Most older adults don’t rush to think of themselves as “good candidates” for senior living – and for good reason. We don’t like to think of ourselves as old, in any sense of the word! Thankfully, surrendering your independence is not a requirement for senior living, but one option that does offer an advantage is a flexible mindset.

In part one of our Too Young for Senior Living Series, we highlighted the power of mindset when contrasting common objections about senior living with real-life experiences shared by residents. In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages of a flexible mindset and how it can impact a senior’s decision to move. We will also offer seven reflection questions for those “good candidates” ready to give senior living a second thought.

The Value of a Flexible Mindset

Keeping an open mind to an independent or assisted living move may be easier said than done. Senior care counselors have countless stories of prospective residents who took a wait-and-see approach. Rather than consider themselves “good candidates” for senior living, these seniors chose to live at home as long as possible until circumstances or health complications forced them to make a change. They assumed they were “too young” or would just “wait until something happened” – a crisis that would justify the move. While this strategy might work for some, it can lead to isolation, depression, and compromised health and safety.

It is not surprising that so many new and established senior living residents admit they regret waiting so long to move. Family members who see their loved ones thriving in their new community share openly how they wish their loved ones made a move sooner. If making a move can be so beneficial, why do so many seniors feel so apprehensive?

Age – A Matter of Mind

An open mindset toward growing older can be valuable, even when one does not feel old, look old, or need help, like “older people” do. Prospective residents touring senior living communities are always interested in knowing the average age of residents and are quick to compare their appearance, abilities, and lifestyle. However, judging a “good candidate” for senior living by age and outward factors alone can be misleading. While the average age of senior living residents can vary greatly by location and by community, in general, the breakdown looks something like this (statistics taken from the American Health Care Association (AHCA) and the National Center for Assisted Living/NCAL):

• 6% - Age 65 or younger
• 13% - Age 65-74
• 31% - Age 75-84
• 50% - Age 85 or older

The AHCA and the NCAL estimate that there are over 800,000 older Americans residing in assisted living communities across the country. Wondering what the average age of an assisted living resident is in your state? Check out this downloadable one-page fact sheet with some interesting data.

If your age or mindset is leading you to delay a decision to move or you are wondering what makes a “good candidate” for senior living, ask yourself the following questions. If you (or your senior loved one) can answer “Yes” to any of these questions, consider opening your mind to the possibility of senior living.

Am I a Good Candidate for Senior Living? 7 Questions to Ask.

1. Is your routine full of burdensome responsibilities?

A maintenance-free lifestyle is one of the main reasons why seniors choose to move to a senior living community. Rather than spend their day managing household chores and other tasks, senior living residents continue to drive, work, or volunteer and enjoy a full calendar of social programs, events, family visits, and daily connections with others.

2. Do you consider yourself an active, independent adult?

Senior living provides a lifestyle of safety and convenience for active, healthy, and independent older adults. Seniors looking for community living, with access to services and amenities, may opt for an independent living community first before moving to assisted living. Services and amenities can vary in independent living communities, but many offer assisted living and memory care offerings as well. A continuum-of-care community ensures individuals can easily access additional support or a more supportive setting when care needs change.

3. Do you receive in-home care from a professional caregiver?

In-home care services from professional caregivers or home care agencies can become very costly, especially when a loved one can no longer live alone at home safely.

Senior living communities offer 24/7 staffing and access to nursing and wellness services to best manage a senior’s changing care needs. These services can be part of a short-term or long-term care plan and are structured to support a resident’s current level of independence. In some cases, this support enables residents to thrive without needing ongoing services.

4. Do you spend several hours a day alone?

Research continues to support the importance of daily, face-to-face human interaction. If your time with friends or family members is limited and you spend your days mostly alone and isolated, community living can be life-changing! It offers seniors a sense of belonging and connection in place of a shrinking social network. These social connections and activities play a critical role in keeping the brain and body healthy and engaged as well, as social isolation may increase the risk of dementia in older adults.

5. Have you had a recent hospital or rehab stay within the last year?

Seniors who experience occasional or frequent hospital and/or rehab stays can benefit from the network of services and support in assisted living. Senior living staff have years of expertise in coordinating residents’ care needs and can assist individuals by helping to manage medication, prevent falls, encourage safe and healthy living, and provide guidance for common health conditions. Residents with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, anxiety, or mild cognitive decline can rely on assisted living staff to support them when incidents arise, instead of managing an illness or unexpected health issue alone.

6. Do current health challenges make daily activities more difficult?

If you or your senior loved one has been challenged by mobility issues, falls, or other health concerns that make daily activities more difficult, moving to an assisted living community can be advantageous. With access to supportive care and wellness services, programs and events that promote independence and social connection, and support from experienced healthcare professionals, your daily routine can be motivated with confidence and not fear. Prolonging your independence in an independent or assisted living community can also replace or delay a move to a skilled nursing facility, or nursing home, in some cases.

7. Are your monthly expenses well-managed?

If you or your senior loved one is currently budgeting separately for utilities, home maintenance, meals, and home care services, you may be surprised to find assisted living a more affordable option than you thought. With an inclusive monthly rental covering the majority of an individual’s home expenses, residents can then arrange for the coordination of care services by community staff or a preferred provider. Additionally, senior living residents managing their monthly expenses well can finance a move to community living by downsizing their family home and consolidating monthly bills.

Still Not Sure?

Still not sure if senior living is right for you, but would you like to learn more? Visit a Stoney Brook senior living community and experience the lifestyle firsthand. Learn why our residents made the decision to move and speak with one of our senior living counselors who can help you determine if a move is right for you.

For more helpful answers to your questions about senior living, subscribe to our blog or check out Stoney Brook’s valuable free resources. Explore the differences between assisted living and memory care and experience the many benefits of living in a Stoney Brook community in Central Texas.