Senior Living and Aging in the Right Place by Dori Laack, Arbor Terrace Crabapple

As the saying goes, “time flies by while having fun”. 

We all want to continue to have fun, thrive and find purpose each day. Though as the years pass, sometimes we must shift our mindset to aging well and staying safe along with the type of living environment we want. Having a choice is always nice, though sometimes things happen out of our control and decisions need to be made quickly.  That being said, I wanted to share with you some common senior living arrangements along with how you or a loved one can “age in the right place” by understanding the differences:

• Aging in Place (at Home):
  A loved one stays in their own home with support services as needed. The benefits include comfort, familiarity, and independence. The challenges can be safety, accessibility, and social isolation.

• Independent Living Communities:
  A loved one moves from their home into an apartment or home/cottage designed for seniors, often with community activities and minimal assistance.  These are generally best for those who are relatively healthy but want social opportunities.

• Assisted Living Communities:
  A loved one has help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication, meals, toileting) while maintaining some independence. This option is good for seniors who need moderate care.

• Memory Care Communities:
  A loved one resides in a secure environment specifically for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. This option focuses on safety, routines, and cognitive support.

• Skilled Nursing or Rehab Facilities:
  A loved one resides in a facility because they need full-time medical care due to chronic health issues or post-hospitalization needs.

• Personal Care Homes:

A loved one resides in a home-like setting, often smaller and more intimate than an assisted living/memory care community or even a skilled nursing or rehab facility.  This option is focused on 24-hour medical care and safety.

Now that you have a better understanding of what Senior Living means and different environments a loved one can reside in, lets discuss “aging in the right place.”  This means finding a living situation that matches your health needs, lifestyle preferences, and social connections.  Some things to consider may include:

• Health & Safety Needs: Accessibility (ramps, grab bars), proximity to healthcare, and fall prevention.

• Social Engagement: Opportunities to connect with others—reduces loneliness and improves mental health.

• Financial Considerations: Cost of living, insurance coverage, and long-term affordability.

• Location & Community: Close to family, amenities, cultural or recreational activities.

When we understand the different senior living arrangements that are available and determine where the “right place” is for you or your loved one, a thought process/strategy for successful aging is the next step.  Some of the next steps could include:

• Planning Ahead: Even if you’re healthy now, consider future needs.

• Evaluating Options: Visit different senior living environments and/or conduct community tours, trial stays or respite stays, and reviewing community Google reviews can help find the right fit.

• Staying Active & Engaged: Physical, cognitive, and social activities matter as much as the living arrangement itself.

• Flexible Living Arrangements: Some communities offer “continuing care” options that adapt as needs increase.

Hopefully now you have gained a better understanding about what it means to age in the right place.  It is about aligning your or your loved one’s living environment with your current and future needs—so you can maintain independence, safety, and a high quality of life and most of all THRIVE.

Please do know that by working with a community directly, you or a loved one will always get the best value for your budget.

If you or a loved one is interested in learning more about what Arbor Terrace at Crabapple Senior Living – Assisted Living and Memory Care has to offer, please contact Dori Laack at 770-649-1009 or at dori.laack@arborcompany.com.  Please contact us directly to schedule a tour and learn about our availability.

Learn more: https://www.arborcompany.com/locations/georgia/alpharetta-crabapple