Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Living

• Why would you choose an assisted living residence instead of a nursing home?

• What are things I should look for when shopping for an assisted living facility?

• Why would I want to move to a retirement community?

• How do I know it's time to look at senior living communities?

• Are seniors at a greater risk of developing depression?

Q: Why would you choose an assisted living residence instead of a nursing home?

A: As recently as the mid-1980s, the limited options for senior citizens needing assistance were living with a family member or living in a nursing home. There was really no place for a senior citizen who needed perhaps some assistance with dressing, bathing, medication management, meals, etc., but did not need the level of care found in a nursing home.

In many cases, an assisted living facility like Cape Albeon will focus on a resident's remaining strengths and abilities.

Assisted living is a wonderful option for a senior who may have some physical or memory limitations, but does not require a skilled nursing home environment. Assisted living is designed to help residents maintain their independence and privacy for as long as it is feasible,  therefore, minimizing or in some cases eliminating their need for a nursing home.

Q: What are things I should look for when shopping for an assisted living facility?

A: There are several things residents and their family or decision maker should take into consideration. Some of the details to pay close attention to include:

• Cost - Is it affordable and for how long?
• Location - Is it convenient for family and friends to visit me?
• Cleanliness - Is the facility clean and free of unpleasant odors?
• Dining - Does the food taste good, and are there a choices? Also, can family and guests join the resident for meals?
• Atmosphere - Is it an attractive facility, and is it well maintained?
• Assistance - How much assistance is available, and how do you determine what is needed?
• Activities - Are there daily activities that I would enjoy participating in?

Q: Why would I want to move to a retirement community?

A: If you were to ask ten Cape Albeon residents why they decided to move into a retirement community, you would no doubt get ten different answers. One common factor that many residents tell us was the primary reason, or at least one of their considerations, was loneliness. As seniors age, getting out and visiting friends becomes difficult. The loss of a spouse and close friends further isolates people. Moving into a retirement community offers a built-in network of friends. There are many qualities that help to build this sense of community spirit, beginning with our community life options, which offers many choices for staying active or even increasing your level of activity. Some of the things our residents enjoy are: Crafts, Exercise Programs, Walking Paths, Volunteering, Day Trips, Lunches out, Men's Club, Coffee, Tea and me.

Q: How do I know it's time to look at senior living communities?

A: The answer is truly different for everyone. In some cases, a prospective resident is looking at assisted living options, but in many other cases, that responsibility falls in full or part to a family member or friend. There are many different reasons why someone would want to consider either independent living or assisted living.

For instance, a person or a loved one becomes uncomfortable with living alone due to the possibilities of falling, getting sick, safety issues, forgetting to take medications, loneliness, poor nutrition, or difficulty taking care of household responsibilities or another family member. To get a better idea of when might be the right time, take our nine question survey about independence and quality of life.

Q: Are seniors at a greater risk of developing depression?

 A: Depression can strike at any age, but for seniors, it is a common and potentially serious problem. While the elderly account for approximately 10% of the population, it is believed that one in four older persons is depressed. Elderly Depression is often undiagnosed because it is considered a normal part of the aging process, or not openly discussed by older people for fear that others will question their overall mental health.

Some of the common symptoms of elderly depression may include:

• Depressed mood, general feelings of sadness and hopelessness, or just feeling blue.
• Diminished interest in most or all activities.
• A change in appetite or weight.
• Change in sleep patterns.
• Change in the pace of psychomotor activity. For example, signs of agitation, restlessness, pacing and hand wringing, slowed speech, and pausing before responding to questions.
• Fatigue or loss of energy.
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt. · Diminished ability to think or concentrate, indecisiveness, poor memory and being easily distracted.
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide, or talk of previous attempts of suicide.

If you or someone you know has signs of depression, it is important to contact your physician to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Feeling lonely, tired, sad and hopeless are not common side effects of aging. There is help available to fight depression so that you can fully enjoy life regardless of your age.

Life at Cape Albeon

Activities & Events at Cape Albeon

Retirement Living Options

When to Move to a Retirement Community

Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Living