Five Things to Ask Yourself When Choosing an Older Adult Community
The best time to research an older adult community, either for yourself or a parent, is when you don’t need one. Time is on your side, and the pros and cons can be weighed without the stress of a time constraint. Searching when a crisis occurs not only limits your choices, but decisions can easily be made without thorough consideration for the impact on your lifestyle.
Besides the usual questions about cost, size of the suites, and amenities, there are other questions that should be asked that can have a big impact on your quality of life.
1. I want to continue to enjoy life and learn new things. What programs are offered, and are they offered on my terms or yours
Living a full life in your later years should be a focus in any community. Programs should be designed around the interests of the residents. At United Active Living, our art studios, for instance, are open 24 hours and residents are free to come and go as they please. Our autumn program guides offer some 60 pages of stimulating and entertaining programs to cater to a wide variety of interests – many programs are held in conjunction with a dozen community partners such as the Calgary Philharmonic, Honens, Mount Royal University and others.
2. What about meals? Is there assigned seating or other restrictions?
United communities have unrestricted meal times and seating arrangements. You can eat what you want, when you want and with whom you want. Our kitchens are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, and we feature an all-day menu so if you want a steak for breakfast, our chefs will handle it. And when you have family or friends over, our kitchen staff will make your family gatherings memorable.
3. I may be healthy now, but what happens when I experience a health crisis? How will the community respond to that? Will I be separated from my spouse?
A community should ensure that a health issue is well managed, and provide residents with the peace of mind that such a crisis won’t force a move away from the community. United Active Living strives to keep you in the community, near your friends, and in the comfort of your suite. We encourage independence, no matter your stage of life. Husbands and wives want to stay together, regardless of their health. We find that they often participate in programs together, which supports the general well-being of both.
4. Will I be locked away in a separate wing should I develop dementia?
Research has shown that people living with dementia do better when included within the general community population. United Active Living offers a revolutionary dementia program called United Minds that encourages participation in as many programs as they wish. No resident is excluded from any of our programs, and there are no locked or separate wings for those with health issues.
5. What is your gut reaction? Do you feel comfortable and welcome or does the community feel more like an institution?
An older adult community is your new home and it should feel that way. Your former home didn’t feel like a medical clinic, so why should your new home? While your medical needs are important, United’s staff ensures your needs are provided in the privacy of your suite, with discretion and respect.
There is a lot to do, learn and enjoy in an older adult community. Combine that with the freedom from home maintenance and chores, and you can see why moving to an older adult community can be more exciting than you ever imagined.
By United Active Living
