Whether deciding for yourself or a loved one, understanding and selecting the best option for senior living can be scary and overwhelming. Navigating through the sea of TV commercials, mail campaigns, and brochures from hospitals and doctors can be confusing. At Oasis Senior Advisors®, we remove the scary and overwhelming and become your advisors.
Through our upcoming blog and social media posts, we will be sharing our thoughts and experiences and defining for you the various types of senior living.
What is senior living?
Senior living is simply defined broadly as a range of housing and lifestyle options for people with disabilities, or for adults who cannot take care of themselves or choose not to live independently. Senior living also includes independent senior living for older adults who want to downsize and not have the responsibility of taking care of a home and everything that goes with it.
Are (independent) senior living and assisted living the same thing?
Senior living communities offer social engagement and activities for seniors who can live independently. Assisted living encompasses services from personal care such as bathing and meals to health care, including dispensing medication, and other services.
What are the different types of senior living options available?
The senior living options available to families and individuals depend highly on the person’s ability to live independently. Over the following few articles, we will delve into each of these options for senior living.
• Independent Living Communities
• Assisted Living Communities
• Enhanced Assisted Living Communities
• Memory Care Facilities
• Skilled Nursing Facilities
How do I talk to an elderly parent about senior living?
We are asked this question all the time. It is not uncommon for a child or relative to see the need for a change in an aging parent’s living situation. This is an extremely difficult and emotional conversation for both parties. The senior is afraid of change and losing independence. The child is experiencing feelings of guilt, fear, and loss.
To alleviate these feelings and create a productive conversation, we offer these tips:
1. You need to be comfortable with the decision and prepare to talk with your parent or relative. A positive outlook can make all the difference in the world.
2. Whenever possible, involve your loved one in the decision-making process. Be calm, respectful, and understanding of their position. Put yourself in their shoes, especially if their spouse is alive and well and able to live alone. Potential separation after decades of marriage is heartbreaking to all of you. Engage in an open and honest discussion about physical and mental health and where each parent should be to remain safe and healthy.
3. Connect with Oasis Senior Advisors to help you research the many senior living options. No matter your specific circumstances, we can help you discover your options and find the right senior housing solution for your loved one. We’ll walk you through the process and help you understand what to expect every step of the way.
I have questions, and I need help!
At Oasis Senior Advisors, we are proud to offer free senior housing services for individuals and families across the country. Whether you are looking for an independent living situation or need full-time care for your elderly loved one, you can rely on the Oasis team to help you choose the perfect place. We are proud to offer a compassionate, personalized approach as we help you navigate the challenging process of selecting the ideal home for yourself or your family member. Our senior housing services are entirely free and customized to your unique goals and specific needs. At Oasis, we make senior housing simple!
Get in touch with us at (518) 930-6416 or email Ray Shafer at RShafer@youroasisadvisor.com.