For more information about the author, click to view their website: Santa Marta Senior Living
Whenever you think of life’s big moments, it’s hard to find one without Mom and Dad. They’ve been an unwavering source of comfort, inspiration and strength. So when it’s time to talk to your parents about assisted living, you might find yourself overwhelmed with emotions.
You’re not alone. Many adult children face the arduous task of finding a safe place for their parents to age. However, you can make the transition a lot less stressful for everyone by following these 4 steps in planning for assisted living with your parents.
1. Hold a family meeting.
The choice to transition into assisted living is life-changing, which is why it’s essential for your parents and supportive family members to be involved in the process as much as possible. The best way to get the conversation about assisted living started is by holding a family meeting.
Here are some tips on how to hold a family meeting about transitioning your parents to assisted living:
2. Evaluate their needs.
An in-person visit with their primary care physician is the ideal way to accurately evaluate the needs of your aging parents. Not only will you get a comprehensive evaluation of their functional abilities, you’ll get an assessment of their physical health, too.
In order to provide the right level of care, their doctor will evaluate how well your mom or dad perform Activities of Daily Living, or ADLs . These are activities in which your parents engage on a day-to-day basis, such as:
You also need to evaluate how well your parents perform Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, or IADLS. Adults need to perform these activities in order to live a successful, independent life. Evaluating IADLS is also a way to measure what level of care your parents might need when they enter assisted living. Examples include:
3. Create a sound financial plan for assisted living.
After you’ve determined the level of care your mom or dad might need, it’s time to take a deep look at what your family can afford on a monthly basis. Most families use private funds to pay for assisted living. Your parents may be able to pay for this by combining their personal savings, Social Security payments, pension payments and retirement accounts; they may also be willing to sell their home. In some cases, adult children may contribute some of their own funds to supplement their parents’ resources.
You may be surprised to find out the average cost of assisted living is about the same as the cost of at-home care, which is when you choose to spend retirement in your home. However, aging in place comes with a big caveat: major home renovations.
To live safely at home, your parents will probably need rooms in their home, like the bathroom and kitchen, completely reworked. This could end up costing more money and stress than originally planned.
Talk to your parents about their finances and discuss the difference between aging-in-place and choosing a community that offers assisted living. That way, you can be sure you’re choosing the right path for your parents’ retirement.
4. Delight in exploring the possibilities.
Assisted living communities are not the dreary and sleepy halls you may remember at your grandparents’ “nursing home.” Upscale assisted living offers unsurpassed care, services, and amenities that help your mom and dad thrive through every stage of their retirement.
Housekeeping and laundry services eliminate many daily concerns, scheduled activities help your parents stay social, and state-of-the-art fitness facilities keep them active. They’ll also have convenient access to life’s little luxuries like a hair salon, restaurant-style dining, and scheduled transportation for fun-filled shopping trips.
While your parents are spending their retirement in style at a luxury community offering assisted living, you can rest easy knowing their health is always in caring hands.
Discover Tuscan-inspired views, top-of-the-line amenities, and world-class cuisine at Santa Marta. Not only will your parents be able to enjoy the fabulous amenities and services we offer, but they’ll be able to receive uniquely tailored care as their health needs change.
To schedule a tour or learn more about our assisted living neighborhood and other senior living options, contact us online, and a senior living counselor will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
AltaVita Senior Residences is a dream come to fulfillment for the Macy Family. The longtime Longmont locals desired a way to give back to the community in which they grew up. And what better way to deliver on that commitment than to provide a multigenerational housing opportunity for Colorado families: three levels of continuing senior care on one campus in an unmatched, upscale environment. Filling a niche for older folks who want a place to call home for years to come, AltaVita has thought of every lifestyle element that seniors desire and deserve in an adult living community. Here a foundation for a brighter future is built on a unifying philosophy: Always put the resident first. This means providing for all aspects of the aging process 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. People are living longer and healthier lifestyles, and theyre remaining active, says Linda Berens, the campus Executive Director. Because of that many are looking for a multi-tiered campus offering continuing care within the familiar lifestyle. From involving family members in each residents life to creating a secure residence for those with advanced memory-related illnesses, AltaVitas well-designed campus and comprehensive services are built from the ground up to address and enhance every moment of daily living. One AltaVita residents family member said it best recently: I cant truly convey the appreciation I have for all that you have done. You have all been such a blessing to my mom and our family. The AltaVita team holds one another to a higher standard, which honors the important work they do, assisting the people who need them most. Enrich and enhance the lives of everyone we serve with respect and excellence: the AltaVita mission is confirmed daily by all the smiling faces. Three levels of care on one campus AltaVitas Longmont campus consists of the Memory Care Community, which opened in 2012; the Assisted Living Community, which followed in 2016; and the Independent Senior Living Community, which opened in June 2019. By building the community in three phases, planners have been able to thoughtfully design each building with residents in mind, taking into consideration the type of care they need and the amenities that will best suit them, explains Don Macy, owner.Memory Care Dr. Haleh Nekoorad-Long, M.D., a certified geriatric psychiatrist, is the medical director of AltaVita Senior Residences and works primarily with aging adults and issues regarding dementia, depression, and bipolar disorder. Recognized by the Alzheimers Association as a Leader in Dementia Care, the AltaVita Memory Care Centre is setting a new standard in Colorado for exceptional care for people with memory-related issues. AltaVita Memory Care Centre runs an adult day program, with respite services in suites specially designed for residents with Alzheimers and dementia. Additionally, care is customized for every residents level of dementia, ranging from acute medication management to the sense of freedom that comes with visiting AltaVitas beautiful garden patios and spacious, secure courtyard.Assisted Living With access to the same welcoming outdoor landscape, the AltaVita Assisted Living Community offers an upscale service focused intention. On the main level a great room welcomes visitors with a cozy fireplace, tavern, bistro and ice-cream parlor, and plentiful seating areas. The second floor overlooks the great room and features a large community room for varied activities as well as a comfortable lounge. Inclusive to the Assisted Living lifestyle are three meals every day, housekeeping and laundry services, social and recreational activities, 24-hour staffing, medical transportation, and emergency and nurse call systems. Independent Senior Living This is AltaVitas newest addition to the campus, a community for active adults who would like the enrichment of community life free of the responsibilities of home repairs. This maintenance-free lifestyle, including housekeeping, dining and transportation services, is designed to maximize that freedom and minimize those pesky daily duties. The new three-story building contains 84 stylish apartments with nine different floor-plan designs ranging from one bedroom, one bath to two bedrooms plus den and two baths. All include full kitchens, walk-in closets, large showers, washers and dryers, and private patios. The independent lifestyle program includes top-notch services and amenities like a full-service salon, fitness center, wellness programs, Tai chi classes, bistro and bar, housekeeping, and restaurant-style dining room. And when the outdoors beckons there is easy access to hiking, biking, and walking trails. On behalf of the family, we wish to extend our gratitude to such an excellent place for Vern to live, report family members of the experience of their loved one at AltaVita. The friendliness of the staff is beyond compare. We are very impressed with the quality and freshness of the food; the execution of meals; the presentation of such meals.Whole-life WellnessAltaVita believes one of the most important aspects of maintaining good mental and physical health among an aging population is lifestyle. And thats where AltaVita really shines. Supporting every part of the individual, AltaVita subscribes to Whole-Life Wellness. The methodology is envisioned to enhance residents health through seven critical aspects of wellness: social, emotional, spiritual, environmental, vocational, physical, and intellectual. For more information on AltaVitas progressive approach to maximizing the lifestyle of seniors, visit altavitaliving.com or call 888.745.8268 to schedule a free tour.
Located in the heart of Maple Grove, Garland Commons offers a brand-new, affordable living option for adults 55 and older. Opened in 2024, this thoughtfully designed community combines modern amenities, spacious floor plans, and a prime location to create the perfect home for active adults seeking comfort and convenience.Modern Apartments Designed for Your LifestyleGarland Commons features a variety of one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring you can find the layout that meets your needs. Each apartment is designed with convenience and style in mind, offering:In-unit washer and dryerAvailable quartz countertopsWalk-in closetsPrivate balconiesFree underground heated parking, with electric vehicle charging stations availableAmenities to Enhance Your Everyday LifeGarland Commons boasts an impressive array of community amenities designed to foster social connection, relaxation, and entertainment:Fitness center for maintaining a healthy lifestyleLibrary with a fireplace, perfect for quiet readingGame room featuring a pool tableCommunity and activity rooms for gatherings and eventsSunroom for unwinding in natural lightOutdoor patio with grillsDog run for furry companionsA playground for visiting grandchildrenPrime Location in Maple GroveLocated at 9651 Garland Lane N, Garland Commons is surrounded by conveniences and attractions. Residents can enjoy walking to Walgreens, Walmart, Aldi, Culvers, and other restaurants and shops. With easy access to I-94, the entire Twin Cities metro area is within reach.Visit Garland Commons TodayManaged by Velair Property Management, Garland Commons is open seven days a week for tours. Call (763) 298-3113 to schedule your visit and see why this vibrant community is the perfect place to call home.If youre looking for a safe, modern, and affordable living option in Maple Grove, Garland Commons is ready to welcome you. Experience the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and community today!
Saint Paul is set to welcome a new affordable housing option for seniors this fall. Opening in October 2024, Lofts on Rose offers a vibrant, 62+ community with a range of thoughtful amenities and beautifully designed spacesall at an affordable price. Located at 1180 Prosperity Ave, this modern development is tailored to provide comfort, convenience, and a sense of belonging.Floor Plans for Every LifestyleLofts on Rose features 10 unique floor plans, each named after streets in Saint Paul, ensuring a design that suits your individual needs. Whether you prefer a cozy layout or something more spacious, each unit is crafted with functionality and style in mind.Thoughtful Amenities Included in RentResidents will enjoy access to a variety of amenities that make day-to-day living enjoyable:A fitness center to keep active and healthy.A community room perfect for social gatherings.A family dining room for hosting loved ones.A sunroom where you can relax and soak up natural light.Prime Location for Convenience and LeisureSituated in a highly convenient neighborhood, Lofts on Rose offers easy access to grocery stores like Aldi and Cub Foods and is serviced by multiple bus lines. For those who love the outdoors, Lake Phalen and downtown Saint Paul are just minutes away, offering scenic beauty and urban excitement.Tour the Community TodayLofts on Rose is managed by Velair Property Management and is open for tours. Call (612) 416-7290 or visit during office hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM) to schedule a visit and explore this exciting new community.With its modern design, convenient location, and affordable pricing, Lofts on Rose is poised to become one of Saint Pauls most desirable senior living communities. Dont miss the chance to make it your new home!
At Santa Marta, you can always trust there's a greater plan at work. While you embrace every day with more ease and inspiration, you can also rest at night with more peace of mind. Our Life Care plan secures your priority access to an exceptional array of health services. The continuum of on-site care includes assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation care. Care is always here when the day comes, providing needed assurance and confidence for the future.