How do you know when it’s the right time for you or your family member to move to senior living? The answer is, it’s very individual.

While everyone has different needs, one thing that applies to all is that it’s always best to have the conversation before you need to. At Tapestry, we are here to help you ask the right questions to start this important conversation.

When to consider a seniors’ community  

Lisa Holland, Sales Manager at Tapestry at Village Gate West, says one of the first things seniors should think about is what lifestyle you wish to maintain? For example, are you still cooking, or are you relying on convenience foods and take out? Do you find you have to hire more and expensive help to maintain your home? Do you see friends or have you become isolated?

“While you may be living in a home or condo and have neighbours around you, the demographics of your neighbourhood might have changed,” Lisa says. “One of the advantages of living at Tapestry is that you are in a community where your neighbours are in a similar life stage and that makes them more relatable.”

“Sometimes, lack of access to friends or connection to the community, or not being able to drive, means that seniors stop doing their favourite things,” Lisa adds.

Family members and caregivers can also watch for signs that managing the home is becoming too much for their loved one. Perhaps things are not as clean as they used to be, or it’s become more difficult (and costly) to keep up with home maintenance. There may even be safety issues related to mobility.

“When you visit your loved one, ask yourself if you are spending your time doing things around the house that your loved one can’t do any more, or are you spending quality time with them?” Lisa says.

Another important thing to look for is whether your loved one still has their zest for life, Lisa says. Just because someone is aging doesn’t mean they don’t need interests and can’t have an active lifestyle. “I even see it when people come to Tapestry for a tour,” Lisa says. “A senior may appear resigned to their current lifestyle, but then one of our residents will stop and say hello to them and you see that spark happen – they can envision themselves living here.”

Planning for a successful transition to senior living  

So, what are the steps to plan for a successful transition to senior living?

Lisa says the first and most important thing is to make sure the senior is fully involved in the decision about where they will be living. “It’s common and okay for a family member to take the lead on looking into the options, but make sure the person making the move is involved in the research,” Lisa advises. “It’s also important to talk about and understand up front what their plans and goals are for their future, and make sure the community you choose can support those,” she adds.

Secondly, go on a tour. “We encourage seniors and their family or support system to really assess the community and make sure it’s the right fit for them,” says Lisa. “At Tapestry, we can set up conversations with key individuals in the community, such as the general manager, the chef and current residents, and you can participate in some of our activities or even do a trial stay for a few nights,” she adds.

Third, know that you are not alone. Once you have made the decision to move into a Tapestry community, we are here to help make your move as smooth as possible. “You or your loved ones may feel (understandably) overwhelmed about getting ready for a move,” says Lisa.

“Our move-in coordinators and all of our staff are here to assist you. Not only do we coordinate every thing on your move-in day, but we can also help to connect you with experienced and reliable resources, such as real estate agents, lawyers and moving companies.”

Finally, enjoy the Tapestry lifestyle. We are confident that once you move in you’ll enjoy the community, the people and our amazing amenities and activities, and we also know you will be proud to invite your family and friends to come and spend quality time with you here.

Don’t wait until a medical problem or some other crisis forces you and your family to make quick decisions under pressure. If you need help starting the conversation about a move to senior living, please contact us. We would be happy to speak with you about your options, and would also be pleased to host you for lunch and a tour.