Elder Law and Senior Living Communities

By Sarah RichardWe all have many chapters in our lives, with changes and decisions to be made as we turn lifes pages.Expectations of older residents about how they want to live after they retire have changed significantly in recent generations, with older people healthier and living longer than their predecessors. By 2030, more than 20% of US residents will be aged 65 or older, rising to about 22%, or an estimated 89 million Americans, by 2050. The definition of senior living has also changed in recent decades, from simply providing basic housing and health care for older adults to senior living communities with leisure facilities, activities, optional support and health care. Todays senior living communities are designed to be hubs that meet the physical, social and emotional needs of older residents. University of Central Floridas Rosen College of Hospitality Management recently published a study in the Journal of Hospitality Management examining decision-making of older adults to move into senior living communities.The study is one of the first to look at motivational factors, barriers and relationships that impact these decisions. According to the study, considerations that might push older residents to consider relocation include:      Housing and property obstacles, including home maintenance, cost and accommodations for physical limitations      Economic challenges, such as rising cost of living and home costs and maintenance      Social and family matters, such as needing extra help, social isolation, fears about safety      Health concerns, including physical and mental healthFactors the study identified that might draw or pull older adults to move include:      Social activities and engagement      Chance to consolidate expenses      Geographical location, including proximity to shopping, health care and family and friends      Feeling safe from crime or falling      Available amenities, including transportation, health care and ability to bring their own belongingsAdditional influences include the cost and stress of relocation, fear of the unknown/change, distance from families and lack of understanding about options in senior living communities.Making the decision to move can be daunting but beneficial. Researchers at the University of Chicago study in March 2024 found reasons relocating may be a decision worth making. The study found that for the first two years after moving into a senior living community, residents lived longer, benefited from greater rehabilitation and preventive care, and received more home health services. And most of them wonder why they didnt move sooner!To decide if a senior living community is right for you, take the time to determine what the good life means to you. What do you want a typical day or week to look like? Here are additional considerations when making this major decision:      What is the staff like, including friendliness and responsiveness?      What amenities and activities do you want, including transportation, fitness center and classes, housekeeping and laundry, recreational activities and clubs?      What is the community culture and atmosphere, including social events, outings, resident demographics and age range?      How much will it cost? Compare your current living costs to the costs of a senior community, including additional costs like insurance and payment options.      What policies and procedures do they have, such as guest visits and pet policies?      How safe and secure do you feel? Does it have controlled access and emergency systems?      Does it have a desirable location and accessibility, including proximity to family and friends, access to the community, and features for various mobility needs?      What are your current and anticipated health care needs? Is a fully independent community the best choice given your health needs, or would a community that also offers assisted living and higher levels of health care be a better choice?      What is your desired level of independence? Do you want household help, availability of meals and other support?Theres a lot to consider but moving to a senior living community designed around your definition of the good life could provide the rich, engaging, low maintenance and worry-free lifestyle you desire.About the Author Sarah Richard is the executive director of Gulf Coast Village, Cape Corals only life plan community. To learn more about Gulf Coast Village, visit GulfCoastVillage.org or call 239-510-8712.

As each year passes, it can be easy to forget about the little things. As retirement creeps closer and closer, its normal to ponder the bigger picture: where youre going to spend your retirement, if youre financially prepared and what your new chapter will look like. However, as important as those larger-scale milestones are, theres plenty of smaller considerations to note that can enhance your experience.The decision-making process starts many years before you hit 65, and one of the first major choices to make is determining where you want to be a decade from now. Depending on your budget and lifestyle considerations, do you want to be in an independent living community with like-minded people with activities to keep you social and engaged, or would you prefer to age in place in the home youve worked so hard to achieve? If you choose to age in place, take into consideration how significant that decision is. Choosing to embark on the aging journey from the comfort of your home is admirable it shows dedication to the life youve built and a passion for freedom and independence. With a large decision like that comes great responsibility it is now up to you to make sure that your wellbeing is prioritized, from protecting your assets to creating a future health plan.Prioritize Your HealthIts imperative to make sure that your wellness is the top priority as you age, even though you may be a healthy, independent adult it never hurts to have your bases covered, especially if your future health needs change.Visit a health care provider to receive a standard physical, mental, and emotional assessment. Youll also want to ensure that any and all health conditions you may have, regardless of whether they are minor or chronic, are addressed. If your conditions present a need for ongoing attention, like physical therapy, make those arrangements proactively. Consider creating a summary document that outlines your health history try to update it annually or as your needs change. The document can include:      Name and date of birth      Contact information and emergency contacts      Health conditions, if applicable      Medications with dosage information, if applicable      Health care providers and contact information      Insurance information      Family historyAvoid IsolationWhen aging in place, isolation should be avoided; the Centers for Disease Control reports that isolation has several health impacts, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, mental health issues and dementia, among others. Socialization can lead to a sharper memory, better processing speed and an improved mood. Spending quality time with family and friends is known as the door to a longer and fulfilling life. Not only does good company improve your mood and put you in high spirits, but it also presents several cognitive, physical and emotional health benefits. With retirement comes an abundance of free time, which can be spent engaging in social activities. Is there a social sport you enjoy, like pickleball or golf? Perhaps youre a member of a book club or you enjoy hosting gatherings. Socialization can even be a few phone calls with family members each week or going to a weekly religious service. Whatever avenue you seek, find a consistent social activity that works for you.Fuel Your BodyWith each stage of life comes its own set of considerations, particularly in terms of dietary needs. Older adults should pay special attention to their eating habits, as certain nutritional requirements can reduce the risk of chronic disease and help maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. A well-rounded diet can also improve brain and memory function, heart health, gastrointestinal function and more.For the 60+ community, dietary needs include:       Eating a variety of foods from different food groups      Choosing foods with low or no added sugar, saturated fats and sodium      Eating protein throughout the day to maintain muscle mass      Getting in key nutrients, like potassium, calcium, vitamin D and B12, and dietary fiber      Staying hydrated with water, 100% juice, and low- or fat-free milk      Avoiding beverages high in salt or added sugarsMake sure to fit in all five food groups: dairy, fruits, grains, vegetables, and protein. Small snacks, like chopped fruits and nuts, can be enjoyed between your three meals each day.At the end of the day, retirement is one of the greatest joys in life; youre able to fully enjoy the home you love, travel the world and enjoy years upon years of freedom that youve earned. Through proactively protecting your physical and mental health, you can maximize these years, age successfully and peacefully, and soak up a lifetime of joy. To learn more about Senior Choice at Home, please visit SeniorChoiceatHome.com/Benefits or call 239-788-0694.

Standing in the Sphere in Las Vegas this past January, surrounded by people who share my vision, I felt something profoundsomething beyond words, beyond business, beyond the logistics of travel. GOMO Travel was invited by Delta to celebrate its centennial anniversary with a first-of-its-kind experience during CES 2025. It was a moment of unity, a collective heartbeat of those who believe, as I do, that travel is not just about movement but about connection, about safety, about ensuring that no journey is out of reach.As Deltas CEO, Ed Bastian, spoke, his words resonated deeply, not just as a call to action but as a validation of a mission I hold close to my heart. In that space, among leaders and visionaries, I wasnt just listening, I was feeling. The energy, the commitment, the unwavering belief that travel has the power to bring people together, even in lifes most uncertain moments.I was emotional, proud, and more driven than ever. Because in that room, in that moment, we were bound by something greatera shared purpose that only we could fully understand. Safe travel is not just an industry goal; it is a promise, a responsibility, a mission that guides every step we take. That day, I walked away not just inspired but reinvigorated, knowing that GOMO Travels work is part of something much bigger.What truly sets GOMO Travel apart is the privilege we have to touch lives at their most vulnerable moments. Every day, we witness the transformative power of enabling someone to visit a loved one they thought unreachable, or helping a family navigate medical travel with dignity and peace of mind. Theres something sacred about being entrusted with these journeyswhen a grandmother with mobility challenges can attend her granddaughters wedding, or when a patient receives life-saving medical treatment in a remote location.If possible, I would give GOMO Travel 10 stars. I made a life-changing move from NY state to Northern California and my experience with GOMO Travel was beyond amazing. Tracy C.These are not simply logistical victories but human triumphs. The tears of gratitude and the sigh of relief when someone realizes they dont have to face their journey alone are the moments that remind us of our purpose. In a world that often moves too quickly, GOMO Travel stands in the gap, ensuring that no one is left behind simply because travel seems too daunting. This isnt just a service we provide; its a calling we answer, a privilege we honor with every itinerary planned, every accommodation secured, and every traveler safely guided to their destination. We are not just changing the way people travelwe are changing the way people connect. And in the end, that is what truly matters.RN, CDP, EMBAFounder, GOMO Travel