The holidays bring opportunities to reconnect with loved ones you haven’t seen in far too long. But if an older adult in your life has shown signs of cognitive or physical decline, it may be time to start difficult discussions about moving them to an older adult community.
“Care communities can be such a benefit to residents who have struggles with health,” says Nicole Hampl, executive director at Sweetbriar Villa in Springfield. “The engagement, exercise, square meals, and medication assistance are often factors in a better quality of life and even improved health outcomes.”
You can explore the range of local options with respect and empathy.
“In independent living, older adults are free to enjoy life without worrying about household responsibilities, such as preparing meals,” explains Todd Armstrong, executive director at Churchill Estates Retirement Community. “Assisted living is for those who need a little extra help, whether managing medications or getting assistance with daily tasks, while still maintaining as much independence as possible. Memory care is for those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, where we provide specialized care in a safe, structured environment that promotes comfort and quality of life.”
Independent living can be a fit for many older adults, says Kathy Heffron, marketing and community relations director at Terpening Terrace. However, it’s important to understand what different independent communities do or do not offer. Terpening Terrace does not offer nursing care, for example, but has dedicated caregivers on site for tasks such as bathing assistance.
“Residents can bring in any level of care that they want,” adds Heffron. “You can have hospice care in independent living too, just as you can have hospice in your own home. As long as it is safe for you and others, and you’ve brought in additional care you need, then you can live here.”
Sometimes declines in an older adult’s health happen quickly, such as from a fall. Most often, declines are gradual with physical ailments or cognitive/neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
“Getting into a care community can prevent the need for higher levels of care, higher costs, and reduced quality of life,” says Hampl.
Common indications that a person may be in need of older adult care can include:
- Forgetting or making mistakes with appointments, medications, or bills
- No longer maintaining usual personal hygiene
- Poor balance, unsteady movement, and concerns about, or a history of, falling
- Problems sleeping, waking, and/or preparing for the day
- Growing depression and increased isolation
- Struggling to remember locations, routines, tasks, or people they know
Hampl says she and her team have seen instances where a family had observed problems, but decided not to pursue a change.
“Often, we get the call that mom or dad had an incident that lands them in the hospital, whether it be dehydration, a fall, or getting lost for hours.” says Hampl. “Usually the needs of their parent become more difficult to care for; the loved one’s quality of life, and length of life, is reduced; and the cost of care is higher.”
Primary care doctors and trained staff at local older adult care communities can help you begin considering options. The Eugene/Springfield area is home to multiple communities. Each has expanded its services to meet not only the medical and physical needs of older adults, but their mental health, activity, and social well-being.
Santa Clara’s independently owned Terpening Terrace focuses on providing ”family, community, and elegance” to older adults. In Springfield, The Esther at Riverbend Assisted Living prides itself on its dining and social spaces, such as the 1923 Bistro, Timber View Library, and Wild Rose Tea Room. Communities typically offer a range of floor plans, plus services such as housekeeping, transportation, security, fitness centers, laundry, bathing assistance, and utilities. Some also provide movies, organized outings, guest lectures, classes, social events, book clubs, and more.
Evaluating and establishing care is a process. For starters, it’s crucial to establish and identify who has power of attorney, or POA, especially for assisted living or memory care. The person who holds POA can make decisions, provide health information, and manage payments.
“The cost of senior living is often one reason people will not seek care for their loved one,” says Hampl. “I recommend someone talk to a professional who can help guide them through what all the costs cover and how that lines up with what they currently are spending or will be spending for the same care at home.”
Care communities can inform families about funding programs and other financial resources too.
Armstrong suggests asking questions such as: “How does the community help residents maintain their independence even as their care needs change? What kinds of activities and opportunities are there for social engagement and personal growth?” These questions, he says, “will give you insight into how well a community can provide for your loved one in both the present and future.”
Here are some other typical steps in the process:
- Talk with a community sales director about your situation and what you’re seeking in a community.
- Tour the community to feel out if it seems like a good fit, and ask questions based on your observations.
- Complete paperwork, such as a Release of Medical Information, which permits the community to assess care needs.
- Review what is or isn’t included, such as utilities, housekeeping, having one’s own vehicle, care options, and/or transportation to medical appointments, entertainment, or other services around town.
- Conduct an in-person assessment with community care staff.
“You want to choose a place where your loved one can stay engaged, keep their sense of self, and feel truly at home,” says Armstrong. “The community you’re considering should offer more than just services. It should provide an atmosphere where residents thrive, where staff know them personally, and where friendships blossom naturally.”
To discern if a community is a good social fit, it’s helpful to look over its Facebook page and event calendar, and come in for a meal with the residents. A suitable floor plan takes preferences into account, such as a window facing a certain direction, or proximity to the dining room. Older adult floor plans incorporate medical needs and conditions, such as the right shower for a person prone to falls, or perhaps foregoing a kitchen for someone who leaves the burner on or has blood-sugar issues.
The more proactive a family can be, the easier the transition when the time is right.
“If you’re considering retirement living, get on that community’s wait list,” suggests Heffron. “Things can move quickly as we age.”
Once you’ve found the right fit, you’ll work with the community’s staff to review financial paperwork, select an apartment, establish a care regimen, sign the contract, make the first payment — and move in.
“Making this decision with a loved one, or for a loved one, is an act of care,” says Hampl. “Putting the needs, well-being, and quality of life of the loved one first, instead of managing the emotional toll or expectations that a person has around this decision, is a selfless act.”etr
The Esther at Riverbend Assisted Living
onelifeseniorliving.com/communities/the-esther-assisted-living
Terpening Terrace
terpeningterrace.com
Sweetbriar Villa
sweetbriarvilla.com
Churchill Estates Retirement Community
churchillretirement.com
