Assisted living communities are valuable resources for older adults and their loved ones. They allow residents to live comfortably and continue to build strong social networks, while providing family and friends with the reassurance of safety.
All life transitions pose some challenges, and moving to assisted living is no exception. But with the proper support, it can be a successful and highly empowering experience.
When Is It Time To Consider Assisted Living?
As the name suggests, assisted living is suitable for adults who require help with day-to-day tasks. The person doesn’t need round-the-clock nursing care, but they may not be safe or happy living alone.
Difficulties With Self-Care
Families often choose assisted living after they notice that their loved one has trouble with tasks that were once easy for them. The person may struggle to bathe, dress, or prepare meals independently. They may stop eating properly and can develop nutritional deficiencies that further harm their health.
Some families may be able to step in and help. They schedule regular visits to check in and help with daily tasks. But life gets in the way, and families become overwhelmed. Their loved one’s needs increase, or other obligations require their attention. Grown children often struggle to care adequately for both their young children and their aging parents.
Safety Concerns
Older adults may reach a point where they cannot safely be at home, no matter how often family and friends visit. Maybe the person is at risk for a fall, or they occasionally forget to turn off the stove. Assisted living can provide a middle ground where the person still has the dignity of choosing how to spend their days, while being in a safer setting.
Loneliness or Isolation
Many older adults struggle with social isolation. For some, it begins when a spouse passes away. For others, it occurs slowly, as they and others in their social circles become less mobile. Visitors help, but those same visitors must eventually leave.
A senior living community is often an ideal solution. Residents can live side-by-side with peers, engaging in social activities together and often developing late-in-life friendships as they transition from independent living.
What Services and Amenities Are Typically Included?
Assisted living is about more than supervision. Quality assisted living communities are dynamic and engaging, with personalized services and ongoing opportunities to engage the body, mind, and spirit. Most importantly, there are caring staff members available to help residents stay safe and well.
Help With Activities of Daily Living
The purpose of assisted living is to allow residents as much independence as possible, while providing support for activities of daily living. Also called ADLs, these are the basic tasks we perform to take care of ourselves. They include eating, grooming, bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom.
Most assisted living residents need help with some to most ADLs. The goal is to support the resident’s independence as much as possible, while providing the right level of assistance to keep them safe, healthy, and clean.
Housekeeping, Laundry, and Chef-Prepared Meals
Assisted living communities also provide help with higher-level ADLs, such as cooking and cleaning. When an older adult starts having difficulty keeping up on their own, these can be the first tasks they struggle with.
Losing the ability to prepare meals and keep a home can be extremely frustrating, especially for someone who has done so all their life. Moving to an assisted living community eases the burden of independent living and allows new residents to focus not on what they can’t do, but on what they can.
Community staff provide nutritionally complete meals in a social setting. They keep private and common areas clean and can take care of other housekeeping tasks, so the resident doesn’t have to. Most importantly, they frame these tasks as amenities, allowing the resident to enjoy a life of luxury.
Engaging Activities and Wellness Programs
High-quality assisted living communities provide engagement and enrichment opportunities, as well as assistance. Experienced professionals design and run social activities geared toward community members’ interests and abilities. They learn what works and what earns a positive response, designing programs around that feedback.
Assisted living communities also host exercise and wellness programs that enrich residents’ physical health. From exercise classes to workshops and presentations, these programs empower residents to live well at any age.
What To Expect During the Move-In Process
Moving to assisted living can be a hopeful and joyful experience when handled well. The key is a collaborative effort including the resident, their family, and their new community.
Initial Needs Assessment
At Vivante, we begin every resident’s journey with a conversation about needs and preferences. We learn about the individual’s physical and emotional health, including what medical care they require, if any. We discuss what ADLs they need help with and what they prefer to do themselves. Many residents are still quite independent and choose to move to assisted living simply to make the transition easier in the future and enjoy the community while they are still able.
We also talk about interests and personal pleasures. Our staff believes that elevated assisted living is about enhancing the enjoyment of life. We want to know what makes our new residents feel that they are living well.
Transition Planning and Emotional Support
Moving to assisted living can be an emotional transition for everyone involved. We work with families to plan a smooth and relaxed experience on every level, from logistics to the experience of living in an integrated community.
Our staff continues this transition support as the resident settles in. We understand the challenges that can arise after arriving in assisted living, and we make sure residents have someone to talk to.
We provide each resident with a comprehensive orientation to daily life at Vivante. We walk them through meal and activity schedules, tour our recreation areas, and engage them in community events. Our orientation approach is hands-on in keeping with our luxury approach to assisted living.
Tips for the Move
The logistics of an assisted living transition can be complicated, particularly for those with many treasured possessions. At Vivante, we leverage our extensive experience to help you navigate this unique challenge.
We can provide downsizing advice and help you with logistical items on your to-do list, from choosing a moving company to deciding what to do with kitchen supplies. If desired, we can also connect you with a downsizing and organization expert to handle the process end-to-end.
We know that part of transitioning to senior living is making the space feel like home. We offer tips for personalizing the resident’s new space. If you wish to work with a decorator, we collaborate to ensure a smooth experience.
How Assisted Living Enhances Quality of Life
The idea of assisted living can feel strange to an otherwise independent older adult. One of the most essential parts of the transition is helping the resident see the transition as a move forward rather than a move “away.” Here are a few of the features we emphasize at Vivante.
Built-In Social Opportunities
Isolation is one of the biggest threats to an older adult’s mental health. In an assisted living community, residents engage with like-minded peers every day, both in organized and casual settings. Our elevated recreation areas, planned activities, and group outings keep our residents connected and grow their social circles.
Reduced Stress
Struggles with daily responsibilities can take the joy out of living independently. In assisted living, residents can relax and know that competent professionals have everything in hand. Instead of worrying about home maintenance and chores, they can enjoy time with friends and participate in their favorite activities.
Enhanced Mental and Physical Health
Assisted living communities like Vivante provide the stability and certainty that older adults need to live well. Residents enjoy the consistency of a daily routine that includes a variety of regularly scheduled, professionally planned meals with no worries about shopping or cooking.
Meals are delicious, appealing, and nutritionally complete. Spaces are clean and inviting, so all residents have to do is relax and enjoy.
Peace of Mind for Residents and Families
Worries about an older loved one can stress family relationships and close friendships. When assisted living becomes part of the picture, those worries become things of the past. Loved ones can enjoy one another without the weight of worry.
Why Families Choose Vivante for Assisted Living
Vivante is an assisted living experience like no other. Our idyllic locations and upscale style embody sophistication, inviting residents to enjoy life to its fullest.
Elevated Comfort and Design
Vivante’s boutique-style communities take dignified aging to the next level. We seamlessly integrate luxury and care in everything we do, from our fine dining experiences and cocktail lounges to fully equipped living suites.
Residents can select from maintenance-free, finely equipped studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units to suit their needs and preferences. Larger units feature full kitchens and walk-in closets, ensuring residents can live in comfort while knowing help is always available.
We set all of this in two beautiful Southern California locations, with a new Texas location currently in development. The gorgeous weather and local culture add to the upscale environment we have created, while allowing residents to stay close to loved ones.
Personalized Care
Vivante emphasizes dignity and independence at every stage of life. We collaborate with residents and their families to provide the right level of assistance where needed, without overstepping or forcing residents into a “smaller” life.
We believe that assisted living should meet the resident where they are, and we know that residents’ needs change. We continuously adapt to each person’s needs so they feel supported, empowered, and ready to embrace what life has to offer.
Emphasis on Wellness and Healthy Living
Life at Vivante doesn’t get smaller. It grows and expands, providing opportunities that encourage older adults to see new possibilities. Residents enjoy outdoor and indoor recreation that nurtures body and soul, with amenities such as shuffleboard, bocce, bowling, and gardening, all designed for accessibility.
Our exceptional culinary team turns healthy eating into fine dining, using top-quality ingredients to meet each person’s dietary needs and preferences. Residents enjoy five-star hospitality in restaurant-style settings, elegant lounges, and available private dining rooms for special occasions.
Healthy aging has never felt so refined.
Explore the Vivante Advantage Today
Vivante is retirement living for older adults with elevated taste. We offer assisted living and memory care services geared to each resident’s unique needs, and always with an emphasis on living well.
Schedule a tour today to see the Vivante difference in person. Call 949-368-3000 for Newport Center or 949-629-2100 for Newport Mesa, and start your journey as a member of the Vivante family.
