Senior Living Stories

As Senior Living Advisors, we meet with seniors and families almost daily.  Each person has a unique story to share.  It’s an honor to listen and hear about their joys and struggles in life.  Some people come proactively knowing that they want to plan for their future.  Others come when they are in a crisis and need a quick move for health reasons.

During the season of celebration, you may be visiting with seniors that you do not see on a regular basis.  You may notice that they are having some challenges with day-to-day life or their health.  This month, we are sharing some stories of people Choice Connections has helped over the past year.  You may relate to one of these stories or yours might be completely different.  Either way, we hope that they help you to understand the importance of planning.

Independent Living

Marilyn and Bob lived in their Saint Paul single-family home for over forty years.  Marilyn was recently diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease.  She noticed that getting up and down the stairs to the bedroom had become more difficult.  They had hired companies for lawn and snow service and a housekeeper.  In the spring of this year Marilyn found Choice Connections through a family friend. We met and started to tour independent senior living communities.  They were on the waiting list of two communities because they wanted a larger two-bedroom two bath apartment which is more difficult to find.  Over the summer the Bloomington community called with an opening.  Bob and Marilyn moved in August.  When visited in October Marilyn raved about the exercise program, the activities and the meals.  They love their new apartment.

Assisted Living

Beth was living in her condominium in Golden Valley.  During the summer months while gardening she fell, and she broke her leg.  From the hospital Beth went to a transitional care unit.  The social worker shared Choice Connection’s information with the family knowing that Beth was not interested in returning to her condo.  While Beth was receiving physical therapy her daughters and  our advisor toured several assisted living facilities in the northwest metro.  Her daughters loved the apartment and remodeled location in Minnetonka.  Beth moved to her apartment in September.  At the follow-up visit Beth was playing bingo and had a pile of treats, she had won.  She is not lonely anymore and is excited to make more friends.

Memory Care

Brian and Rhonda live in Eden Prairie.  Rhonda has Alzheimer’s disease and Brian is her caregiver.  We met over the summer months at their home.  During our time together we learned about their goals as Rhonda’s memory loss progresses.  Brian and his adult children decided that they needed to get a plan in place because at some point Rhonda would not be able to live at home.  Over several months, we have toured communities that provide memory care programming and services to people with a diagnosis of dementia.  Brian has Rhonda on two waiting lists for communities close to him and his family.  He now has peace of mind that when the time comes for Rhonda to move, he has the education and plan to make the best decision.

Enhanced Care/Specialty Care/Care Suite

Often, we get a call, and the son or daughter says they need skilled care for their mom or dad.   We probe and ask questions to find out if their loved one truly does need skilled care.

Or this situation, a daughter in law called from out of state.  Dad was not getting enough eyes on him at a senior living.

When we hear those examples above, we think of high care in assisted living licensed options called by various names that offer better staffing.

Steven had moved into independent senior living with his wife near the home he had lived in for years.  Given his wife passed and he was at risk of falling, his sons were concerned about whether or not this was still the right option.  We suggested higher care options near his local son in Inver Grove Heights.  Here the ratio of staffing is much higher, and his family feels more confident that his needs are being met.

If you are noticing changes in the seniors in your life while visiting this month, Choice Connections can help you determine if it is time for a plan.  Whether it is an immediate need or exploring options for the future, the sooner you start, the more choice and control you will have.

You can learn more about Choice Connections and how our Senior Living Advisors can help at www.choiceconnectionsmn.com   Happy Holidays!