We often think of memory care and assisted living for seniors in the context of the individual, but what does this look like for couples who want to leverage these resources together? As we celebrate Social Wellness Month, we’re honing in on “nurturing oneself and one’s relationships,” while placing extra focus on the social support and networks of seniors.
Often, this same network includes the strong relationship one has with their spouse or partner. If you or a loved one are interested in exploring assisted living for couples, we’ve outlined a few steps to take and benefits to consider as you begin your research.
Understand Your Options
While it may seem obvious, the search for assisted living or memory care for couples begins with exploring the wide range of options available. Many communities are couple-friendly, even if it’s not explicitly stated on their website—this means you shouldn’t be alarmed if you don’t see what you’re looking for right away. Many communities offer multiple spaces with enough square footage for two.
For example, Vineyard Johns Creek offers both one and two-bedroom floor plans that are available to couples. Each apartment comes with a range of amenities and utilities that make the space feel like home. If you have questions about the availability of amenities for couples at a community, it’s best to contact them directly for any clarification.
Evaluate Individual and Couple Needs
One of the biggest benefits to joint-care living is knowing that each person can receive the personalized care they need on a day-to-day basis, all while remaining close to the one they love. The balance of clinical and emotional support can be the perfect combination to elevate one’s quality of life. It’s important to assess the needs of each individual independently to ensure your selected community can cater to each person’s unique requirements.
It’s also helpful to understand that individual needs and services required by each person so you can assess the associated cost. While some communities offer all-inclusive plans for assisted living for couples, others have tiered or individual pricing.
Complete a Functional Assessment
In addition to your personal analysis, consider enlisting the support of a physician, doctor, social worker, or care manager to perform a third-party assessment of the available communities. More often than not, the person requiring the greatest level of care will guide the decision of which community is the best fit.
Also, confer with a staff member of the selected memory care or assisted living community to confirm that they cater to couples. Using outside professional opinions to support your own research will help you to make the most informed decision.
Take A Flexible Approach
Just as we change, so should the care we receive. As a couple moves into an assisted living community, keep in mind that each individual’s needs will likely evolve over time. One of the benefits of memory care and assisted living for couples is that the professionals are prepared to continually adjust their approach to meet the needs of the people they serve—allowing individuals to receive the care they need in the company of those they love. This companionship can then, in turn, support the overall wellness of each individual and help them adjust and thrive in their next phase of life.