50+ Lifestyles

Aging and You

By Julie Arndt
Marketing Director at Ridgecrest Village

Insights from Consumers

Last month we hosted an open house every Wednesday, and it was delightful meeting so many who took the time to come and see us to learn what the Ridgecrest community was all about. I am always curious about people’s stories and took this opportunity to inquire what prompted our guest to start looking at senior living. Some common themes emerged that provided great insight into what folks contemplate as they consider moving to senior living.   

First, this generation is very savvy and known for arming themselves with as much information as possible to make a well-informed decision.  They are familiar with the long-term care lingo, such as skilled care, assisted living, and independent living.

It’s common for folks to proactively downsize from their family home of many years to a condo or some sort transitional housing when they are near retirement or shortly thereafter.  Many choose to live in condo communities, sometimes near others of similar age and life stage. Some said they have a small apartment here and winter somewhere nice and warm during the cold months.  I could tell by hearing these stories that it was somewhat liberating, unbundling all the responsibilities that came with a family home. Senior living is the next step.   

I heard many comments noting the similarities between their condo and our cottages in appearance; but unlike ownership, being part of a senior community means there is no burden of paying taxes, maintaining house, yard, snow removal, and all the incidental costs of living (heat, lights, garbage and cable). Having meals and transportation included was viewed as a definite plus, not to mention the benefits of having built-in social activities and ready access to our health center or visiting health services.

Another theme that emerged was centered on family. We live in a society where folks don’t necessarily live in the same town or even in the same state as their adult children.  As we age, the risk of an illness or hospitalization increases.  The likelihood that we may need help with routine things like getting to the doctor or the store increases. I heard the idea of having someone like the team at Ridgecrest as a backup, as well as having close neighbors and friends was reassuring; especially in those cases in which no close family lived nearby.

There were comments, “I just want to have a plan so when I’m ready, I know where I’m going to go.” I celebrate hearing people proactively planning for the “what ifs.” So, what’s the trigger as to when is the right time to consider the next transition to senior living? Many conveyed they would consider such a move should they ever have a serious medical event that results in the need for either skilled nursing care in a facility or at home.  Others expressed the loss of a spouse; family moving away; or friends moving here as reasons they were considering the move.

When considering senior living, it’s important to do your research.  It’s great there are options out there to consider making the right choice for you, regardless as to when or why.  You may even wish to forgo the transitional step of condo or apartment living and move directly to senior living.  Our residents tell us every day that they are so glad they made the move and only wish they would have moved sooner.

Julie Arndt is a licensed social worker and Director of Marketing at Ridgecrest Village with over 30 years’ experience working in the field of geriatrics and senior advocacy. She can be reached at jarndt@ridgecrestvillage.org.