Unless you’re an attorney practicing contract law, it’s not surprising to find the language and detail of senior living contracts to be a bit confusing and maybe even intimidating. So it’s always a good idea to have your lawyer and financial advisor review and clarify any residency agreement before you sign it. Not only are there several types of senior living contracts, but they can differ significantly depending on a number of variables — whether or not the community you choose offers a continuum of care, where it’s located geographically, […]

Having a pet as a companion can be a wonderful way to add engagement to life. Spending time with a cat or dog brings comfort and wards off feelings of loneliness. Pet ownership is also connected with better overall health and wellness. The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found a variety of pet therapy benefits for seniors ages 50+. Their study showed owning a pet helps older adults enjoy life and feel loved. It also helped reduce stress and stick to a routine. Owning a dog was […]

Conversations with parents about health care can be tough. No one likes to admit they need help with the activities of daily living, and many view moving to a senior living community as surrendering their independence. You may be putting off talking to parents about assisted living because you’re not sure how to broach the topic or are worried about how they’ll react. It’s common for families to postpone the subject of assisted living until an accident or medical crisis forces a decision under stress. First, do your homework. Prepare […]

The forecast for winter weather this year in St. Louis is warmer and wetter. Experts at NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) forecast that much of the Midwest can expect a warmer winter, and more precipitation. The forecast is driven by a La Nina weather pattern that will impact our winter climate. (If you’d like to learn more about La Nina, click here.) While it hasn’t snowed heavily in St. Louis the past couple of years, the NOAA prediction hints at a combination of snow, ice and rain coming our […]

You know the old truism, “If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen ’em all”? That’s definitely not true when it comes to senior living communities. Why is that? Consider these examples: Some senior living communities offer a full continuum of care with multiple levels of care; some offer only independent living.  One retirement community may provide long-term skilled nursing care, while another only provides care for short-term stays.  A Continuing Care Retirement Community, or CCRC, is also the same thing as a Life Plan Community — both can be either for-profit […]

Think about a song you knew when you were younger but haven’t heard in years. The song comes on and suddenly you remember the words and the melody. You may also be flooded with snippets of memories — a particular person, moment, or period in your life — you hadn’t thought about until you heard the song again. According to studies, listening to music engages broad neural networks in the brain, including brain regions responsible for motor actions, emotions and creativity. That may help explain why music can offer numerous benefits […]

You know that expression in the car-buying business about kicking the tires before you buy? This idiom serves as a reminder to inspect something to make sure it meets your expected standards before you commit to buying. Take senior living communities, for example. No matter how lovely the website or how engaging the brochure, you definitely want to kick the tires of each community, so to speak, before you make your decision. So as you start setting up your in-person visits, here are 10 tips for touring senior living communities […]

For many older adults, there’s a great appeal in creating a life free from sudden changes and upheavals. You’ve “been there, done that” when it comes to packing, moving and resettling. While seniors love their freedom and independence, the desire for a sense of permanence is strong. It’s one of the reasons moving to a senior living community that offers a continuum of care is so desirable. What Defines a Continuum of Care? Choosing a community for its location and lifestyle are good starting points, but it’s essential for seniors […]

It’s healthy to enjoy “alone time,” but to stay healthy in mind, spirit and body, we need to strike a balance. It’s good to enjoy time to yourself, but it’s equally important to socialize with others. We saw the effects of isolation on people of all ages during the pandemic, when cases of stress, anxiety and depression spiked. Proof of the benefits of socialization for seniors was especially apparent during the pandemic when so many older adults were forced to remain in their homes and apartments, unable to have contact […]