Communities for seniors who are 55+ are geared towards older adults looking for a lower maintenance lifestyle who want to live amongst their peers. These planned communities typically include resort-like amenities and social activities, and can even include access to advanced care like assisted living or memory care.
Like any significant decision, it makes sense to do some investigation when considering a move to a 55+ senior living community. Each community is different, so it’s important to explore the options to find the right place for a senior’s individual needs.
How Do Senior Living Communities Work?
Senior living communities are set up to give older adults access to the types of amenities they typically have in mind. The atmosphere, layout, and amenities all cater to their needs. For that reason, these communities may be age-restricted, meaning residents—or a percentage of residents in the community—must be 55 years of age or older.
The goal of most 55+ plus communities is to promote independence as people age, and that means taking some of life’s hassles out of the picture. For instance, property care and maintenance is included, so seniors no longer have to clean out gutters, mow the lawn, or mulch flower beds.
Communities like Copeland Oaks feature accommodations for independent living, assisted living, and advanced nursing care. That allows aging adults to spend the rest of their life in the same setting without having to move as their needs change.
When to Consider Senior Living
Beyond age, there are several indicators that an older adult may benefit from living in a senior living community. Some signs to look out for include:
Difficulty With Property Care
Seniors with larger homes that require a lot of maintenance often find they no longer want to spend time, energy, or resources to care for their property. If their home is falling into disrepair or they struggle to keep their home clean—these are good indicators that it is time to downsize.
Spending a lot of Time Alone
Losing friends, family, and loved ones often leaves seniors feeling isolated and lonely. If a senior is spending a lot of time alone and not participating in their usual activities, a senior living community provides them with a range of options to choose from to keep them busy and engaged.
New or Advancing Health Conditions
It’s no secret that aging typically comes with a variety of health conditions—arthritis, cardiovascular conditions, and diabetes, to name a few. If a senior’s health conditions seem to become increasingly severe or they receive a new diagnosis of a serious health concern, the right senior living community can connect them with regular and specialized medical care to address their needs.
Concerns Around Safety and Security
Particularly when a senior loses a spouse or partner and is left living alone, safety and security become more of an issue. If a senior is living alone and shows concern about situations like falling and not being able to get help or fear of a break-in, senior living communities can help alleviate those worries. Many are gated communities with ample security, as well as staff and other residents looking out for each other’s wellbeing.
Amenities to Consider When Selecting a Senior Living Community
Beyond budget and the types of living arrangements offered by a senior living community, older adults should also consider amenities and opportunities for socializing. After all, this is where they are going to live and spend most of their time, so they should be able to continue participating in the types of activities they enjoy and meet new people. These are some of the amenities to consider.
Wellness Activities
Having a way to stay fit and active goes a long way in supporting a senior’s vitality. Active seniors should look for amenities like a fitness and aquatic center, walking or hiking trails, or areas to play games like pool, bocce, or horseshoes.
Opportunities for Creativity
Engaging in hobbies like painting, woodworking, or scrapbooking are all vital ways for seniors to remain active and enjoy life. If a senior enjoys creative pursuits, it’s important to make sure that there are opportunities to continue exploring their passion.
Nearby Shopping, Entertainment, and Healthcare
Having easy access to a broader community is another way to keep seniors active and engaged with the world. Many senior living communities even offer transportation around town to residents who are no longer able to drive. Again, close access is key to making shopping trips, dinner with friends, or visits to healthcare providers easier.
Senior Living With Copeland Oaks
If you’re looking for a retirement community that’s within driving distance of the major cities in Northeast Ohio, Copeland Oaks in Sebring could be your perfect match! With a variety of living options available—plus a great selection of onsite amenities, activities, and services—we welcome you to see how Copeland’s campus checks all of your boxes. Schedule a Tour