It’s better to be 5 years too early rather than 5 minutes too late
Each month, we will be providing true life scenarios of people who either planned ahead or waited too long. Maybe you know these folks…
Scenario #1
Mr & Mrs. Smith are 76/78. Both enjoy an active lifestyle. They enjoy travelling and spending time with their family and friends. Mrs. enjoys cooking but has recently lost interest. They live in a nice home in a gated country club community. They have had some minor health issues in the past, but nothing too serious. Mr. Smith has noticed some memory decline and has been slowing down physically. Mrs. Smith is worried about the future and is concerned that she can not take of their home on her own. The idea of moving is overwhelming to them. The Smiths’ have children scattered around the country. One son in Massachusetts, another in Colorado and a daughter in New Jersey. Moving closer to them is not an option. They have a small dog named Cookie.
Solution:
The Smiths’ contacted Bruce at Senior Housing Solutions. Bruce met with them and discussed their options including staying at home or moving somewhere. They decided it was time to start the process of looking. The Smiths’ visited a number of places Bruce recommended and consulted with him during the process. Bruce held family conference calls to keep everyone in the loop, joined them on their tours and helped “prep” them for medical review process. Bruce recommended a downsize expert who was able to help the Smiths’ slim down their possessions including getting rid of a storage unit and figure out what to bring to their new home. They were very grateful they contacted Bruce.
Result:
The Smiths’ moved to a CCRC last month. The Smiths’ including Cookie are very happy. They have already made some friends and reunited with friends from their former country club. Mrs. Smith started attended Tai Chi classes and Mr. Smith is working out at the community fitness center. Mr. Smith’s memory has worsened. They are relieved he was able to get accepted at this CCRC before things got worse. They remembered Bruce telling them… “it’s better to be 5 years too early rather than 5 minutes too late” and how appropriate this was for them.
Urban myth has it that if you put a frog in a pot of boiling water it will instantly leap out. But if you put it in a pot filled with pleasantly tepid water and gradually heat it, the frog will remain in the water until it boils to death. Allegedly, the frog is not able to detect the gradual increase in temperature until it’s too late.
This is what happens when people stay in their homes too long. They don’t realize the water around them is starting to boil!
COVID-19 – How are Assisted Living communities adapting?
There’s been a number of local and national news stories covering virus concerns at “Nursing Homes”. For the most part, these stories deal with issues at skilled nursing facilities. Still, this has prompted a number of calls asking about the status of Assisted Living properties.
First, let’s do a quick refresher lesson on two types of “licensed” senior living.
SKILLED NURSING – SNF
“Skilled Nursing Facilities” (SNFs) provide medical care and employ nurses 24/7. Many of these SNFs house residents and, generally, accommodate the most frail of our senior population. A typical arrangement in skilled nursing is a shared room with at least two “patients” per room. SNFs are often referred to as long term care facilities. THe majority of Covid19 cases are occurring in SNFs.
ASSISTED LIVING – ALF
Assisted Living communities and homes are licensed as Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) . Heavy medical care is not provided in Assisted Living, although some companies do offer some nurse coverage. In fact, ALF licensing requirements restrict residents who require substantial medical care. In larger communities, a typical living arrangement is a single resident “apartment”, although sometimes the apartment is shared by a spouse. In smaller facilities and memory care, shared rooms are more common.
SO WHAT IS HAPPENING AT ASSISTED LIVING PROPERTIES?
No part of our world has gone untouched by the virus… including Assisted Living. But, the good news here is that Assisted Living providers recognized in early March that significant protection strategies needed to be put into place. The Florida Department of Health Services (http://www.floridahealth.gov) has put out special COVID-19 Guidelines that all ALF facilities must adhere to. In both small homes and large communities, visitation has been strictly controlled. Except for staff, you won’t see many people coming and going. In a way, just like our homes, each property has become an island. Obviously, where possible, social distancing and curtailing of activities has become the norm. Meals delivered to rooms, allows large dining areas to go unused.
New residents are being considered by many of the properties, now. Virtual Tours are common. Of course, there will be questions about exposure and other scrutiny to try to prevent any new infection from entering. A physician’s report and thorough assessment will be required. But, even with expected virus-free residents, they may move into their apartment directly on a quarantine. Visitations will remain restricted for a while.
It is important to know the Assisted Living professionals are taking the safety of residents very seriously.
Please contact Senior Housing Solutions if you are ready to start exploring the move or just want to start the conversation.
There are 74.9 million Baby Boomers, which represents almost 40% of the nation’s population. As this group starts to age, senior living communities are adapting to the cruise-ship mentality of this generation. Here are some of the ways:
1). FLEXIBLE DINING SERVICES
Many senior living communities now offer flexible dining hours, a variety of dining venues (casual to formal), chef presentations and vouchers which can be used to purchase meals, liquor and even groceries. Menus are heart healthy and many offer gluten-free choices, freshly grown herbs, organic vegetables, grass-fed meat, free range poultry and sustainable seafood. “To go” menus are available for those who desire to dine in the comfort of their own residence.
2). ABUNDANT FITNESS / WELLNESS PROGRAMS
Baby boomers want to stay active and healthy. Tai chi, yoga, Zumba and even Pilates are now norms at some senior living communities. Fully-equipped fitness centers with personal trainers, lap pools, tennis, pickleball, bocce and even golf are often available. On-site spa services are common which includes a variety of massages, facials and pedicures.
3). LARGER APARTMENTS / UPSCALE FINISHES
Today’s senior community residences are no longer designed for a single elderly individual, but instead are more suited for couples who want large open floor plans with plenty of closets and ambient lighting. Kitchens have modern stainless steel appliances, granite or quartz counter tops and upscale cabinetry. Bathrooms are luxurious but also have safety devices so residents can age in place.
4). CONNECTIVITY
Baby boomers are internet savvy and spend many hours of their day on the computer. Senior living communities now offer internet cafés and personal residences are wi-fi compatible. Some communities actually provide a tablet to each resident so they can reserve seats for entertainment or see the daily menu.
5). CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASSES
Continuing Education is huge for today’s baby boomers. Senior living communities offer programs either online or live with university professors. There are even some senior living communities located on campuses of major universities so residents can attend classes to further their education.
6). ART INSTRUCTION / CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Access to creative types of programs is important to today’s Baby Boomer. Many senior living communities offer painting classes, photography, pottery and wood working. Cultural programs either on-site or nearby are frequently available to the residents of the community. Investment clubs, wine tastings, book groups and card playing are enjoyed.
7). HIGHER ENTRANCE FEE REFUNDS
Senior living communities now offer entrance fee refunds as much as 90% to provide residents the flexibility to move out, leave to their estate or to a charity of their choice. Baby Boomers are philanthropic and leaving a legacy is important to them.
8). VOLUNTEERISM
Baby boomers want to remain active in the local community through their place of worship or local charity. Senior living communities embrace these folks by hosting on-site events, providing transportation and contributing to many local organizations. Residents can also volunteer to serve on several resident council committees or be a welcome ambassador to new residents moving in.
9). MAINTENANCE-FREE LIVING
No longer being concerned with home maintenance and repairs allows today’s residents more freedom to enjoy their life and pursue traveling, taking up a new hobby or perfecting an existing one. Not wasting time waiting for a repairman or being concerned about the cost of the repair are major benefits of living in a senior living community.
10). ACCESS TO ON-SITE HEALTH CARE
Being proactive and pre-planning is in the DNA of a baby Boomer. Knowing that there is health care available provides peace of mind. Baby Boomers do not want to be a burden their spouse or to their children as they age. Some senior living communities even offer on-site physicians services which adds another level of convenience.
In summary, Baby Boomers are reshaping senior housing. The age wave is here and these changes to the senior housing industry will have long lasting effects.
To find a senior living community that meets your needs and preferences, call 239-595-0207 or visit our website at www.seniorhousingsolutions.net
