What to Consider When Moving to Assisted Living
Kavod Senior Life at Cherry Creek
For more information about the author, click to view their website: Kavod Senior Life
Dec 19, 2023
Colorado - Denver Metro
A lot of us can relate to the unease of moving. Of all life’s experiences, it is one of the most stressful by far!
If you or a loved one is moving to Assisted Living because of increased care needs, it can add even more things to your already large mental checklist.
To ease this type of move, we’ve prepared a list of things to think through. That way, when you do make the transition, you’ll have the best chance at feeling at home again. Kavod has been providing Assisted Living since 1986, so we have a lot of experience and wisdom to share with you.
Before you read on, however, take a deep breath. Acknowledge the emotions that accompany this decision, whether it is for yourself, parent or friend.
You might be having feelings of loss…loss of “what was”, loss of physical ability, loss of perceived independence, loss of familiarity and loss of community. You also might be experiencing anxiety, stress, confusion, fear, sadness, anger, grief or depression.
We want to encourage you that these emotions are normal. Talk openly about what you are experiencing with others and seek professional help if needed. Over time, these feelings will ebb and flow, but you will have more time and tools to handle them.
Once you feel you can think clearly through your emotions, take a close look at these four important areas to cover when in choosing a new living community.
1) Location. Think about what type of locations make you happiest, in general. For example:
— How close do you want to be to friends and family? How far are you willing to travel to see them, or have them come visit you?
–What types of amenities are in the nearby area, such as stores, pharmacies or coffee shops?
–How close is the facility to medical and emergency services?
–If faith is important, which religious communities are nearby?
–Do you like a lot of green space around you, or do you like the excitement of an urban setting?
–Do you have easy access to hobbies you enjoy, such as golf, movies or bowling?
Pro tip: Make an actual list of your needs and wants, so when you visit different communities, you will know which things they have and not get distracted by other amenities that you may never use.
2) Culture. It is important to visit a few facilities to get a feel of the surroundings and environment, what you might call the “personality” of the community. For example:
–How do you feel when you enter the building, or buildings? Does it feel welcoming? Safe?
–How does the staff interact with you and the residents?
–Is it clean and tidy?
–Do the meals seem appealing and nutritious? Can you sample the food or check out the daily menus?
–What kinds of on-campus activities and programs are available?
–If you have a pet companion, are pets allowed?
Pro tip: Touring a facility can be overwhelming, so bring a friend or family member who can track questions, reactions, concerns, likes and dislikes for you, kind of like a “note taker”. This will be helpful when you compare and contrast different places, as it may be hard later on to remember which location said what.
3) Size. Think through both your living space and the building as a whole.
–Do you want a shared or private room? Do you need a separate bedroom or is a studio ample?
–Is the community on one or multiple floors? Can you take an elevator or stairs to all the places on campus?
–How long are the hallways? How far will you have to walk from your room to the dining hall or activity room?
–Take into consideration the number of residents. Do you like meeting a lot of people, or do you prefer a more intimate community?
–If using a walker or wheelchair, can you get to place you want to go, either with assistance or without?
Pro tip: Ask about the staff-to-resident ratio in Assisted Living to ensure there is an adequate number of caregivers to address the needs of all the residents. Assisted Living facilities are regulated by the state, including staffing numbers, so you will just want to ensure they are in compliance.
4) Cost: Assisted Living pricing can vary greatly depending on the type of residences, location and state, level of care and services that are provided.
–Does the facility have the services you require, such as medication monitoring, incontinence support, or oxygen management?
–What services are covered in basic pricing? Which services cost extra, and how much for each one?
–Is there a community fee, and if so, how much is it?
–Do you have any assets you will be keeping or selling, such as your current residence, property or other items?
–Can you bring in private services to help with your care, if the community doesn’t offer them?
Pro tip: The average base cost in 2020 for Assisted Living in Colorado was $3,800 – $4,000 a month, with additional fees for service of 20-30% for higher levels of care. Kavod Senior Life falls right in line with this pricing and is one] of the most affordable in town! When determining affordability, it is important to prioritize your needs and budget to see which ones can accommodate you.
We hope these tips have been helpful as you start to assess Assisted Living options. Once you work through them, you may feel a sense of peace. While moving is hard, knowing your needs and wants are being taken care of may actually remove stress and help you embrace your new home with happiness and joy. If Kavod Assisted Living can be helpful to you in your journey, please call us at 303.399.1146
- To view the original version of this article visit kavodseniorlife.org/assisted-living/what-to-consider-when-moving-to-assisted-living/
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
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Kavod Senior Life
Independent Living 22 South Adams Street, Denver, Colorado, 80209Kavod Senior Life Independent Living Apartments, located in the vibrant Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver, Colorado, offer an exceptional living experience for seniors seeking independence, comfort, and community. This esteemed senior living community combines modern amenities with a warm, welcoming environment, making it an ideal choice for active seniors who value their independence while enjoying access to a range of supportive services and engaging activities.Prime Location in Cherry CreekCherry Creek is one of Denver's most desirable neighborhoods, known for its upscale shopping, fine dining, and cultural attractions. Kavod Senior Life Independent Living Apartments benefit from this prime location, providing residents with easy access to the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, renowned restaurants, art galleries, and beautiful parks. The neighborhood's walkability and extensive public transportation options ensure that residents can explore Denver and its surroundings with ease.Comfortable and Modern Living SpacesKavod Senior Life Independent Living Apartments are designed to offer comfort, convenience, and style. The apartments come in various floor plans, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options, catering to different lifestyle needs and preferences. Each apartment features modern amenities such as full kitchens with updated appliances, spacious living areas, ample storage, and private balconies or patios with picturesque views of the surrounding area.The apartments are also designed with seniors in mind, featuring safety enhancements like grab bars in bathrooms, emergency call systems, and easily accessible layouts to ensure a secure living environment. These thoughtful design elements enable residents to maintain their independence while having peace of mind.Community Amenities and ServicesKavod Senior Life Independent Living Apartments offer a wealth of amenities that promote a healthy, active, and social lifestyle. The on-site amenities include:Fitness Center: A well-equipped fitness center with senior-friendly exercise equipment and regular fitness classes to help residents stay active and healthy.Dining Services: An on-site dining room that serves nutritious and delicious meals, catering to various dietary needs and preferences.Library and Computer Center: A quiet and comfortable space for reading, as well as access to computers and the internet for staying connected with family and friends.Arts and Crafts Room: A dedicated space for creative activities, allowing residents to explore their artistic talents.Outdoor Spaces: Beautifully landscaped gardens, walking paths, and outdoor seating areas where residents can relax and enjoy the fresh air.Social and Recreational Activities: A robust calendar of events, including movie nights, game nights, holiday celebrations, and outings to local attractions, ensures there is always something fun and engaging to do.Health and Wellness ServicesAt Kavod Senior Life Independent Living Apartments, the well-being of residents is a top priority. 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Social events and activities are designed to bring people together, encouraging friendships and a sense of belonging.Residents can participate in a variety of clubs and interest groups, such as book clubs, gardening clubs, and volunteer opportunities, allowing them to pursue their passions and contribute to the community. The community also celebrates various cultural and religious events, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of its residents.Affordable and Flexible Living OptionsKavod Senior Life Independent Living Apartments strive to provide affordable living options for seniors. The community offers a range of pricing plans and financial assistance programs to accommodate different budgets and financial situations. This commitment to affordability ensures that more seniors can enjoy the high-quality living experience that Kavod Senior Life offers.Testimonials and Resident ExperiencesResidents and their families consistently praise Kavod Senior Life Independent Living Apartments for its excellent facilities, supportive staff, and vibrant community life. Testimonials often highlight the friendly atmosphere, the wide range of activities, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing that help is always available if needed.One resident shared, "Moving to Kavod Senior Life was the best decision I ever made. The community here is wonderful, and there's always something fun to do. I love my apartment, and the staff are like family."ConclusionKavod Senior Life Independent Living Apartments in Cherry Creek, Denver, Colorado, offer an exceptional living environment for seniors seeking a balance of independence and community support. With its prime location, modern living spaces, extensive amenities, and commitment to health and wellness, Kavod Senior Life provides an enriching and fulfilling lifestyle for its residents. Whether you're looking for a vibrant social life, access to top-notch healthcare, or simply a comfortable and secure place to call home, Kavod Senior Life Independent Living Apartments are an excellent choice for seniors in Denver.
Kavod Senior Life
Affordable-Subsidized 22 South Adams Street, Denver, Colorado, 80209Kavod Senior Life is open and welcoming to all community members who qualify and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or familial status. We have 358 HUD-subsidized apartments available to rent for individuals 62+ (head of household); other family members welcome . Our apartment sizes range between 373 (studio) and 590 square feet (large one bedroom).Residents are obligated to participate in a meal program, which includes six meals each week (dinner M-F and brunch on Sunday). A subsidy is available, exemptions are considered and SNAP benefits will be accepted soon.Rents are calculated based on an applicants total adjusted income.Rent pricing covers electric and water utilities. Applications are available through the website/in our main lobby open 24/7, or contact us to have one faxed, mailed or emailed. Language assistance is available for application completion. Currently there is a waitlist for our subsidized apartments; call to receive an estimate of our current wait time at 303.399.1146. On site amenities include activities, trips (to grocery stores and social outings), health classes and services, music, art, gardening, tech support, free wi fi, computer bank, library, active resident council and more.
Kavod Assisted Living
Assisted Living 22 South Adams Street, Denver, Colorado, 80209Kavod Assisted Living offers private, one bedroom and studio apartments with basic pricing less than $50,000 a year! We only require a one-year spend down to Medicaid on most units. We also offer fee-based support with three additional services: escorts, incontinence care and oxygen management. Some of our highlights include being pet-friendly, having ALL activities included in our pricing, providing an on-site health & wellness center with rehab & geriatric doctors, and more. Our beautiful Cherry Creek location can't be beat! We've been in operation for over 50 years and serve individuals of every faith, background and tradition - you will love our welcoming atmosphere! We look forward to your calls, questions and visits.