Are you starting to wonder if your loved one needs a bit more support? Have you considered asking them about moving to a retirement home or seniors’ apartment?
It can be hard to know for sure if it’s time to approach your loved one about moving, but if you’re noticing the below signs, it may be time.
However, moving to a retirement residence isn’t the end — it’s a beginning. Many seniors love life in their new home, where they have more time to enjoy their hobbies, discover new passions and make like-minded friends. In fact, it's fairly common for residents to say they wished the move to retirement living happened sooner.
For more information, you can download our free guide for loved ones:
Below, we’ve listed a few signs that your loved one may be ready for retirement living:
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Weight loss
If you’ve noticed your loved one losing weight, they may be finding it more difficult to cook for themselves. You can consider meal delivery programs to their home, hiring someone to cook or providing them with portioned frozen meals. Senior living is another option — either a seniors’ apartment with a meal package or an independent living suite at a retirement residence.
In independent living, your loved one will have meals and housekeeping included in their monthly rent. Seniors’ apartments connected to a retirement residence usually have optional meal and housekeeping packages, so your loved one can still enjoy cooking some of their meals.
Of course, food is important, and it’s important that your loved one to really enjoy the food they’re being served. Many retirement residences have professional chefs in the kitchen and you can always ask to have a meal as part of your tour.
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Forgetful
If you’re concerned your loved one is having some memory problems, independent living, assisted living, or memory care at a retirement home may be helpful.
Independent living will give them the freedom to come and go as the please, but with meals, housekeeping, and activities done for them. Some residences may also have optional medication and meal reminders or some mild care available.
Assisted living may be on a secure floor - depending on the residence - should you have concerns about your loved one accidentally leaving or forgetting their way home. However, just because the floor is secure, that doesn’t mean your loved one has to be locked in. If you’re not concerned about them leaving but instead feel like they need more care than independent living provides, the staff can give them access codes to come and go as they please.
Memory care is designed for seniors who are experiencing cognitive decline. If your loved one often forgets where they live or has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s, a residence with memory care or a long-term care community would serve your needs best.
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They’re lonely
If you’ve noticed that your loved one has fewer hobbies, fewer friends or is unable to go out and meet the friends they do have, you may consider an Aspira retirement living community. Retirement residences each have their own personality so tour a few to find the one that most resonates with your loved one. They might enjoy being part of a community of like-minded peers and having a full calendar of programs to choose from should they want to participate. Many residences also have a shuttle bus for appointments and regularly scheduled outings, offering them support if they don’t feel confident to go out on their own.
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Having a hard time with home upkeep
Does your loved one’s home seem a bit less tidy than usual? Are they having a hard time mowing the grass? You can hire services to tackle these chores for them but if you believe more needs to be done a retirement residence is a good option. If they have seniors’ apartments, your loved one can pick and choose which chores they want the residence to do for them. In independent living you can have peace of mind knowing that the housekeeping is being looked after and your loved one is enjoying regular meals.
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Getting older
There’s no set age for moving into a retirement home. Just because your loved one is getting older, doesn’t mean it’s time to move. On the other hand, planning ahead is always a good idea and making a move while they’re still healthy and able is better than waiting for an unfortunate event to force it. Many people living at a residence wish they'd made the move sooner.
Just as you’re never too old to move to a retirement residence, you’re never too young either. Seniors as young as 60 may move in, or as old as 107! There’s no harm in touring a few residences to see if any of them make an impression on your loved one.
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Future concerns
Your loved one is fine now but you’re worried about the future. A retirement residence can offer you additional peace of mind today and ease any concerns you have about tomorrow. If you foresee a change in your loved one’s health, look for a residence that offers a continuum of care. This will allow your loved one to age in place so you won’t have to worry about a second move unless you want to.
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They live alone
You’re loved one is recently single or has lived on their own for a while. Regardless, if it’s something that makes you worry you should consider a solution for peace of mind. You could ask your loved one about an emergency alert service so that they can call for help at the push of a button. A retirement residence, with its 24/7 on-call support, is another option. On top of the added security, your loved one will also have access to housekeeping, daily meals, and a calendar of activities to choose from.
If you’re not sure which senior living option is right for your loved one, you can learn more in our guide to get started:
Of course, if you have any questions or need more support, you can also connect with our Canada-based team toll-free by calling 1-866-959-4848. They would be happy to help you with anything they can.
Download our free guide to Discussing Senior Living with a Loved One
Download our free Guide to Get Started!