For many older adults, the transition to senior housing is a huge step. This often comes with a great deal of uncertainty and emotional turmoil. However, seniors also have the potential to live happy lives in assisted living. St. Joseph’s Senior Home strives to make this transition as easy as possible for you, so we’ve put together a guide on how to make this new chapter of your life a pleasant one.
Choose the right senior housing for you.
As you retire, you will be faced with the decision of how you can make life safe, comfortable, and convenient for you in your golden years. Your housing arrangement is the biggest consideration. You will find that you have several options in your hands, and being able to
choose the right one based on your preferences, health and mobility needs, and overall lifestyle will go a long way in helping you settle in.
Assisted living is something that you always hear about, as well as independent living, but they differ in several ways. Independent living or retirement communities provide housing for seniors to live independently, as well as amenities and services like housekeeping, home maintenance, etc. to make your life easier. Assisted living, on the other hand, provides more hands-on services, such as bathing and medication management. Either option allows you to live with relative independence in a community with other retirees — many of which offer fun and engaging activities for residents.
There are other senior housing options, too. For instance, those who need round-the-clock care may be better suited for nursing homes. Aging-in-place in your own home or with family is also a good option for some. Again, take the time to assess your needs and wants and explore your options accordingly. At St. Joseph’s, you can even schedule a virtual tour to get a better feel of the facilities, programs, and services.
Get the financial stuff sorted out.
Among the things that stress out most seniors are financial in nature. Retirement income can be a shock for many who are used to steadier cash flow from employment. It goes without saying that sorting out the financial aspects of your golden years will do wonders for your well-being and, in turn, make the transition to assisted living so much easier.
Paying for senior care and housing is a huge concern. For this reason, most older adults choose to downsize by selling their house. This can even be beneficial as it takes a lot of the responsibilities and expense of owning a home out of your hands, plus it frees up your funds to use as you see fit, such as paying for senior living and care expenses.
Make yourself at home.
As you make the big move to assisted living, know that your preparations matter. Naturally, you will want your new home to feel like your old one as much as possible. It will be tempting to pack all the familiar things and creature comforts that you love, but know that it often won’t be possible. Make sure to find out what the facility’s rules and/or limitations are about personal effects. From there, you can then work on streamlining your packing list. Take only what’s necessary to keep you comfortable, as well as items that are truly near and dear to you.
You’ll find that you can quickly settle in when you establish new friendships with other residents and even the staff. It’s a good idea to get involved in social activities as it’s a great way to meet people, as well as stay fit, healthy, and happy.
To conclude, moving to assisted living is an emotional, financial, and logistical decision. If you need help in reviewing your options or simply want to talk to someone about this decision, feel free to schedule an appointment with St. Joseph’s Senior Home or call (732) 634-0004 and (732) 750-0077.
Article by: Lisa Walker
