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Transition to Assisted Living - The Arbors Assisted Living Residential Communities

Transition to Assisted Living: Feels Like Home, Because It Is Our Home

Making the transition to assisted living can be difficult for both you and your loved one. Many older adults don’t want to leave their homes, and getting comfortable in a new environment can stir up some anxiety and stress for everyone involved.

At The Arbors/Ivy, our communities already feel like home. As the third generation, we grew up in our buildings. We listened to our families talk endlessly at the dinner table or in the car about “our communities”. We started working in them at an early age and learned every job there is, spending time working alongside the staff within each department. We learned very young how important these communities were to the families we served, the families that became part of our family. But we also learned that our residents wanted our communities to truly feel home-like and cozy, warm, and inviting. This feeling comes from so much more than just the physical surroundings, but rather the relationships they create with our staff and the camaraderie they have with new friends.

Here are a few tips for turning our community into your new home:

1. Choosing a Community with a Family Values-Driven Culture

We take pride in living locally, being a part of the same communities we serve. We don’t just operate our communities. We design and develop them from the ground up to best serve our residents. We decorate and style our communities ourselves. Family is all we have ever known. Our staff and residents all become a part of our extended family. We have programming in place to welcome our new residents into the family with open arms, to maintain open communication with all our families, and to ensure everyone feels supported and connected to their community from the very first day. We are hopeful to achieve stronger bonds and supportive relationships with each and every family we serve.

The other foundations of our culture include a customer service-based culture where we focus on employee engagement and customer satisfaction, teamwork, respect, integrity, honesty, transparency, and trust. The longevity of employment tenure of many staff across all of our locations is a testament to the culture we work so hard to achieve.

When looking at different communities, make observations. How friendly are the staff and the other residents to each other? Are residents and staff interacting with one another? Are the residents active? If you have a concern, can you speak to the owners? You’ll more than likely get a feeling in our communities that we care deeply for our residents, families, and staff and hopefully can envision your loved one becoming a part of our family.

2. Enjoy Your Own Private Home-Like Apartment

Once you and your loved one have selected the perfect assisted living community, you’ll have to start thinking of what will go to the new place. Before making the move, measure your new apartment and lay out what you would like to bring with you. Take some pictures of how the rooms looked, and then downsize items that won’t be needed given the new lifestyle. Then, once you start moving things into the new apartment, you can arrange items to reflect the style of your loved one’s home. Keeping the setup as similar to their home as possible is very beneficial for the transition.

Our Communities are made up of studios, one-bedrooms, and two bedrooms, there is a size that works for everyone. Each apartment has a full-sized kitchenette with a stovetop, refrigerator, garbage disposal, and microwave. The apartments all have handicap accessible bathrooms with step-in showers and safety bars. Each apartment controls their own heat and air conditioning so the temperature is always to their liking. We also have emergency pull cords (some have pendants as well) to ensure safety and communication is available. Our apartments are spacious, warm, and inviting.

3. Make New Friends

At The Arbors/Ivy, we know first hand (our grandparents and loved ones live with us too!), how stressful the transition to a new community can be. Fitting in and making new friends can be filled with anxiety. That’s why we have created a specific resident onboarding program to not only assist in introducing your loved one to the staff and residents but to each department and what they can expect as part of their daily life.

At The Arbors, we have many programs supporting our residents and communities. We believe in creating an engaging, stimulating environment that benefits the mind, body, and soul of our residents. We promote a lifestyle of health and wellness, with programs that benefit brain health, physical fitness, and more. Leaving social isolation behind can be so invigorating for new residents.

Socialization at The Arbors gives our residents an opportunity for new friendships, a healthy active lifestyle, camaraderie, making memories, and a chance to enjoy a variety of interests and events to stay active and stimulated.

With our country club-style activities our residents can get their hands dirty, with our resident gardening areas, play some corn hole or ladder ball in our spacious courtyards. Enjoy happy hour, a wine and cheese social, or a ball game in our pub with a cold beverage in hand and friends close by to laugh with. We have clubs, lectures, educational talks, fitness classes, arts and craft classes, and much more. Each day is different with many opportunities to make new friends and stay engaged.

4. Family Visits

We all know the adjustment of a transition to assisted living can take time, so having patience and understanding can go a long way. Understanding the stress and anxiety your loved one has while finding their footing can be beneficial in helping them feel more comfortable. Reminding them that their feelings are completely normal. We have found that checking in periodically or visiting with your loved ones helps them to know that you are still very much a part of their lives even though you can’t be there every day.

Making the Transition to Assisted Living

At the end of the day, our communities feel like home because it is our home. And it will feel like your loved one’s home too. Assisted living gives our residents a fresh perspective on how to spend their golden years. Making new friends, socializing with neighbors, and getting acquainted with everyone at the Community makes a significant impact on our residents’ overall health and well-being.

Our communities bustle with activity each and every day. Swing by the beauty/barber salon for a fresh new look, curl up with a good book by the fire in the library or meet a friend for a drink at the pub. Relax in our quiet sunrooms, enjoy casual outdoor dining throughout the summer, even get your hands dirty–enjoy our resident gardening areas, theater movie nights, who wants popcorn?! We have exactly what it takes to make this your new home and make your transition to assisted living easy.

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Have you decided that assisted living is the best option for your elderly parent, and now are feeling overwhelmed on how to begin your search for the right community?

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Are you considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one but are hesitant about the cost? Assisted living costs, services and amenities vary greatly among the last and most expensive communities, and costs are higher in some states than others.

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Has your dad stopped getting together for lunches or outings with friends or visits with neighbors? Have you stopped enjoying time with your parents because you’re a caregiver?

Choosing an assisted living community is a big decision. Learn how to find the right one for you and your loved one.

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No one ever plans to be sick or disabled, and disasters, man-made or natural, can happen at any time, anywhere.

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Moving to assisted living is a life-changing event.

This guide provides tips and ideas on downsizing, what to pack and how to make the transition smooth for your senior parent.

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In this eBook, you’ll learn how to talk with family and friends about caregiving challenges, how to deal with a parent who is resistant to help, how to get more caregiving help from your siblings, and how to keep your job while caregiving.

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Have you had to cut back your hours at work to care for your mom? Are you worried about administering medications or injections?

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A Guide to the Most Common Family Caregiver Challenges Associated with Caring for an Aging Parent.

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In this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the early symptoms of dementia; the seven stages of dementia and the symptoms that typically accompany each one; and the signs it’s time to start exploring your memory care options.

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In this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between assisted living and memory care, how health care professionals are trained in dementia care, common features of a memory care community, and questions you should ask when exploring your memory care options.

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Assisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

As you help them transition to a new stage of life, it helps to be prepared with answers to their questions and concerns.

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This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

The list details what important questions to ask during your visit so you are able to make an enlightened choice and find the best assisted living community for your needs.

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If you’re unsure what Assisted Living looks like in real life, whether there is a difference with nursing homes or a desire to see how community life unfolds, then this guide is exactly what you need.

A guide to discover the Care Team and a Typical Day in Assisted Living.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-How to Choose the Right Assisted Living Community: What You Need to Know Before You Begin Your SearchHave you decided that assisted living is the best option for your elderly parent, and now are feeling overwhelmed on how to begin your search for the right community?

This guide will go over what you need to know before you make a decision.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Costs and AffordabilityAre you considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one but are hesitant about the cost? Assisted living costs, services and amenities vary greatly among the last and most expensive communities, and costs are higher in some states than others.

This guide will answer questions you may have about the costs of assisted living and recommend resources to help you pay for it.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Having “The Talk” With Your Parent: It’s Time for Assisted Living
Talking to your aging parent about moving to an assisted living community isn’t easy.

Often, many adult children avoid bringing it up because it can be a sensitive topic.

This guide will provide you with helpful tips and insight on how to have a productive conversation with your parent and siblings regarding your parent’s future.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-The Challenges of Aging: How to Handle Your Aging Parent’s Difficult BehaviorsDifficult behaviors in elderly adults are very common. They may be an expression of frustration your loved one feels or a symptom of early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

This guide will provide you with skills and knowledge on how to handle difficult behaviors your aging parent may be experiencing.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Becoming a Family Caregiver: What You Need to Know Before Deciding to Take Care of a Loved One
Becoming a family caregiver can be a rewarding experience. It also has its challenges.

There are many questions to answer before making the decision to take care of a loved one.

This guide will provide answers to questions you may have on this topic.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Helping Your Parent Manage DepressionIs your parent or loved one depressed, or just in a bad mood?

What does medication and illness have to do with depression?

How can you help? In this guide, you will be provided with answers to the difficult questions you may have about depression.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Is It Depression? A Guide to Identifying and Addressing Depression in Aging AdultsHas your aging parent recently lost interest in activities they used to enjoy? Have you noticed a change in their mood and behavior?

This guide will provide you with resources and tools on how to identify depression, what are the common causes of depression, and how to promote mental health in your aging loved one.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Does your loved one need more support than what they are getting? Would they benefit from some assistance with daily activities?

In this guide, you’ll find answers to the most common questions asked about assisted living.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Why We Chose the Arbors Assisted Living and Memory Care: A Collection of Stories from Residents Living at The ArborsWhere do you start searching for assisted living or memory care communities?

What qualities in a community should you look for? How do you know you made the right decision?


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-7 Warning Signs It’s Time to Make the Move to Assisted Living
Has your dad stopped getting together for lunches or outings with friends or visits with neighbors? Have you stopped enjoying time with your parents because you’re a caregiver?

Choosing an assisted living community is a big decision. Learn how to find the right one for you and your loved one.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-Getting Your Affairs in Order
No one ever plans to be sick or disabled, and disasters, man-made or natural, can happen at any time, anywhere.

Yet older adults are among the most vulnerable during a crisis. That’s why it’s critical that seniors, and those who care for them, prepare for emergencies.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-Guide to Making the Move to Assisted Living
Moving to assisted living is a life-changing event.

This guide provides tips and ideas on downsizing, what to pack and how to make the transition smooth for your senior parent.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Solutions to Common Caregiving ChallengesIn this eBook, you’ll learn how to talk with family and friends about caregiving challenges, how to deal with a parent who is resistant to help, how to get more caregiving help from your siblings, and how to keep your job while caregiving.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

How Moving My Loved One to The Arbors Eliminated My Caregiving ChallengesHave you had to cut back your hours at work to care for your mom? Are you worried about administering medications or injections?

Have you stopped getting together with friends, either because you don’t have the time or you’re too exhausted? Are you becoming the invisible second patient?


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-When is the Right Time for Memory Care?In this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the early symptoms of dementia; the seven stages of dementia and the symptoms that typically accompany each one; and the signs it’s time to start exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-What to Look for in a Memory Care CommunityIn this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between assisted living and memory care, how healthcare professionals are trained in dementia care, common features of a memory care community, and questions you should ask when exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Brothers and Sisters
Navigating adult sibling relationships can be a challenge, but coming together for the sake of your parent is important.

In this guide, you’ll learn about common sibling conflicts that arise when caring for parents, strategies for getting siblings on board, and where to turn to for help.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-The StandoffAssisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

As you help them transition to a new stage of life, it helps to be prepared with answers to their questions and concerns.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-11 Most Common Caregiving Challenges
A Guide to the Most Common Family Caregiver Challenges Associated with Caring for an Aging Parent.

You’ll learn about the true costs of being a family caregiver, common family conflicts that can occur when caring for parents, and some of the unexpected challenges of caregiving.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Checklist_ Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Community
This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

The list details what important questions to ask during your visit so you are able to make an enlightened choice and find the best assisted living community for your needs.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-What is Assisted Living Really LikeIf you’re unsure what Assisted Living looks like in real life, whether there is a difference with nursing homes or a desire to see how community life unfolds, then this guide is exactly what you need.

A guide to discover the Care Team and a Typical Day in Assisted Living.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Cost Comparison guide

You’re probably wondering how much the different senior living options compare to your current situation.
If you do, then this guide is exactly what you need.


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