| "It is in the nature of man as he grows older... to | | | | protected place for recovery from an illness, but the |
| protest against change, particularly change for the | | | | most common reason is to sample life at assisted |
| better." John Steinbeck | | | | living community. |
| Mr. Steinbeck hit the nail on the head. Change, even | | | | A sign of a vibrant community includes activities |
| for the better, is challenging for all people, not just | | | | which are open to the community, so there's always |
| older people. | | | | an invigorating intergenerational component to |
| Making the decision to move to a community for | | | | gatherings. There should be wellness lectures, |
| senior living is a difficult one for older adults as well as | | | | travelogues, entertainment of all types, senior dances |
| for their family members. Frankly, it's a huge step, | | | | and a wide variety of classes planned regularly. |
| and the finality of such a decision frequently prevents | | | | I often hear feedback that being able to try a new |
| any decision at all. | | | | community for a short stay without obligation |
| The "big step" can be turned into a "toe-in-the-water" | | | | relieves the pressure of making a life-changing |
| by the invitation to enjoy a short-term stay at an | | | | decision. Typically the short-term stay resident quickly |
| independent and assisted living community. Furnished | | | | becomes comfortable with the surroundings and |
| apartments are typically available for a weekend, a | | | | other residents. The short-term stay can easily turn |
| week, a month or longer. | | | | into a new lease on life. |
| A short-term stay may be the answer for a safe | | | | Furnished apartments for a short-term stay make for |
| and nurturing place to enjoy while adult caretaker | | | | the ideal chance for older adults to put just a |
| children are away. Another reason might be a | | | | toe-in-the-water of change. |