If only each person could look into a crystal ball and see for sure how their golden years were going to unfold…would they need extra support? How much? Would they still be comfortable in their long-time home as needs change? Should they consider a move to senior living now, in order to be able to enjoy all that it offers?
Crystal balls are nice, but very hard to find. A more reliable method of trying to “see” the future is to take steps now to be ready for it. That way, you can relax and benefit from a carefree, rewarding lifestyle today, and know you have a plan in place for the future.
Aging in place: when it works and when it doesn’t
Staying at home, or aging in place as it’s sometimes called, can be a possibility for older adults who require no, or very little, daily assistance. If you are living on your own and maintaining your independence, you might think this option is best for you.
However, keep in mind that as your needs change, your responsibilities won’t go away. You will still have to take care of your home’s maintenance (roof, walls, AC/furnace, plumbing, appliances, flooring, yard/lawn maintenance, etc.) and all the worries of meal preparation, transportation, medication management and so on.
In addition, if you have not already retrofitted your home to meet safety requirements, you most likely will have to do so. Changes like adding a ramp, handrails in hallways, additional lighting, safety features in the bathroom and kitchen, and more, can be costly. If you require visits from home health aides, you’ll have to factor in those costs, as well as making sure you are receiving the level of assistance you need.
Instead, it might be wise to look at the advantages of senior living, and how moving in while you are able to enjoy all its amenities might be the smartest step you will ever take.
Download our free guide: Determining the Right Time for Your Move. Should you stay or should you go?
Senior living could be just right for you
Consider all these advantages of living in a modern senior living community:
- Social activities and events. Isolation can be harmful to a senior’s mental and physical health. Move into senior living, and you can be as busy and involved as you choose to be. Classes, trips, parties, hobbies, clubs, happy hours, discussions—friends are always close by and ready to share good times with you.
- Maintenance-free living. Put down the dustmop and forget the rake. As a resident of a community such as St. Mark Village, you can sit back and relax while a cheerful staff takes care of the details of everyday life, from housekeeping to changing a light bulb.
- 24-hour security. Senior living is great for peace of mind every day of the year. There’s always someone available to assist you when needed, day or night.
- Transportation. You’ve most likely had your share of rush-hour driving or worrying about finding parking space. Scheduled transportation can be the answer. As a senior living resident, you can enjoy a ride to scheduled appointments, special outings, grocery stores and more. And there are often fun group excursions to places of interest nearby. Being with friends makes everything more fun!
- Dining. Cook as much as you please in your private residence. But if you’re ready to enjoy nutritious and delicious dining prepared by a culinary team, senior living is for you. Many communities offer more than one venue and families are encouraged to join you.
- Exercise and wellness. Living at home, it can be hard to maintain a fitness regimen. Senior living makes healthy aging much easier, with personal instruction, senior-friendly exercise equipment, and fun classes just steps away. In our Wellness Matters program at St. Mark Village, residents work with wellness professionals to achieve their fitness goals through cardio, stretching, yoga, and dance.
Life in an environment that fulfills your every need—body, mind, and spirit—inspires you to embrace your independence as never before
No matter where you reside in St. Mark Village, you benefit from the support, focus on total wellness, and strong social network that can lead to increased longevity. Plus, you have a plan that offers seamless access to future care options, something both you and your family can appreciate.
Live Independently, Live Fully. Download our free guide: Determining the Right Time for Your Move. Should you stay or should you go? Or contact us. We’d love to hear from you.
