The best time to move into a senior living community is before a crisis arises, said Marie Stelling, community relations director for Autumn Ridge Residences in Herculaneum.
“The best time to transition is when it’s the senior’s choice,” Stelling said. “They should move while they’re active seniors so they can actually enjoy friendship activities, outings and living independently.”
Moving before a crisis can alleviate stress on the family, Stelling said.
“You’re getting yourself and your family a support system of people to help you should an emergency arise,” she said.
Stelling noted some telltale signs of when it might be time to consider senior living include when seniors are having trouble making their own meals and food in their refrigerator is expired. But the biggest sign is isolation.
“My favorite thing that I love to say is that your Golden Years are not supposed to be your lonely years. If they’re isolated, they’re not socializing, they’re calling every day because they want someone to come do something, it might be time,” Stelling said.
She said a major misconception about senior living is that some people think it’s a place to be sent to die. But Stelling said senior living facilities can be a place for seniors to live better, gain strength and socialize again. She said many seniors see an overall improvement in their health within just a few months.
“They’re not so quiet and reclusive, but they’re also physically better. Some people are able get rid of their walker,” Stelling said.
Stelling said Autumn Ridge has an activity director with daily activities, fitness classes, an exercise gym, nutritious meals and onsite health care services.
Rent for an apartment includes meals, basic utilities, housekeeping, laundry service and transportation to appointments and recreational activities.
For more information, call 636-931-8400.