When should I start considering options for moving from my home as I get older? How do I choose from the many senior living options available? The answers are “now” and “carefully” according to the guest speakers for UMRA’s May 14 Living Well Workshop. Janice Brown from Sholom Community Alliance and Jay Benedict from the Pillars of Prospect Park shared their expertise. 

Both encouraged older adults to plan ahead. According to sources cited by Benedict, 88 percent of older adults want to age in place, but 92 percent of those who move to senior housing are happy they did. Some people move to avoid house maintenance, others are attracted by the company of other residents and the programming of activities. 

Benedict also noted that 70 percent of people over age 65 will need long-term care at some point. Brown provided a list of resources including the Minnesota Senior Linkage Line and the National Center for to Reframe Aging.

There is a broad continuum of care and housing available for older adults, from support services such as adult daycare and Meals on Wheels to independent living (mostly rentals, but there are cooperative ownership options) to options providing nursing and medical care. As you explore options, Brown said it is important to consider how community is developed within senior living facilities as well as your individual needs. Can you engage in your favorite hobby such as gardening, or put your skills to use in a volunteer role such as serving as a librarian? 

Brown said rents in the Twin Cities currently range from $2,500 to $9,315 per month depending on location, square footage, services, and amenities, noting that there are great variations in pricing models. Services such as personal care, medication management, and respiratory and nursing care have additional fees. As a small comfort, Brown noted that the costs are significantly higher on both coasts. 

Benedict discussed the questions he commonly receives from prospective residents, and suggested ways to ask more detailed questions to get more valuable information. For example, rather than asking “How’s the food?” (great, of course) ask “What steps do you take to respond to concerns about meals or service options?” Instead of “Are your residents happy?” ask “Can you provide statistics on resident satisfaction and how your community compares to industry standards?” 

What happens if your needs change?

Dig into what happens if your needs change. Will you have to move into a new unit or a new building? What happens if you run out of funds? Does the senior living community participate in the Minnesota Elderly Waiver program? 

Another resource that was recommended for prospective residents and their families to use for evaluating senior living options: the Uniform Disclosure of Assisted Living Services and Amenities document available from the Minnesota Department of Health.

Both speakers were enthusiastic about move-management companies that deal not only with the empty carboard boxes after a move but, more importantly, help plan what furniture and other belongings are actually going to fit in the new residence. They can also help deal with items that do not make the move.

In short, start exploring and gathering information now so that you know what questions to ask before it is time to start weighing your options. 

—Julie Sweitzer, UMRA president-elect and Program Committee chair