Timing Senior Living: Community Information and Personal Readiness

In part one of this two-part blog series, we reviewed some basic themes to consider in terms of when to plan a transition into a senior living community. While there may not be a “perfect” time for such a move, there are a number of factors that play a role in finding the most amenable period in which to make this sort of move, both for seniors themselves and for their family members or caregivers.

When you contact us at Avamere at Mountain Ridge, this is just one of numerous areas we’re happy to help with in regard to our assisted living community. We assist our guests and their families with several transitional areas, including help with finding the ideal time to make this move. Here are a few other general themes and approaches we recommend.

Senior living communities are not nursing homes

For many seniors, addressing a major misconception early on in this process will be helpful: while senior living communities and nursing homes share some broad characteristics, they are not one and the same.

The primary difference between nursing homes and senior living communities is that while nursing homes provide care for seniors with specific medical needs or conditions, senior living communities are designed to meet the special requirements of active adults over 55. Nursing homes tend to be relatively regimented in terms of what they offer; while some may resemble home settings, most are relatively static in terms of their options.

Assisted living communities, on the other hand, provide a range of health care services—but they do so in an environment that makes it easy for seniors to take advantage of these services without sacrificing activities and opportunities they may enjoy. It’s easier to make choices here; if your senior loved one prefers to entertain friends or visit new restaurants on a regular basis, for example, they can still do so.

Personal readiness

And while we can talk until we’re blue in the face about varying factors, this decision often comes down to the individual’s readiness to make this big transition in their life. Seniors who are well-adjusted and long used to a certain degree of freedom may be more likely to make the transition effectively. Seniors who have been struggling with life transitions in recent months or years, however, may find this change more difficult to handle until they’ve had time to regroup and reconnect with themselves.

While a move is a big decision, many residents who move to a senior living community wish they had moved in sooner. That’s because Avamere at Mountain Ridge elevates seniors’ freedom, taking care of the everyday tasks and care services so residents can focus on what matters most.

A fantastic community

One theme that will make this entire transition easier and will often define the final timing chosen for the move: choosing a great assisted living community. Avamere at Mountain Ridge has a fantastic reputation in the Ogden, Utah area, helping our guests transition to their new home while providing the care and support they need and desire.

For more on how to choose the ideal timing for a move to a senior living community, or to learn about any of our assisted living or memory care services, contact Avamere at Mountain Ridge today.