Moving into a senior living facility can be difficult for both the older person who is moving and that person’s family. It can bring up many complex feelings, including but certainly not limited to excitement, abandonment, guilt, joy, sadness and relief. These feelings are intensified when they coincide with other big life changes. It’s not just that Grandma is moving into retirement housing–it’s that she’s also selling the beloved family home. Or it’s not just that Gramps is moving–it’s that his wife recently died, and he doesn’t want to live in their house alone. Because this is such an emotionally loaded time, it can be a challenge to make this a positive experience. It is, however, possible. The main factor that makes the difference between a stressful and an exciting time is the community that the older person is moving into. The best retirement communities are amazing, welcoming places, and that can make all the difference in the world.
Two of the most important things to look for when one begins to look at Independent Senior Living in Spokane WA are a breadth of choice and flexibility. A variety of floor plans and assistance options should be available. Perhaps an elderly couple might like to have an extra bedroom for when their grandchildren come to visit. Maybe a woman with some mild mobility issues might like to have someone check in on her every day while a man with a more disabling condition might need slightly more intensive care. The ideal community should be able to support all of these options without compromising anyone’s independence.
An active, happy retirement living community will have a variety of activities and support systems in place to help residents be not just physically healthy, but also active and socially engaged. If this is important to a prospective resident, they should be sure to ask about available social programs and community “perks.” For instance, Orchard Crest Retirement Community is pet-friendly and offers a leash-free dog park, for animal lovers. Also, before moving into any complex offering Independent Senior Living in Spokane WA, view the exact apartment that is being considered to ascertain whether or not it will be the right fit. It may also be good to meet the caretakers, doctors, and other staff members ahead of time.
