4 key questions: Should you consider senior living?

As we get older, many of us want to stay in our homes as long as possible. But at some point, you may find that moving to a more supportive living environment is the right thing to do. Whether you're living alone and wishing for some companionship day to day, or need more help getting going in the morning and to bed at night, or finding that you'd rather not cook for yourself or do other household chores anymore, we've got a full gamut of options for you to explore.

At Martin Luther Campus, an Ebenezer senior living community, we've been a trusted leader in Bloomington, MN for more than 60 years. We offer assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, and more. But, how do you know if it's time to make the move?

If you’re starting to consider a move to a senior living community, here are some questions you may wish to ask yourself to determine if now is the right time.

Am I lonely?
This is a hard question to ask yourself, but loneliness is very common among seniors living in their own homes, especially if one spouse has passed away. Honestly, living alone day after day isn't all it's cracked up to be. But it doesn't have to be that way. Our senior living communities are teeming with opportunities for socialization and fun activities. You might be surprised at how much living in a community of people will enrich your life.

Do daily activities seem like a burden?
You may be just plain tired of cooking, doing the dishes or laundry and keeping the house as clean as you'd like it. Or you may find that tasks like dressing and bathing are a bit trickier now than they were when you were younger. Getting those buttons buttoned on your shirt can seem like an epic task, and you don't have to tell us how challenging it can be to put on your shoes some days. If you're nodding your head in agreement, it may be time to think about a senior community. We can help with all of that. When you move into senior living, much of that load is taken off your shoulders so you can relax and enjoy other elements of life.

Do I spend days or weeks without leaving home?
This question is less about loneliness and more about mobility, the physical act of leaving home and getting somewhere, like the grocery store or a friend's house. Have you stopped driving (usually because your kids have suggested it)? Are you having trouble getting up and down the stairs to the street or your garage? Is walking much more difficult now? If it's too difficult to get around, and you find it's just easier to stay home, this is one big indicator that a move to a senior community can greatly enrich your life. There's a lot going on in our senior living communities, and we can help you enjoy all of it.

Have I had a health scare?
Many times, moving to a senior community is precipitated by a health scare or, as your children may call it, a "teachable moment." If you've taken a fall at home, forgotten or been mixed up about your medications, been dizzy when sitting or standing, or if you have an ongoing health condition that will need to be monitored more than you can do yourself at home, you'll be more at ease in a community where everything is centered around your health and safety.

Making the choice to move into senior living isn’t necessarily easy, but it’s OK to admit to yourself and others that you’ve reached a point where you need more support. Think about how such a move might give you greater calm, confidence and optimism as you begin the next stage of life.

We at Martin Luther Campus are here to answer all your questions. Learn more by calling us at 952-888-8882.