daily care needs of your loved ones are, Manor Retirement’s beautiful and bustling retirement communities have a range of senior living options to choose from, including assisted living, dementia care and frail care.

The post How To Decide Between Assisted Living and Dementia Care for Your Elderly Loved Ones appeared first on Manor Retirement.

From 24-hour care to assisted living and independent living to continued care residences, there are so many options to consider and choosing the right one will have a huge impact on your loved one’s life. In order to help you make the best decision possible, we are going to look at the five most popular senior care living options for your loved ones.

In-Home Caregivers

Being able to retain the familiarity and comforts of your own home is a wonderful privilege in your retirement years. For seniors who would prefer to stay in their family homes, in-home caregivers are a wonderful option for providing all necessary support while retaining some sense of normalcy. Professional in-house carers are able to assist with all daily needs, such as nutrition, medication, personal hygiene, housekeeping and transportation.

This kind of support will afford your loved ones the opportunity to live out their retirement years without disruptions and assistance with daily necessities. In-home care is a more expensive senior care option and does not provide specialised medical or rehabilitative care. It is important to understand the level of medical support your loved one requires before committing to this option.

Independent Living Communities

Independent living communities, better known as retirement villages, are the most popular living option for modern retirees and seniors. These communities are for healthy seniors who can take care of themselves, want to maintain an active lifestyle and keep a bustling social life. Retirement communities are usually in a complex environment with close access to medical care.

The private homes, apartments or rooms available in these communities offer a range of services, such as housekeeping, gardening, transportation and various physical and social activities. Most retirement villages offer access to amenities like gyms, swimming pools, clubhouses, restaurants and medical facilities. This is a great low maintenance and safe option for seniors wanting to maintain their independence, but remain active.

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living facilities are another option for independent, active and social seniors who require a little extra assistance and care on a daily basis. Despite the independent apartments and rooms, social environment and independent lifestyle, your loved ones can have daily household assistance and medical care. This option is best suited for elderly people who need help with their medication management, meals, hygiene, specialised medical care and other daily support.

Frail Care Facilities

Frail care facilities offer 24-hour care for seniors who require round-the-clock support due to physical or mental deterioration. This is also a great short-term option for seniors who are recovering from an injury, managing a serious illness or rehabbing after surgery. This is a perfect option for seniors who are bedridden, disabled or battling dementia; whatever their medical requirements, frail care services will help you manage them with the best care and consistent support.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are another term for retirement villages, but ones that include all of these senior care options, available in a progressive living arrangement. These communities will include independent living, assisted living and frail care residential options, so that your loved ones can move around the community as their needs change over time.

CCRCs give seniors the opportunity to build a life within the same social and physical environment they have come to know, while having increasing levels of care over time as their lives’ change. This is an amazing option for couples, siblings or friends who wish to live together, but have differing medical requirements. This continuity can provide a sense of security, comfort and normalcy as their medical or personal needs change.

Making the Right Decision

There is no perfect solution for senior living, because all seniors are unique and dynamic people who have different living requirements and preferences. It is important to include your loved ones in the decision-making process and ensure that they are comfortable, happy and secure in their new home. Their medical needs and living requirements should always be a priority, but their social life and ability to spend time with friends and family is essential to making the right decision.

Deciding where your loved ones are going to spend their senior years is an important decision for their post-retirement life. Whatever the medical requirements, social activity or daily care needs of your loved ones are, Manor Retirement’s beautiful and bustling retirement communities have a range of senior living options to choose from.

The post What Type of Senior Care Is Right for Your Loved Ones? appeared first on Manor Retirement.

Assisted living facilities are a happy medium between the community and comfort of a retirement village and the access and care of a nursing home. Seniors that are beginning to suffer from physical or mental decline may begin to find it difficult to take care of themselves or their homes. For these elderly members of society, an assisted living facility can offer the caregiving and medical attention a senior in this situation may need without constant supervision and assistance.

It is important for any family member considering an assisted living facility to consider all of the pros and cons of this option for our loved ones.

The Pros of Assisted Living

The greatest benefit of assisted living is in the name. The day-to-day assistance provided for those living in these communities is invaluable for an aging person who is struggling to take care of their homes or selves. These facilities have incredible caregivers who are there to help seniors live a fuller and more comfortable life.

Assisted living offers a level of care and support that is comparable to a nursing home with access to medical facilities and equipment, if any health incidences occur, and experienced carers who can assist as much as is needed. Seniors who are in need of help with medication, transportation, meals or other daily tasks can get the assistance they need while remaining independent and in a thriving community.

Assisted living facilities usually incorporate independent homes or apartments found in a larger retirement community. These communities are full of vibrant, active and thriving seniors who have so much life to live and experience. The home-like setting gives the elderly suffering from some mental or physical deterioration the personal freedom and privacy they deserve to enjoy while getting the daily help they may need.

Seniors are reassured that their social, mental and physical wellbeing is being taken care of, and they are able to build new routines and plans from the safety and comfort of a retirement community. The medical access and day-to-day assistance of an assisted living facility does not take away from the control, privacy and independence of this homely environment for our older population.

Being able to socialise is a critical part of any senior’s retirement years. Many older adults have suffered from loneliness and isolation when living on their own. In a retirement village – where most assisted living facilities can be found – there are hundreds of new people to meet, make friends with and do activities together.

A retirement community will often have a variety of scheduled programmes and activities, from dinners and exercise to games and outings – and there is so much more to fill the day with. All of these benefits are usually available for a lower monthly cost than an in-home caregiver, as well as some medical insurances providing significant financial assistance.

In short:

• Assistance for all day-to-day activities like bathing, cleaning, cooking and taking medication
• Retirement villages and assisted living facilities can adapt to individuals’ changing needs
• Greater privacy and a home-like environment without the need to maintain a home yourself
• Opportunity to socialise and remain active within your community with a variety of activities
• Often more affordable than nursing homes or in-home caregiving alternatives

The Cons of Assisted Living

The reality is that an assisted living facility will never have the same level of medical care on the premises that a nursing home does. If a senior requires intensive or specialised healthcare because of physical or mental disability, they will likely require higher levels of care than an assisted living facility is be able to provide.

While many seniors at home are struggling with loneliness or to remain independent, there are many seniors who prefer to stay in their homes and find ways to adjust to their own changing needs. In-home caregivers can be expensive, but do afford older people the opportunity to stay in their homes for a few more years.

Those who enjoy their privacy and quiet may struggle with adjusting to a community setting or a semi-private apartment with a roommate for example. In order to adjust, our elderly loved ones need to feel confident and secure in their ability to settle in. Some are put off by the community and social interactions and others are not happy with community rules, such as no pets allowed, smoking bans or a late-night curfew.

While assisted living is almost always more affordable than a nursing home and an around-the-clock or in-home carer, the reality is that it can be expensive. Cost can be a major drawback to assisted living as medical aid does not always cover some of the costs. Personal care and medical access can be treated as add-ons and if not, are usually accounted for in total monthly costs.

In short:

• Can become expensive or cost-prohibitive over time
• Some seniors can struggle adjusting to a semi-private or community setting, with rules
• Does not offer all the specialised care that may be required to treat advanced mental or physical decline or illness

Making the Decision to Move

Assisted living is not a perfect setup and nothing will ever be when trying to find what is best for our loved ones and older population. However, when it comes to those seniors who need a little extra care to help them through their day, an assisted living facility provides a safe, secure and social environment for them to continue enjoying their lives.

It is important to remember that while this has been a great choice for so many seniors, it is not always the best choice. Families and older people need to carefully consider which living situation keeps our loved ones and ourselves safest and happiest. After all, their wisdom, experience and life are so worth cherishing.

If you are considering an assisted living facility for you or a loved one, Manor Retirement is home to beautiful, dependable and affordable assisted living options in their Retirement Villages. Find out more, here.

The post The Pros and Cons of Choosing Assisted Living appeared first on Manor Retirement.