Our lives and our children’s lives are wonderfully intertwined. In addition to the love we share, we also share joys, hardships, and memories. Every parent wants the memories they create with their children, at every stage of life, to be beautiful ones. This is why an assisted living community like The Cabana at Jensen Dunes in Jensen Beach, FL, can be the perfect fit for an older adult who wants a plan for their future care. It allows their children to continue to be their children and not their caregivers.
At their core, assisted living communities allow seniors to age well, with the support they need, without burdening their children. In short, planning for the future is an act of love for your children.
To assist you in your planning process, we’ve provided some actionable steps for thinking about and preparing for future care. We’ve also summarized the unique benefits that assisted living communities in the Port St. Lucie, FL area provide seniors and their families.
Think about a plan for your
No parent wants to rely on their children for things they’ve always done themselves. They’d rather their children not have to do things for them like cook meals, drive, manage finances, and personal care. And, of course, no one plans to become more dependent on others. But what happens if we can’t do everything we once handled perfectly well? Sometimes, changes creep up on us, and we only notice them once they take things out of our hands and place them in our children’s.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way. Planning and choosing an assisted living lifestyle can secure you a vibrant and happy life with support for the future. It’s one of the best gifts you can give your children and your future self. It can eliminate stress and uncertainty and give you and your children peace of mind.
Assisted Living Communities: Consider The Benefits
Today’s assisted living communities are desirable, amenity-rich options that embrace older adults from all walks of life. They can be found in beautiful tropical locations, metropolitan areas, or locally, close to family and friends. It’s important to explore your options. You want to find the community that’s the right fit for your lifestyle, desires, and current and future healthcare needs. And it’s never too early to start exploring and decide where to live and when you want to move. You’ll want a home that is ready when you are—whether that’s next month or in five years. However, today’s seniors are more than happy to be part of a vital community that feels like home. They say they wish they had made the move sooner.
Assisted living communities are as different as the individuals who live there. Here are just some of the benefits everyone can enjoy.
Chart your own course
Senior community living empowers and inspires you to live on your terms. You can fill every day with the things you enjoy most and new adventures.
Reduce dependence on family
Your family loves you, and they want to help however they can. Even so, most seniors prefer not to have their children worry about them and constantly checking in.
Relish your privacy
The advantage of less reliance on family is fewer check-ins. Most seniors welcome additional space and privacy.
Get individual assistance for you and your spouse
As couples age, it’s not uncommon for one to require more assistance than the other. In a senior community with levels of care, you and your spouse can stay together while still receiving the care you each require.
Grow new friendships
Assisted living communities are environments where making new friends is easy. That is a result of the wide range of programs and events in welcoming spaces where everyone feels they belong.
Enjoy and shelter your hard-earned money
Assisted living is an all-inclusive option that allows you to predict your spending and stretches your dollars. That means you can worry less about a budget and an unforeseeable future. Instead, you can do what you love while protecting what you’ve worked so hard for and leaving a legacy.
Lower your stress level
Common day-to-day issues, like a leaky roof or a landlord asking you to move, are not a worry in assisted living. These communities alleviate the common and unforeseeable burdens of homeownership and renting.
Make great memories
It’s good when your children are not worried about you, the upkeep of your home, or your healthcare. It means they can focus on just being your kids. When they visit, you can relax and enjoy the time together. If you want to plan a big family vacation, all you need to do is lock your door and go. Everything at your home is taken care of for you.
Lighten your load
There are other benefits to moving to an updated and well-appointed home in an assisted living community. One is that it gives you the opportunity to start fresh. It’s a chance to decorate a new home to be exactly what you want. It also forces you to take a good, hard look at all the things in your attic, closets, and basement. It’s an opportunity to determine what still brings you joy and let go of the rest.
Of course, there will be items that have emotional value and will be cherished for generations to come. But remember that styles and preferences have changed over the years. Younger generations are not fond of traditional china and heavy, dark furniture. The biggest reason for this is that lifestyles have changed. Most people don’t have the time or the inclination to polish silver, hand-wash china, or iron linens. For this reason, passing these things on to children and grandchildren is often not an option. Instead, you’ll need to explore different outlets for the items you don’t plan to take to your new home.
Ask your children what they want
As you look for new homes for the things you no longer want, talk with your children and grandchildren. They may say “no thank you” to something that you feel has more life left in it or a story to tell. In that case, check with extended family members before deciding whether to sell or donate.
Create a plan for your future
Having a plan for your future is good for everyone. It should include a maintenance-free home, convenient and proprietary access to healthcare, and a way to protect your assets. This type of plan will allow you to live the life you choose without your children caring for you. It will ensure the memories you and your children make are beautiful ones.
Take the first step
Finding an assisted living community in the Port St. Lucie. FL area that fits your wants and needs is easier than you think. As you start visiting communities, enjoy the journey and take the opportunity to focus on what makes you happy. In communities like The Cabana at Jensen Dunes in Jensen Beach, FL, you’ll find like-minded neighbors who are active and interested in a wide range of pastimes. And you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the concierge lifestyle and endless services and amenities. If you want to learn more about The Cabana and visit our beautiful community, call 772-758-1003 to schedule a private tour. We’d love to show you around!