Thinking of planning for the future can be daunting, but it’s necessary. Everyone ages differently, but at the end of the day, all anyone wants is to feel happy, healthy and supported.
As you’ve aged, what changes have you noticed? Is it becoming more difficult to complete household chores? Are you scheduling more frequent doctor’s appointments? Are you not able to spend as much time with family and friends?
The one constant throughout the aging process is that change is inevitable. At The Terraces at Bonita Springs, we provide a safer, more enriching alternative to ‘aging in place’ that seniors love.
Learn more about what it means to age in place, who it makes sense for, and how you can plan accordingly for a reliable long-term living solution.
What does it mean to age in place?
For those who want to remain in their own homes as they get older, this idea is referred to as aging in place. And while many older people desire to age in place, it’s not always the most sensible choice for their future.
Even when seniors need assistance with daily chores and home maintenance or require health supervision, many choose home care over moving to a senior living community. Why?
The most common reason is familiarity. They know where everything is, they have fond memories, and there’s no need to worry about packing and selling the home. This is a completely normal inclination to have but isn’t always within the individual’s control.
Another reason is financing. Many seniors feel they’ve worked hard throughout their lives to earn a living, invest, and put away savings for their retirement and for their families after they pass. Senior living communities do come at a price, but there is always give and take when it comes to what’s in the individual’s best interest.
When does aging in place make sense?
Aging in place makes sense if you can manage your home sufficiently on your own or with only some help from family members, friends, or professionals. Aging in place also works for those who are able to tend to daily personal care tasks and health care needs, socialize, and get from place to place without issue.
Aging in place doesn’t make sense for older adults who find their health and safety are compromised by living at home. This includes not only those who face physical and cognitive challenges but also those who struggle with isolation and loneliness.
If you or a loved one feels your quality of life could be better outside of your own home, it may be time to move into a senior living community that offers different lifestyles and levels of care. Whether it’s independent living, assisted living, or memory care, your daily life could be greatly improved by moving to a community that fits your needs.
Signs moving to a senior living community is right for you
There might not be any obvious signs that you should move into a senior living community. You might just be looking for a change of environment and the ability to spend more time focusing on activities and hobbies you enjoy instead of dealing with the hassles of home ownership.
An active senior living community like The Terraces is a great place to meet like-minded individuals and simply live worry-free. If ever the signs do become obvious that you need additional care, you’ll find assisted living and memory care here, too.
At our community, residents access amenities and services that make life easier, including:
- Exquisite dining
- Housekeeping
- Indoor and outdoor home maintenance
- Concierge services
- Lifelong learning opportunities
- State-of-the-art fitness center
- Indoor and outdoor pools and spa
- Billiards room/game room
- Full-service beauty salon and barbershop
- Putting green
- Tennis and bocce ball courts
- Creative arts studio and crafts room
- And more wonderful opportunities to thrive!
On the flip side, if your wish is to age in place, but you’re beginning to observe any of the following lifestyle, physical, behavioral, or cognitive changes, it’s a good time to start thinking about the potential move into a senior living community:
- Loneliness
- Trouble getting out of a chair/sofa or bed
- Difficulty bathing or using the restroom
- Low energy
- Impaired driving
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Short temper or increased agitation
- Slurring of words
- Lack of hygiene
- General forgetfulness
- Confusion or loss of train of thought
- Increased paranoia and anxiety
No matter your preferences or needs, it’s important to discuss your options with loved ones who care about your well-being. Making the decision to age in place or move into a senior living community should not be taken lightly, and your health, happiness, and safety should always come first.
Discover the perfect place to age gracefully.
At The Terraces at Bonita Springs, we take the maintenance and worry out of everyday life. Choose from a variety of floor plans to feel right at home, satisfying dining options, and an active lifestyle with health service options all under one roof. Learn more and picture your future when you visit our community.