Senior Living Simplified
Important Questions Answered by Our Experts
The senior living journey can seem overwhelming at first. Whether you’re just starting to explore options or searching for specific answers, we’re here to make the process easier. We answer your most common senior living questions in a simple, straightforward way, so you can feel confident in your next steps.
This is Senior Living Simplified!
Senior Living FAQs
What is senior living?
Senior living is housing and care options designed for older adults. It offers an active retirement lifestyle with access to amenities, care services, and support for easier living. We’re here to help families navigate this important decision with confidence.
Why should I choose senior living?
Senior living offers independence, connection, and an easier retirement lifestyle. In fact, after moving in, some of our residents have said they wish they had chosen senior living sooner. You receive support when needed, plus more time to focus on what you enjoy, while a compassionate team takes care of the daily tasks like cooking, housekeeping, maintenance, and more.
What is independent living?
Independent living is for active seniors who want to enjoy a vibrant, low-maintenance lifestyle without worrying about cooking, cleaning, or home upkeep. It’s about freedom, convenience, and community.
What is assisted living?
Assisted living assists with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medications while still promoting independence. Care plans are personalized to each person, so they receive the level of care they need. Assisted living is ideal for seniors who need healthcare services with access to amenities and social opportunities for an active lifestyle.
What is memory care?
Memory care is specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. It offers a secure environment, trained staff, and structured programs to support memory, familiarity, comfort, and dignity. Each person is unique, so care plans are personalized to each individual. We’re proud to offer specialized training in our memory care communities managed by Arete Living. Our Dementia Live training simulation immerses employees into the world of dementia, affecting their vision, hearing, and even emotions. This powerful experience allows employees to better understand our residents’ daily experiences and enhances the level of care they’re able to provide.
How do I know when it’s time for senior living?
If your loved one experiences falls, is lonely, or is having more difficulty managing their home, it could be time to consider senior living. You may notice forgetfulness – such as missed medications, forgotten appointments, or accidentally leaving an appliance on such as a stove or sink. Sometimes, it’s simply wanting an easier lifestyle with more social connection and support. Ask yourself if you or your loved one can live safely in their home. If you’re seeing any of these signs, it’s time to consider senior living.
What’s included in senior living?
Senior living often includes meals, housekeeping, maintenance, transportation, activities, and fitness programs. You can select care services based on your or your loved one’s needs. This lifestyle is designed to make your retirement easier and vibrant.
How do senior living communities promote safety?
Senior living often includes safety features like an emergency response system, a receptionist with guest sign-in, pull cords or call buttons, safety bars in bathrooms, and 24/7 staff. Many memory care communities feature enclosed courtyards. Some memory care communities offer female-only memory care to promote safety, peace of mind, and friendship for their female residents and their family members. Many senior living communities also offer regular wellness checks to help ensure residents are safe and thriving.
What happens if my care needs change in senior living?
Many senior living communities offer multiple levels of care, so if your needs change, support can be adjusted without having to move. If a senior living community doesn’t offer the level of care you or your loved one requires, they can recommend some nearby communities that fit your needs.
Is senior living only for people who need healthcare services?
Not at all! Many seniors move into independent living for the social life, amenities, and freedom — not because they need healthcare. It’s about enhancing life, not just managing health.
Can I maintain my independence in senior living?
Senior living is designed to enhance independence. You choose how to spend your day, with a wide array of activities available to express your artistic side, exercise, learn something new, socialize, and more. Senior living services like dining, housekeeping, and transportation allow you to embrace your independence and spend more time doing what you enjoy.
What should I look for in a senior living community?
When seeking senior living, focus on cleanliness, employee friendliness, safety features, and how the community feels. Ask about an upcoming event you can attend or a complimentary meal so you can experience the community and get to know the people who live there. Visit a few senior living communities, and some people may want to come back for a second tour. Consider the team your personal guide to senior living. Ask your questions – they’ll help you determine which level of care fits best for you or your loved one. They’ll be alongside you every step of the way through move-in day and beyond.
What’s the difference between senior living and a nursing home?
Senior living offers an active lifestyle with services and amenities seniors need to thrive in retirement, such as dining, social opportunities, housekeeping, maintenance, care services, and more. Seniors live in their personal apartment or cottage – it’s their own home with easy access to the services they need. Nursing homes provide 24/7 medical care for individuals who require a higher level of care either short or long-term.
How much is senior living?
Senior living costs vary based on location, care level, and amenities. Independent living is generally more affordable than assisted living or memory care, since independent living doesn’t require specialized care services. Some communities accept Medicare, Medicaid, or other insurances. Visit senior living websites to explore their pricing options or contact the community to find out more.
What is the future of senior living?
Our world is embracing technology to assist in our everyday lives. Imagine a world where technology not only supports our seniors but also empowers them.
Innovation is part of our core values at Areté Living. We’re proud to use innovative technology to enhance communication with residents and families, provide impactful training for our employees in memory care, and connect with seniors and families as they explore senior living options.
Looking ahead, we see exciting advancements — from smart health monitoring to compassionate AI that supports memory care residents. We’re proud to be at the forefront of this evolution to redefine senior living.