topic Re: Senior Living Community in Home

Senior Living Community

spud188 — Thu, 24 May 2018 14:06:38 GMT

Anyone here have first hand knowledge of living in this type arrangement. We are touring a place then having brunch there on Sunday. I took a free class there last Fall,it is big,nice white linen dining room. It looked to me like a very fancy Hotel.

But I am curious as to how living there would be??

Re: Senior Living Community

patbz — Thu, 24 May 2018 14:13:43 GMT

Why don't you talk to some of the residents you will surely meet? I'm sure each place is different.

Re: Senior Living Community

Group 5 minus 1 — Thu, 24 May 2018 14:25:16 GMT

Both of our Moms lived in a Senior Living Community. They were happy there and participated in many activities. There were shopping trips and all kinds of things to do. My M-I-L loved trips to the Farmers Market. If something needed done it was taken care of-drippy faucet,etc. Flu shots were done there-no need to go out.

Oh! and the food was great. We would frequently have lunch w/one of them.

My M-I-L lived in a residence that had a continum of care and sadly she passed away in the nursing facility.

Some SLC are church affiliiated and even if you run out of money you do not have to leave.

I realize this is long but I cannot say enough good things.

My Mom loved decorating the Christmas tree party and my last photo of her is that picture.

Re: Senior Living Community

homedecor1 — Thu, 24 May 2018 14:33:41 GMT

I've been going with a older friend of mine (his wife passed suddenly) and I will say at these particular places we've visited they are certainly beautiful ....BUT not cheap! The buy-in is $194,000 and his monthly costs will be $2,643.

Of course, these "step down" facilities from "Independent" living right through "assisted" ... I was impressed with both the offerings. We sat and chatted with a few nice residents who loved it.

Personally, I wouldn't choose it but then again it depends on ones age, health, etc.

Re: Senior Living Community

kaydee50 — Thu, 24 May 2018 14:34:28 GMT

There are different types of "senior living commuities." We had bought into a life care community but had a major problem with the apartment and were able to get our money back. This was a true blessing because in those few short days we were there, we felt we did not fit in.

If you're the type who likes to join clubs, etc., and/or have some physical limitations, these communities may be for you. It was not for us.

Re: Senior Living Community

151949 — Thu, 24 May 2018 14:45:13 GMT

I think much depends upon your age and your level of fitness. My DH's cousin & his wife went to an assisted living community due to his parkinsons disease. It was great for him as they helped him get around - bathed & dressed etc but for her - she was bored and unhappy. She was in her late 80's but still 100% healthy and mentally sound.

Re: Senior Living Community

Group 5 minus 1 — Thu, 24 May 2018 15:30:18 GMT

Outside my Mom's apartmet was a living room type arrangement (chairs, couch,etc.) she loved sitting out there and chatting w/ all those who walked by.

Expenses: some are costly,but when you think about your home and the expenses w/ that somtimes it is not so bad. I think you MUST plan ahead.

Re: Senior Living Community

tansy — Thu, 24 May 2018 16:43:47 GMT

Are you talking about apartments with a monthly rental or a CCRC with a buy-in, plus monthly fee?

I have a friend in each type of community and both are pleased they made the move. The communities I’ve seen are beautiful.

Re: Senior Living Community

Ibby114 — Thu, 24 May 2018 18:55:41 GMT

@homedecor1 wrote:
I've been going with a older friend of mine (his wife passed suddenly) and I will say at these particular places we've visited they are certainly beautiful ....BUT not cheap! The buy-in is $194,000 and his monthly costs will be $2,643.

Of course, these "step down" facilities from "Independent" living right through "assisted" ... I was impressed with both the offerings. We sat and chatted with a few nice residents who loved it.

Personally, I wouldn't choose it but then again it depends on ones age, health, etc.

My Dad (& stepmom) was in an independent living community in North Jersey- beautiful hotel-like place with a lot of ammenities & activities. Great 24/7 security too! We got 95% of the 'buy in' back after he passed away - my stepmom went to a dementia care facility and they resold the unit. Some places - you don't get the 'buy in' back but they other kinds of benefits (for example, no addtl charges for assisted living or nursing home care, if it ever comes to be needed). You need to look at the offerings for your particular development, The monthly fee for my folks apt was around $4,000.

Re: Senior Living Community

Kachina624 — Thu, 24 May 2018 22:50:54 GMT

My dad lived in a senior apartment community. He had a unit with a million dollar view of the mountains, access to outside by way of a sliding door and a fireplace. He was allowed to have a dog or cat. Dad was hard of hearing and felt very isolated because he couldn't hear conversation at dinner, etc. They had a lot of activities but no effort was made to help him be included in some of them and he didn't seem to know about them (legally blind). He was very lonely so after about 10 months there, he moved in with me.

Re: Senior Living Community

spud188 — Fri, 25 May 2018 00:43:46 GMT

Thank you all so much for taking the time to answer me. I had no idea about this buy in thing. That is alot of $$$ up front.

We'll get the skinny on this particular place on Sunday.

Re: Senior Living Community

janeec — Fri, 25 May 2018 02:40:42 GMT

I have volunteered at one for 10 years, and last year my parents moved into one in an independent living apartment. You are responsible for how it turns out for you. There are lots of opportunities to meet others, or you can be as isolated as you wish.

My parents like the short day trips that are available. No driving or parking hassles, door to door service. They eat in the dining room every evening with several different choices daily. I like it because if something should happen, such as a fall, someone responds within minutes as opposed to them waiting for me to come and pick them up.

My parents have commented many times that they feel safe there. Should there be a power outage, there are generators. If something needs to be fixed, they call the front desk and it is taken care of. It is the right choice for them. May you make the right choice for you. Good luck.

Re: Senior Living Community

Twins Mom — Fri, 25 May 2018 03:00:57 GMT

I arranged for my mother’s move to independent living facility run by religious organization. The religious connection was important to us in that it arranged for bus transportation to church on Sundays & holy days. Her new friends had like interests. Let me enumerate a few things I learned.
1. This was a buy-in with monthly fee. A monthly allowance was included for food. If you went over, no problem just added to monthly fee. If did not spend, money went to charity that picked up rent for those not able to pay.
2. There were two places to eat. Dining room with linens, table service and menu. Naturally this choice would be more expensive than grill area where you ordered from a variety of choices, cafeteria style. Nice seating with people joining others if there were empty chairs or they could choose to sit alone. If people needed help carrying trays, servers there to help, etc. Nice way to visit. Some places have assigned seating and more confining time frame.
3. Activity center arranged a wide variety of activities. Some on site and some off site with transportation arranged. Some were free and some were added expense but usually got group rates. I would ask fir sample monthly activity guide and see if these are appealing.
4. Food is very important to life. Really investigate how pleased people are and choices.
5. The one I chose had independent, assisted, rehab, and memory care facilities. Each one was more expensive but one was promised a spot. The rehab we utilized was not perfect but friends were on site snd could visit. Continuity. Compared to what others were experiencing, however, this was good.
6. I was surprised to learn that there are levels within assisted living and some independent can’t keep people who need some basic help but don’t need total assisted living. Study of these differences might be helpful.
7. This facility had on site clinic with nurse and doctors visited weekly. Really liked this. They could do lots to avoid running out to doctor offices.
8. Weekly transportation to grocery, Walmart, etc were enjoyed by many. Breaks up days. Also check if they have transportation to other places you might need, possibly for a fee. If you still drive, is there adequate parking?
9. Security doors help one feel secure. In building personal alarm buttons also helpful. Are hallways and bathrooms large enough to accommodate walkers, wheel chair, etc.? Do neighbors check on each other?
10. Are the building and apartments bright and cheery? Are there areas where people can meet and chat?

Employees make a big difference. They become friends. Having an apartment cleaned twice a month can be a lovely thing. Is there in apartment laundry or is it shared?
Lots to consider if you feel it’s a lifestyle you are ready for. Many facilities being built now. Talking to friends and residents most helpful.
I hope some of this helpful to you. Happy rearching!

Re: Senior Living Community

bonnielu — Fri, 25 May 2018 03:14:55 GMT

The older I get I think about these communities. As part of square dance organizations we go into many of these communities and do demos for the residents. I have opportunities to make comparisions and talk with residents.

I am hoping however to stay in my home as long as I can. It is our first and only house (home). We had it built almost 50 years ago and so far so good. When we need to make the change I have places that I have already seen. Just not ready yet.

Re: Senior Living Community

Katcat1 — Fri, 25 May 2018 03:50:58 GMT

My Aunt and Uncle lived in a senior community in Arizona but you purchased your home which was one level. They loved it. All kinds of activities if you want to participate. My Aunt (my uncle has passed) just moved into a Sr. independent living that serves meals and offers all kinds of activities. She is 95 so I don't believe she will be participating in most of the activities. There is also assisted living available at her complex. She has a one bedroom apt. This is in Arizona.

Re: Senior Living Community

spud188 — Fri, 25 May 2018 10:42:56 GMT

Again thanks for all the good info to consider.

Re: Senior Living Community

Ibby114 — Fri, 25 May 2018 19:22:54 GMT

@spud188 wrote:
Thank you all so much for taking the time to answer me. I had no idea about this buy in thing. That is alot of $$$ up front.
We'll get the skinny on this particular place on Sunday.

@spud188 Ask LOTS of questions! Also observe the residents- ask them questions as well. Good luck!