According to LongTermCare.gov, a person turning 65 years old has almost a 70 percent chance of needing some type of long-term care service and support during the remainder of their years. If you or a loved one are in this age group, then it is important to learn as much as possible about senior living communities. This article will answer five common questions about senior living facilities. Check out these questions and answers to learn more about senior living communities and what they can do for you or your loved ones in your later years.
People have a lot of questions about senior living communities. This article will answer these five questions: 1) How old do you have to be to move to a senior living community? 2) Is there medical staff at senior living communities? 3) What kind of activities do senior living communities offer? 4) How much do senior living communities cost? 5) Are meals provided for residents of senior living communities?
Growing older is something we all know is an inevitable part of life. But because it is new and uncharted territory for each person as they enter their senior years, it comes with a lot of questions. Many of these questions are centered around where a person will live when they grow older. If a senior living community is something you are considering, then you will have questions specifically about that new lifestyle. This article is aimed at answering five common questions about senior living communities.
#1 How Old Do You Have To Be to Move to a Senior Living Community?
The answer to this question will vary slightly among senior living communities. Some neighborhoods are for seniors only which usually have a minimum age requirement of 55 years old. For the purposes of this article, we will be discussing actual facilities as opposed to neighborhoods. For example, here at Victoria Landing, our minimum age requirement is 62 years old. Statistics provided by the National Center for Assisted Living state that 6% of senior assisted living communities are under the age of 65, 13% are aged 65-74, 31% are aged 75-84, and approximately 50% are aged 85 and older.
#2 Is there medical staff at senior living facilities?
Yes, senior living facilities have medical staff on-site. At Victoria Landing, we have licensed nurses on staff to serve our residents’ needs. They can provide basic care such as changing wound dressings, administering and regulating portable oxygen, and assisting with the care and maintenance of catheters, colostomies, and ileostomies. Victoria Landing provides transportation to doctor’s appointments if a resident is unable to drive or no longer owns a vehicle.
#3 What Kind of Activities Do Senior Living Communities Offer?
While every community will be unique in what they offer, Victoria Landing has the benefit of being located on the shores of the Indian River just across the causeway from the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. We offer a wide variety of activities, and because of our location, our residents can enjoy a ton of outdoor activities like fishing, a day at the beach, or visiting the Eau Gallie Arts District!
On our premises, we offer a fitness room, pool, library, card/game room, and movie theater. We also have daily activities scheduled for residents to take part in as desired. Some of our regular offerings include games, crafts, afternoon tea, Drama Club, karaoke, live music, and faith-based gatherings to sing hymns, watch church, etc. In our memory care section, we offer activities such as games, crafts, singing, noodleball, faith-based gatherings, and yoga stretching. We have far too many fabulous activities to list!
#4 How Much Do Senior Living Communities Cost?
Prices vary among facilities, but the average cost of a senior living community in the United States is $4500 per month with a slightly lower average of $4000 per month in Florida. The price varies considerably based upon location even within the same state. Additionally, the level of care can affect the price. For example, a resident in need of no assistance will likely pay a lower cost than a resident in the memory care section of a senior living facility. At Victoria Landing, we are proud to say that veterans always receive a 5% discount on rent.
#5 Are Meals Provided for Residents of Senior Living Communities?
Yes, most senior living communities provide meals for their residents. At Victoria Landing, we have an excellent chef who cooks gourmet meals three times per day. Other options are also available if the particular dish doesn’t appeal to a resident. An example of our chef’s fine offerings is a lunch of Pasta e Fagioli soup, teriyaki grilled salmon, lemon risotto, and fresh vegetables.
Summary
Growing older and moving into a senior living community is bound to come with a lot of questions. We hope that you will consider Victoria Landing for yourself or a loved one. With a beautiful location in Melbourne, FL, caring staff, and outstanding amenities, we believe your senior years can be just as fun or even more so than your youth! No longer having to cook, having friends that live right next door, and a plethora of entertainment at your fingertips make Victoria Landing luxury retirement living at its finest!
