Deciding if it's time to move to assisted living is often a lengthy, emotional decision. Your loved one benefits from your support as they make this life-changing decision. Whether the family is pushing for the move or your loved one knows it's time, having at least one person in their corner makes them feel supported and loved. Here are some ways you can be there for that special person as they decide about assisted living.
Older adults who've walked much or all of their lives with God typically know where to turn when they need answers. The Bible offers a wealth of stories, insights and directions from God. One book in particular that seems designed to provide bite-sized bits of wisdom to readers is Proverbs.
As of 2020, nearly 7 million American seniors use residential long-term care services, including assisted living and memory care communities. Industry experts expect this number to surge in the coming years as the population continues to age, increasing the need for effective long-term care solutions.
Reading for pleasure and knowledge is a powerful habit to cultivate at any age. In fact, recent research indicates that leisure reading can help improve episodic memory and working memory. Working memory may naturally decline with age, and this is part of what supports language processing and long-term memory in the brain, so engaging in activities that strengthen this cognitive function can be a good idea as you enter retirement.
The Bible offers a rich resource of spiritual guidance, and some of the most hope-filled, specific instructions can be found in the stories of Jesus. Getting to the guidance through the parables Jesus wraps it in does take a little work, though. If you want to dig deeper into Scripture as an older adult, whether you're reading alone or joining a Bible study in your assisted living community, consider following the steps below.
The world isn't a perfect place. Older adults of faith know this is true, but they also know that in both times of goodness and times of trial, they aren't alone. Knowing these truths and living them in times of change, challenge or trial aren't the same thing, though, and it can be helpful to return to well-known Bible stories to be reminded how others have shown resilience during times of trial by relying on God and his Word.
Worship is central to the life of a Christian. It helps you express reverence and devotion to the One who died for your sins. From the earliest days of Christendom, singing has been an integral part of worship. The Bible also encourages us to sing:
At Bethesda senior living communities, one of the questions older adults ask us most frequently is how independent living and assisted living differ. If you’ve been wondering which type of senior living community is right for you, this introduction to those key differences can help you begin to decide.
If you've been a person of faith for any period of your life, you've likely heard at least one recounting of the story of Daniel and the lion's den. And if you grew up in Sunday school, you probably heard it more than once — and with illustrative felt pieces to go along with it.
When you're downsizing to independent living, assisted living or simply a more manageable property, you can't always take all your items with you. Common strategies for downsizing include gifting items to others, selling items online or in a yard sale and donating items to thrift stores or churches. As an older adult, giving away or selling so many things can be difficult, as you might feel you're getting rid of legacy items and memories.
15475 Gleneagle Dr
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
Phone: (719) 481-5481
Email: geninfo@ba.org