Most people think they would rather bring in help and hire home health rather than consider moving to a senior living community. Is this truly the right answer? In this two part series, we will discuss the pros/cons of staying at home or moving to a senior living community.
Short term solution for a long term problem
Bringing in help might sound like the easy solution. No need to uproot yourself and move somewhere. You enjoy your home, your neighbors and you’re comfortable with you daily routine. In the right situation, bringing in help could be the correct solution, especially if you have a short term issue, however if your situation is more longer term, you may want to rethink this option.
It is important to think through the decision to not move and the impact (financially, socially and emotionally) this will have on you, your spouse and your family.
Buyer beware
First, let me state that there are some very good home health care companies in our area that are reputable, reliable and provide quality care. Unfortunately, there are equally companies that are not reputable and provide inadequate care. If you know you don’t want to move, you should do your research before a crisis occurs.
Weighing the pros/cons of staying or moving involves many factors. These include:
Who’s going to change the light bulbs?
A house is a living entity. There are many moving parts in a constant state of wearing down. Not only is it an expense to maintain your home; trying to quality workmen is a whole other challenge. Living in a maintenance-free senior living community, you make one phone call and the maintenance guy comes an fixes whatever needs to be fixed. You don’t need to be home or even better, to pay him!
As you age, household repairs become more difficult to manage. Simple chores like changing light bulbs or rebooting your television cable box become monumental tasks. Unfortunately, people, especially the elderly, are vulnerable to unscrupulous vendors. You might be able handle everything today, however you need to think about the time when you or your spouse are unable.
Chef-prepared meals or soup in a can?
Meal preparation at home is a challenge as we age. Shopping and cooking are not fun anymore. Especially, if you are alone, meal time is a lonely time. Many times, someone doesn’t eat a nutritionally balanced meal because of the hassle of preparing it.
Most home health aides are not chefs. They might buy some groceries and cook what they buy. There is not a menu of entrée choices or chef-prepared meals like you would enjoy at a senior living community.
In addition, at a senior community, there is always someone to join you at your table. You will never worry about dining alone.
Transportation challenges
Transportation becomes a major issue for people who stay at home. You may not be able to drive yourself and the home care aide may not be able to drive you. Ultimately, you don’t get out and you become very isolated. Transportation to doctors’ appointments, excursions to places of interest is included at a senior living community.
Every day is full of interesting activities
If you are living at home and not able to get out; your life will revolve around your television. You have nothing in common with the home health aide, so you park yourself in your easy chair and watch Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.
If you lived at a senior living community, your days (and nights) are full of interesting and fun activities. There is card playing, lectures, concerts, excerise classes, movies and endless parties and celebrations.
Like a cruise ship, you pick and choose which activities and excursions interest you.
Social Accountability
Personal hygiene is another issue for people who stay at home. People neglect to shower, brush their teeth, wear clean clothes or change their bed linens. Someone’s self-worth and dignity become lost.
If you lived at a senior living community, the staff can assist you with these tasks including personal laundry and housekeeping. There is also an on-site beauty salon, barber shop and even a visiting podiatrist. There is social accountability since you know you are going to dine with other people which forces you to shower, get your hair done, and put on clean clothes.
Limited access to services
There is a limit to what services can be brought to you in own home. At a senior living community, you have access to on-site physical therapy where you can go multiple times during the week (and never worry about driving). They also have visiting doctors and on-site nurses that can check on you. If you were at home and had an emergency during the window of time when you didn’t have a health care aide, you could be in a life or death situation. In a senior living community, you have 24/hr. emergency response.
Select don’t settle
By deciding to move to a senior living community, you can select where you want to live. If you stay in your home and try to manage with home health care and realize that 1) it’s too expensive or (2) it is not working for you; your options are now more limited and you might need to settle on a place that wasn’t your first choice. Some communities have acceptance criteria so if you wait for something to occur, you may not get accepted. You want to move before a crisis occurs, so you can enjoy the lifestyle of the community, meet new friends and have access to the many on-site services and amenities.
It’s a new beginning
There are times when a promise has been made to a parent or a spouse that a move to a senior community will never take place. These promises are many times made without fully understanding the impact this will have (physically, emotionally and financially) on the spouse or family members. People also make these promises without researching other housing options and are basically unfamiliar with the many advantages of living at a senior living community. Being realistic and considering all the factors will remove any guilt and help create a better living arrangement for you or your loved one.
Do you handle your legal affairs without consulting with your attorney? Do you file your own tax returns without consulting with your CPA? Do you handle your financial matters without speaking with your financial advisor? Seeking the advice of an expert is a wise decision. An expert has years of experience in the specific area you are considering and has much more knowledge and resources available to give you the best possible advice.
Selecting and moving to a senior community is a life-changing decision. It involves a financial commitment, lifestyle choice, downsizing adjustment and many emotions. The last thing you would want to do is move somewhere and not be happy or find out the senior community has some financial or operational issues. Yes, you can try it do it on your own, however wouldn’t it be better to seek the advice of someone who truly knows the ins and outs of all the places you are considering?
Be wary of senior housing internet search providers. These companies aggressively advertise on the internet. What you don’t know is that once you call them or fill out their online form, they basically “own you” and will sell your contact information to third parties. You will be bombarded with phone calls and emails. The worst part is that these internet search providers know very little about the senior communities they are recommending. They seldom visit these places and are not current on any issues the senior community could be experiencing. They provide you with a list of places that they have under their contract, which may or may not fit you needs. It is much better to work with a Senior Housing Advisor who is knowledgeable about the local market and all the senior living options.
We know what you don’t know!
As a trusted senior housing advisor, our role is to provide you with the possible advice. We are familiar with all the places in the area and keep current on pricing, availability, significant operational and staffing issues as well as future trends in the market place. We do our best to match your needs and preferences to the best options available. We know that some folks are ready to make the move, but want the peace of mind of knowing they have reached ahead for their future options.
Senior Housing Solutions is locally owned and operated and has over 30 years’ experience in the senior housing industry. Our personalized approach allows us to get to know you and help you every step of the way. Our proven 5 Step process provides you with a comprehensive and objective information to help you with your decision. Best of all, our services are 100% FREE! It’s what we do!
Step 1: We meet with you to get to know you, most of the times, this is done in the comfort of your own home. We discuss your needs and preferences and provide you with a list of assisted living options best fits your needs.
Step 2: We schedule visits with communities of your choice and join you during these community visits to help represent you. We ask questions on topics you may not know to ask and follow up with you to discuss pros/cons of each of your options.
Step 3: We review pricing, level of service plans and residency agreements to make sure you fully understand the fine print at these communities. We review State of Florida Health Care survey reports and negotiate pricing, as appropriate.
Step 4: We provide you with comprehensive and trusted resources to assist you with the move transition and provide you with recommendations of key professionals, as necessary. We also provide you with resources to assist you with your Veteran’s Benefits.
Step 5: After you move in, we will follow up with you to make sure you are happy with your decision. We will discuss any issues with community staff for resolution and communicate with your family, as appropriate.
We are in your corner, every step of the way!
We hear reviews from many of our clients who tells us that could not have done it without our help. Personally, I am not sure how anyone can make this type of decision with our expert advice and why would you want to? Our services are free so why wouldn’t you utilize them? We look forward to speaking with you.
Senior Housing Solutions is locally owned and operated. We have been proudly serving Lee and Collier counties since 2008. Being locally owned and operated, what does this mean to you?
Firsthand knowledge
One of the most important aspects of being locally owned and operated is our firsthand knowledge of all the senior living communities in the area. We make it our passion to get to know each community in the area so we can provide you with expert advice on which community best fits your needs, lifestyle and finances. We stay current on pricing, availability, operational and staffing issues as well as trends in the market place. Yes, you can try to do it on your own, however wouldn’t it better to make one phone call and find the right solution? Being a qualified resource to you is our core mission.
Quality reputation
Our reputation is everything to our business. Since 2008, we have established ourselves in the local community as a qualified and trusted resource. We are not a franchise and are not controlled by any outside influences. We build trust with our clients and from that relationship, we grow our business through referrals. We also partner with other quality businesses in the area and support them in their efforts. In fact, our online Eldercare Directory is a free resource for people looking for reputable businesses that we feel comfortable recommending to you.
We live here
We are residents of SWFL and are familiar with the wonderful lifestyle in our area. We dine at the same restaurants as you and play golf and tennis at similar clubs that you belong. We watch our amazing sunsets and walk on our beautiful sandy beaches. We attend the same cultural events as you and participate in local charities and religious events along with you. Our parents and our friends live in this area too. We understand why you enjoy this lifestyle and want to maintain it.
Personally, I have lived in this area since 1992 and Peggy has lived here since 1974. I am a native Floridian and a graduate of Florida State University. My dad was one of the first men to attend FSU (which was originally a college for women). I have a unique connection with our Florida history and a special appreciation for the Florida nature and ecosystem.
Community-minded
Dear to my heart is our desire to give back to the community. During Hurricane Irma, I personally volunteered with Operation BBQ Relief and served over 126,000 meals to people in need to people in our area and in Keys. We are active in our places of worship and donate either monetarily or with our time to many worthwhile causes in the local area. Being community-minded is who we are. It defines our character and provides a solid foundation with the people we serve.
Advocate for area seniors
As an advocate for local area seniors, I have served on the board of Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Jewish Family Services, Napes Interagency Council and the Retirement Housing Council for the State of Florida.
We are proud to support the many seniors and their families in the area and look forward to building even stronger ties in the greater community in the future.
Hope Hospice Health Care – Physicians, nurses and pharmacists control pain and manage symptoms, supply medications, monitor drug interactions and provide medical supplies and equipment. Medical options will be discussed with you – allowing you, or your loved one, to determine your preferred course of care.
Personal Care Specialists help with daily activities such as bathing, dental care and other elements of personal hygiene.
Navigating financial matters can cause tremendous stress at this time. Social Workers will help you with insurance paperwork and other complex financial matters. They will also discuss decisions regarding future medical care, a living will, choosing a healthcare surrogate and organ donation. Hope’s counselors will also determine if you, or your loved one, are eligible for community support such government assistance, military resources, transportation or volunteer support.
At Hope Hospice , we provide chaplains and counselors to address spiritual and emotional issues, regardless of faith. With their support, you can find peace and comfort when it matters most. Hope Hospice’s Volunteers are available to help with a variety of services from personal errands to transportation and emotional support. These compassionate individuals often lend a hand with day-to-day tasks so caregivers can spend time with their loved ones.
Address:
Bonita Springs (Hope Chest): 28520 Bonita Crossings Blvd, Suite B
Buckhead Ridge: 30082 State Road 78 W, Ste. A, Okeechobee, FL 34974
Cape Coral: 2430 Diplomat Pkwy. E, Cape Coral, FL 33909
Cape Coral (PACE): 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd., A, Cape Coral, FL 33991
Clewiston (Hospice): 101 S W C Owen Avenue, Clewiston, FL 33440
Clewiston: (Connections) 1200 S W C Owen Avenue, Clewiston, FL 33440
Fort Myers: (Hospice) 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Fort Myers: (PACE) 2668 Winkler Avenue, Fort Myers, Florida 33901
Collier Senior Resources is working to address the needs of older adults and caregivers in our community. Our vision is a community that advocates for and empowers seniors and caregivers.
CSR is pleased to share that the Golden Gate Senior Center is now open at 4898 Coronado Parkway, Naples in the building that is the old Golden Gate library. The Center is open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm excluding holidays. Please call (239 252 4541) or stop by for a cup of coffee, to visit and learn about the services and programs available.
In addition to Collier Senior Resources (CSR)’s ‘Center Without Walls’ offering a variety of resources for seniors and caregivers. CSR has partnered with numerous local agencies and non-profits to bring a daily hot lunch program for seniors, weekly food pantry, employment assistance for low-income older adults and a multitude of other programs.
