Eskaton Blog

As you start to explore the world of senior living you will find that there are many different options. There are several types of communities to choose from based on the needs of you or your aging parent. Within each category of community there are also choices to make based on personal preferences. Before you can narrow down which community is best it is helpful to understand what differentiates the different levels of support. Two  common options include assisted living and memory care. Finding an option that meets the individual needs of you or your loved on is the most important part.  

Opening up the lines of communication about assisted living is difficult in some families. If you have never discussed assisted living or elder care with your mom then you may be concerned about how she will react to the topic. There are many older adults who are resistant to even discussing the options. If you want to broach the topic of assisted living with your mom the best way to start is by listening to her thoughts and concerns on the topic. Once you understand where your mom is coming from then you can talk to her about the burdens than come with staying at home and the benefits offered at assisted living.

Eskaton Village Grass Valley partnered with Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning (SAEL) in Nevada City, CA to create an intergenerational project, called Building Bridges. During a semester long project, high school senior student groups partnered with elders living at the community to document their lives using writing and film.

When you start to look at your options for senior living you will find that there are several different types of communities. Understanding the differences between the community types will help you determine which one is the best fit for you. For older adults who are still active two of the top options are independent living and assisted living. Both of these options have unique features to offer residents. Taking some time to learn about independent living and assisted living will give you the information you need to compare the two and make a choice.

Assisted living is a great option for many older adults. In assisted living you can get help when you need it but still maintain a level of independence. In addition, there are ample opportunities to connect with others and participate in community recreation events. Many communities also offer a long list of amenities for residents to enjoy. Assisted living has a lot to offer to seniors who are looking for an alternative to staying at home. But, how much does all of this cost? In order to get a true understanding of how much you will spend on assisted living you need to look at what is included in the price, what costs are eliminated when you move out of your home, and how the two numbers compare. Once you have looked into these three elements you will have a much clearer picture of how much money assisted living will cost you.

When is it time for assisted living? This can be a difficult question to answer because every person’s situation is unique. But, there are a few factors commonly experienced by aging adults that can indicate that the time has come for assisted living. When you start having trouble caring for your home, experience changes in your physical abilities, or can no longer maintain your preferred lifestyle, it may be time to consider assisted living.

California is aging and the number of Californians 80 and older will grow by 65% in the next ten years. Eskaton Village Carmichael residents Karen Robison and Karl Bucholz sit down with Sacramento Bee reporter Mila Jasper to discuss their perspective of aging in California and their experience moving into Continuing Care Retirement Community.

Finding the right assisted living community for your parents can feel intimidating. After all, both you and your parents want the new community to feel like home. With so much riding on this decision it can be difficult to know where to start. If you and your partner are struggling to determine what elements to focus on in your search, start with these four tips: Look for communities that can support your parents’ uniqueness. Determine which amenities are the most important to your parents. Consider the impact of location. Schedule community tours.  

As you start to investigate the different options for senior care you will find that there are many ways to get the help you need as you age. With so many available options, how do you decide which one is best for you? You have to weigh out a number of factors in order to make an informed decision. The types of care available, your physical needs, the cost of care, and your experience when you go on community tours can all be used to help you weigh the options for senior care.

Your parents will likely need your help throughout the process of choosing an assisted living community and then with transitioning into it. Change can be difficult even when the end result is positive. You can help your parents through the transition into assisted living by following the five tips outlined below.