Solterra Senior Living Blog

Finding the right Assisted Living Community for yourself or a loved one is a lengthy process.  Whether you start looking online or visit several communities, trying to narrow down your search can become difficult and tiresome.  The best thing to do is to start the process before there is an urgency or medical reason to move. This way you have a plan and several options.  Also, keep in mind that the needs of the intended occupant should come first in selecting the right community. 

Determining the differences between assisted-living communities depends on asking the right questions.  Here is a list of things to look for that might make your search a little easier:

Security/Safety

The safety of yourself or your loved one is very important.  Most of the time this is the reason why you are looking at assisted living communities, so pay close attention to the safety features that each community you visit offer.   Can you or your loved one easily move about the apartment as well as the common areas? Are there safety railings in the hallways and grab bars in the bathrooms? Is the floor carpeted or are there areas where someone could slip and fall? Is the community wheelchair and walker accessible?

When looking at the model rooms, make sure to ask questions.  Some things you see in these models may not be included in your apartment unless you pay for them or get them installed yourself.  Also, is there a 24hour emergency call system and if so, how is it used? Is there a monitor on each person (necklace/bracelet), or call buttons throughout the community? Call systems are not required in assisted living communities, so it is a good idea to verify what options the specific community offers. 

Additionally, check to see how the community is secured.  Do they have specific visiting hours? Is there a sign in/sign out list? Do they lock the main doors at a certain time? Are there cameras that are placed throughout the community and actually monitored, or is there someone who patrols the grounds at night? Research the crime rate in the area or if there has ever been a situation at the community previously. If so, what did the community do to assure this will not happen again?

Health

When looking at different communities it is important to identify how they will affect your health.  Will this place add to you or your loved one’s well being? Take a look at what onsite health services are offered at the community.  Do doctors such as podiatrists visit the community on a regular basis, or are the residents responsible for going to their own doctor? If residents must leave the community to see doctors, does the community help schedule and keep track of appointments? Provide transportation to those appointments? How does the community help with medication? Do they have medication reminders and nurses who administer the drugs?

In addition, find out about the food/dining service.  Are meals provided at the community? If so, are they nutritionally balanced? Is there flexibility in the menu where the resident can make a special request? On your visit to the community make sure to try the food; most communities offer complimentary lunches with tours.  Also, ask for a menu and see if it meets not only nutritional needs, but personal taste as well.

Another important thing to consider when looking at assisted living communities is how they will help you in the future.  Even if you are in good health now, consider a community that will not only meet your current needs, but your future ones as well.  Is there an on-staff nurse? Does the community have more than one level of care? Do they offer services such as bathing? Do they offer Alzheimer’s Care? Moreover, pay close attention to the cleanliness of the community.  Is there a stale or odd odor?

Staff

Find out who they have on staff, what time they are there, and what their roles and responsibilities are.  This will help you see not only how the community is run, but what each staff member can do for you or your loved one.  What is the ratio of employees to residents? A ratio of 10 to 1 may cost more, but the extra money may be worth it for more attention and care. 

Additionally, find out how long each employee has been there.  If a community has a high turnover rate this might be insight to management problems that you otherwise wouldn’t see.  Plus, the longer a staff member is working at a community, the more they are able to bond with the residents and develop a relationship.

On your visit, you should ask to meet the administrator.  A lot of times you can have a better idea of how the community is run once you meet the person in charge.  Normally whoever takes you on the tour knows the ins and outs of the community, but if an administrator is willing to meet with you, they know they will make time for you when you’re a resident.  This person’s personality and involvement level are extremely important.

Also, determine how the property handles maintenance issues.  Do they have maintenance on staff?  Moving from your home to an assisted living community doesn’t always mean that you will no longer have problems with appliances.  If something is wrong with the air-conditioner or disposal, is there someone on staff that can fix these problems for you? This may be a huge decision factor for you. 

These are just some things to look for when you are searching for the right assisted living community.  More tips to come on Friday!

Most retirement communities have new residents sign contracts when they move in.  It is very important to review these contracts before signing.  Ask an attorney who specializes in elder care to look over the documents.  This may cost a few hundred dollars, but could save you a lot of pain and money in the future. 

Each retirement community has their own contracts, so do not assume that they are all standard.  Make sure you understand the services that the price offers and whether or not these costs increase annually.  If there are increases in prices, make sure it states the percentage that will increase and over what period of time they will increase. 

Additionally, contracts are pretty much set, so if there is something you do not like, do not sign it.  If there is room to negotiate, have your attorney put the negotiations in writing.  Also be sure to check on what happens if you decide to leave the community.  Most communities do not refund the deposit you put down, so if you move in and decide the community isn’t right for you, you may lose your entire deposit.  See if you can add an exit clause and negotiate the clause costs. 

Your best bet is to always read the fine print and have someone else, whether it is a loved one or an attorney, look over the contract as well because a second pair of eyes is always helpful!

The decision to move a loved one into an assisted living community is one the whole family should be a part of.  If you think a loved one needs help, don’t put off talking about it.   You may face resistance at first, but your loved one will recognize this is the best for their health and safety.  Understand that moving away from a place that has been home for decades and being unable to live independently is a very sensitive and hard reality.

The best way to go about this is to include your loved one in all the final decisions.  This is their life and they should have a say in how they will live it.  Listen to your loved one and know that their concerns and objections are reasonable.  Acknowledge that the move and adjustments they will make are difficult, but also explain to them the advantages of moving. 

Additionally, include your loved one on the visits to several different living communities.  This will allow them to get a feel for what these communities are like and what they offer.  Before you go on your visit, draft a list of things that are important (activities, food, location, etc.) and mark down which communities provide those items.  Discuss what you liked and didn’t like about each community and compare that with the others you visit.  This will help your loved one decipher which community they will be happiest.

Once you have decided on the new home, get a floor plan of the room as well as a list of what the community will provide.  By doing so, you will find that you can better prepare everyone for moving day.    Sit down with your loved one and plan out where they want to put furniture and accessories.  This will cause less confusion and stress during the actual move.  (Refer to Previous Blog “Making the Move” for specific items to bring).

It is also a good idea to obtain the activities calendar and help your loved one pick some activities/groups they would be interested in being a part of.  This will help them meet new people in their community as well as keep them active.  Let them know that although they have their own personal and private space, they also have many common areas to explore as well.

Some families have found that setting up the loved one’s room before they arrive has been more welcoming than including the new resident in the moving process.  You will already have an idea of how to arrange the room from your previous discussion with the floor plan, so even though they will not be present on moving day, they will have a say in how their new home is to be arranged.

Remember to be patient: the less stressful everyone else is, the less stressful the loved one will be.  Make sure to phone and visit often the first few weeks after the move to see how the new resident is adjusting.  If they complain or talk about missing their old home, listen and be understanding.  This is a huge change and can take a few months to get used to. If you have any concerns, talk to the staff for suggestions or help, they are experts in these situations.

Shopping for loved ones can be a difficult task, especially if the person you are shopping for has everything they need! This is usually the case if you know someone in an assisted living community.  They have pretty much everything they want and if there is something they don’t have, most likely the community they live in offers it.  So the question remains: what to get?

I have put together a list that might make your holiday shopping a little less stressful. 

10.  Book on Tape: Many seniors love to read, but those who struggle with their eyesight find it more difficult to do so.  For this reason, books on tape are a great gift! They are good sources of entertainment and allow seniors to keep up with the new novels that are released, as well as enjoy their favorites. 

9.  Magazine Subscriptions:  Find out what your loved one takes special interest in and find a magazine geared towards this.  If they are interested in specific newspapers like the New York Times you can subscribe to these as well.

8. DVD’s: Many classic movies and TV shows have been released on DVD and box sets.  Most assisted living communities have a theater room where they can enjoy these on the big screen.  Not only will your loved one be able to enjoy one of their favorites, but they can share it with their friends.  This will cause much reminiscing and conversation among the community.

7.  Games:  Seniors love to play games.  Most communities will have organized bingo nights, but what about all the other fun board games and card games that are out there? Yahtzee and Phase Ten are great entertainment.  Your loved one can play these with their friends at the community and with you when you visit. 

6. Wii Fit: Video games are the biggest craze for seniors today.  Wii fit is not only entertaining, but keeps your loved one active!  There are about 50 Wii fit games to choose from.  Other Wii games like bowling and wii hooked (fishing) are other popular choices.

5. Calendar with Family Photos:  Calendars are a great gift, so why not make this gift better and put a personal touch on it! This is easy to do and all you need is 12 photos! You can make this on your personal computer, or somewhere like Kinko’s or Walgreens will be able to help you.  Take the extra step and mark important dates on the calendar for them.  Birthdays and days you are coming to visit will be decorated on the calendar and also give your loved one something to look forward to.

4. Hobby gifts: Find out what your loved one’s hobby is.  Many seniors like to scrapbook and collect things.  Help add to their collections, or purchase supplies that they need such as coin collecting books, or stickers and paper for scrapbooking.  This shows that you take interest in what they like.

3. Outdoor Games: Games like bocce ball and croquet are great outdoor activities that are fun and active.  Most senior living communities have outdoor common areas that are well suited for these types of games. 

2. Digital Photo Frames: This has become a hot new trend! Being able to use one frame to showcase multiple photos is a great gift for the holiday.  Your loved one will be able to look at the slide show any time they want.  You can fill the rotating shots with photos of grandkids, or a bunch of favorites of other relatives and friends.  While the traditional photo albums take up space and gather dust, this new technology will be a fun challenge. 

1.  YOU! The best present you can give someone is your presence! Holidays are a time to spend with the ones you love and a visit to your friend or family in an assisted living community will make their holiday special.

I hope you found this list helpful.  If you have any other suggestions that are not on the list, please share below!

The decision of moving a loved one into an assisted living community is hard enough, so don’t make the transition a struggle either.  There is no need to go through each and every possession that has been collected over the many years of their life.  Instead, take only what is needed for them to use on a daily basis and the little decorations to make their new place feel more like home. 

Moving is an emotional time in itself and the added stress of decluttering will only make the situation more uncomfortable. Once your loved one has established themselves in their new home, possibly bring a box at visits and use the time to share memories and then figure out what it is all of you want to do with these prized possessions.

The majority of apartments in assisted living communities include a kitchen, living room, bedroom (sometimes 2), and a bathroom.  The total area of living quarters usually ranges anywhere from 350 to 750 square feet, which may sound small; however, there are many common areas such as dining rooms, living rooms, activity rooms, libraries and other outside spaces.  With the different activity programs and the restaurant style dining, the resident will not be in their private rooms often.

So the question is: what should you take to get started?

The private apartments at assisted living communities usually have a refrigerator and microwave already in place and because meals are included, your loved one really hasn’t much need for a lot of kitchen accessories.  Here is a list of items that will be useful:

Kitchen:  A waste basket, small countertop appliances, dishes (place setting of four), glasses, silverware, cutlery, and containers.  The big item here would be a kitchen table and chairs.  Remember, most dining will take place in the common dining room, so you only need a small table about 36” diameter and a few chairs, preferably two, but four at most.

Bedroom: A full or queen size bed would be a perfect fit along with the pillows and bedding to go with it.  You don’t need a lot of spare sheets, just an extra set because most assisted living communities offer linen services.  Nightstands (2), lamps, a dresser and mirror, and a chair will also be adequate.  If a television is preferred this can be included on the list as well.

Living Room: There are many different arrangements you can have in this living area.  A sofa (no larger than six feet) and a chair, or a loveseat and two chairs will be plenty.  A bookcase or curio cabinet will be able to store any keepsakes or items that want to be displayed.  A coffee table usually gets in the way, especially if your loved one is in a wheel chair. 

Bathroom: Most assisted living communities have grab bars already installed in the showers.  If not, request them to be put in before you do the move.  If your loved one doesn’t use them now, they may in the future.  Other items needed would be a set of towels and a waste basket.  A medicine cabinet is another good idea to hold all hygiene products and other miscellaneous items.

Outdoor Area: If there is a small patio or deck, be sure to get a couple of outdoor chairs and a small table.  They will love their private outside getaway.

The most important thing when moving is to make this new home feel like a home.  In my experience I have found that if you place things in a similar way that they were in the previous home, this gives it a familiar look that will be comforting.  Another good idea is to place family photos on the walls rather than other forms of art.  This will also make the space feel more inviting.  The key is to determine what items mean the most to them and have those be the main items on display. Remember this space is smaller than what they are used to and you cannot fit everything.  If you try you will end up with a cramped space that isn’t functional.

If you have any questions or other suggestions, let us know!

Many active adults want to be part of the independent senior communities that are opening up across the country, but are afraid of losing the equity they have in their existing homes.  One solution to this problem is a life-care community. 

Life-Care Communities offer private residential quarters as well as daily amenities for every senior, no matter what stage of life they are in. What makes these communities differ from the standard independent and assisted living communities is that life-care communities are entrance fee communities. 

Entrance Fee communities combine resort like, maintenance-free independent and assisted senior living.  The entrance fee senior housing approach provides you with a quality lifestyle throughout the changes of your life by acting as a long-term health insurance policy. The entrance fee, along with an additional monthly fee, includes the rental of the unit, property taxes, utilities, laundry, housekeeping, trash removal, parking, and community services such as meals and activities. 

The entrance fee guarantees your overall monthly cost will remain constant throughout your stay, even if your health and living requirements change.  If your health declines, you can move into the assisted living and/or skilled nursing facility within the life-care community without having your monthly expenses increase.  The benefit here is that when you move into a life-care community, you never have to worry about another life-altering relocation. 

So then how does a community like this assure that the loved ones you leave behind will be taken care of? Life-care communities are not as pricey as they sound.  The estates of life-care residents receive back a sizeable portion of their upfront payment (entrance fee) when, or if, the resident leaves the community.  This could be anywhere from 80% to 90%!

If you have any more questions about life-care communities, or want to know where they are located, let me know by commenting below!

It may be common sense that exercising is good for you, so why do so many people skip going to the gym? Maybe it is because gym memberships are expensive, or that you just don’t have the time.  Either way, getting exercise now may not be as expensive or time consuming as you would think if you knew how this affects your future.

Physical activity on a daily basis can lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even some forms of cancer not to mention many other ailments.  Whether you have insurance or not, these possible health hazards are very expensive to treat. 

A recent Harvard study found that 60% of bankruptcies in the United States were caused by medical bills and 75% of these families who went bankrupt had health insurance at the time.

Additionally, while failing health relates to failing finances, great health might get you a raise.  Studies have found exercise can improve your performance at work by boosting cognitive skills and productivity, and reducing stress and absenteeism.

Hesitant now about hitting the gym?

Solterra at Chandler will be opening up two Memory Care programs January 2010!

Solterra Springs: Advanced Dementia Program

Solterra Springs is a program designed for the older adults who are living with memory impairment and require the safety and comfort of a secured environment.

Person Centered Care is the goal of the program in the Springs. Emphasis will be placed on the whole person. The program will include massage therapy, reflexology, meals and snacks full of omega-3 and other essential nutrients to maximize brain function. Our exclusive “Solterra Smoothie” is a delicious beverage fortified with antioxidants. A garden area for meditation will be a part of the small intimate neighborhoods. Activity programs that are designed according to the residents interests and ability level further honors the individuality of each resident. Solterra is committed to offering compassion, comfort and safety for those with memory impairment. 

Solterra Gardens: Early Dementia Program

The Gardens is designed specifically for residents with early stages of dementia. The program goal is to maintain the highest level of independence possible for each resident. Our specially trained staff provides a structured environment created to increase mental stimulation, build self-esteem, and decrease anxiety while building a sense of family and community.

Therapeutic Activities will create a highly structured activity program to stimulate social, emotional, physical, spiritual and cognitive abilities of each individual. Residents in this program will integrate into the daily activities offered in the independent and assisted living program as well as enjoy small group gatherings combined with one on one interaction to promote a sense of accomplishment.

Companion style care giving provides consistency in delivery of services, familiarity and comfort for our residents. Emphasis will be placed on meals and snacks full of omega-3 and other essential nutrients to maximize brain function. Our exclusive “Solterra Smoothie” is a delicious beverage fortified with antioxidants.

Residents who are involved in the program will be happier, more relaxed and confident allowing a comfortable transition into larger group activities as well as enjoy the smaller more intimate settings they call home.

If you have any questions about Alzheimer’s or our new programs, leave a comment below or contact us at 480-214-6700.

The decision on whether or not to move a loved one into a senior living community or hire someone to go into the loved one’s home is a struggle for many friends and family members.  This blog will provide some insight as to what the benefits are to living in a community, rather than staying at home.

Senior Living Communities provide a social environment that you don’t get when staying in your home.  Many people become lonely when they become older, mostly because they are no longer working and because they have raised their children who are now busy with their own lives.  These children visit from time to time and make sure that the needs of their mom or dad are met, but do not provide simple everyday interaction.  This becomes especially difficult for a widow or widower who lives alone.  In a senior living community, there are planned outings and activities that you can become involved in.  There are also other people who you can develop new relationships with.  Perhaps you can join one of their clubs, or even meet someone for coffee every morning.  By living in a senior community, you have the opportunity to interact with more people as well as stay active.

Another benefit to a senior living community is the care that you receive.  Care giving is a job full of responsibility.  Most of the time, those who receive in home care are receiving it from their family members.  These family members are usually not qualified in the medical field and find it hard to take care of their loved one.  Not to mention, the burden it puts on a family both financially and emotionally.  If one spouse is taking care of the other, this will eventually wear them down as well.  A senior living community offers aid no matter what kind you need.  They have a skilled and trained medical staff that has a passion for helping others.  Quality care is difficult to find and at a senior living community background checks and credential verifications are made.  These communities also offer around the clock assistance if needed, meaning there is always someone there just in case.

In addition, senior living communities offer accommodations that you don’t get while living at home.  Many people who choose to stay at home must make some home renovations.  Some may not be wheelchair accessible or handicap compliant.  Going through with the remodel can cost a lot of money.  Also, remodeling a home may hurt you when you want to sell it in the future.  Senior living communities are built specifically to accommodate those who use wheelchairs and walkers.  They have larger showers and hallways to make maneuvering much easier.  

Moreover, senior living communities provide many services that your family is otherwise left to do.  Most important service is transportation.  Dial-A-Ride can become tiresome because of the long waits and routes.  At a senior living community, transportation is provided allowing you to make it to your doctor’s appointment on time.  Laundry services and housekeeping are also provided at a senior living community.  This takes the strain off of family members who have to worry about hiring someone to come into their loved one’s home.  Communities provide the reassurance that nothing is going to be stolen and that your loved one isn’t going to be taken advantage of.  Senior living communities also provide meals.  Many of those who stay at home find it hard to cook for one and start resorting to a less healthy diet.  At a community they have a dietician on staff to assure you that you receive the proper nutrients you need to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.  They also do the cooking and dishes for you!

Retirement doesn’t have to mean sitting around the house all day, there are many activities to keep you busy and enable you to get the fullest out of retirement life.  Although you no longer have to worry about going to work every day, you can still find many ways to keep yourself busy like these below:

Stay Active
There are many things that you may have wanted to do, but never had the time.  Now that you’re retired, get your golf game back! Join a hiking group, or another special interest group.  Retirement gives you the opportunity to get involved in new activities you have never participated in before.  Another way to stay active is by joining a retirement community.  Many of these communities have planned daily activities as well as fitness and wellness programs, such as yoga.  Enjoy a game of bridge or a quick tennis game.  Some communities have different tournaments that keep you competitive.  The point here is to stay active and enjoy the time you have to do the things you love.

Get a Furry Friend
Pets not only keep you company, but they keep you active as well.  November is adopt a pet month and there are many animals that go un-adopted each year that need your help. Now that you are retired, you have the time to take care of an animal and give it the attention it needs.  Walking a dog is a good way to get more exercise.  Plus, animals are great companions that you can talk to and can even comfort you.  Check with a local shelter and see what new friend you might find!

Stay Educated
Some people are worried that they will be disconnected to what’s going on in the world once they retire.  Stay on top of things and take some classes at a local community college or university.  You can take classes on the internet, or better yet at the school! You can always learn something new.  Finish a degree you started, or find something that you’ve always wanted to know more about.  You will not only learn about the topic, but stay connected to younger generations and maybe even learn something from them (or teach them a thing or two)! If you don’t want to take a class, take a trip to the library and read some books, or join a book club. The key here is to keep an active mind. 

Vacation/Travel
Retirement gives you the opportunity to take a break from the hard working life.  Go on vacation and visit the places you‘ve always been wishing to see. Go sight-seeing or relax on an island getaway.  There are many different cruise lines where you can see the country as well as participate in their festivities on board. Even a weekend getaway or camping trip will be a nice change.  After all, now is the time to enjoy life and relax. 
Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to stay active and help your community at the same time.  You can volunteer for a political campaign, or something else you feel strongly about.  Maybe you can organize your own food/clothing drives or even donate your time at an after school program for kids.  If you are a member of a church, try to get more involved.  Find a cause worth your time and then give it, you might be surprised at how rewarding volunteering can be.

Find a Hobby
When retired, it is a good idea to find a hobby to stay active.  This will replace the time that was once put in at a full time job, with something that is fun and challenging.  Some hobbies may be coin or stamp collecting, scrapbooking, or even restoring a car! Find something that interests you and something that will spark passion in your life.  Take some trips to antique stores to see what they have there, or search on sites like eBay.  You’ll be surprised at what you can find!

There are many other things that you can get involved in.  Find something that interests you and get motivated.  Are there any activities or suggestions you have found that you enjoy doing while retired?