fbpx

The Benefits of Senior Living for Couples

Let’s celebrate Valentine’s Day with a little conversation about senior living. We know what you’re thinking, senior living and romance- a match made in heaven. For some couples, this is very true!

As we grow older, it’s not uncommon to need a helping hand with daily tasks. Whether the challenges are shopping and preparing healthy meals, bathing safely or managing medications, senior living can provide the perfect solution.

When choosing assisted living, you’ll discover you can remain independent – while taking advantage of everything the community has to offer:

  • Accessible and private residences
  • Assistance with daily tasks
  • Healthy dining programs
  • Activities and social events
  • Fitness classes
  • Opportunities to meet and make new friends
  • Scheduled transportation
  • Additional safety and security features

However, if you are part of a couple but only one of you currently needs assistance, you might feel that senior living won’t work – or that you will need to live apart.

But you can move into assisted living together, allowing the one needing care to receive help while providing a break to the other. It’s important to talk to any communities you’re considering to discuss the best arrangements.

Senior Living for Couples: The Benefits

The following examples illustrate how a senior living community can benefit both of you when you move in together:

1. Both are welcome

You’ll discover several couples in senior living when you visit. Communities understand that partners want to stay together and will offer floorplans and layouts to accommodate living for two.

When touring communities, ask to see a suitable apartment and discuss if there is a discount or additional fees for the spouse.

2. Relief for the care-giving partner

It’s not uncommon for one spouse to function as caregiver. While performed with love, it is also exhausting – especially when dealing with issues of age or chronic conditions.

Senior living for couples provides a home that can be shared and the relief of knowing that assistance is available whenever needed. This allows the other partner to relinquish the caregiving role and take care of his or her own health.

Download our complimentary Family Decision Toolkit.

3. Quality of life recaptured

Quality of life often declines for those older adults who are living at home. They might not be able to participate in activities they once enjoyed or they’re staying at home because they no longer drive. Unfortunately, this can easily lead to social isolation.

Assisted living provides opportunities for residents to achieve a high quality of life. With assistance, most people discover they can continue to live independently and enjoy their freedom.

4. Life is easier for both

It’s not uncommon for the partner who needs help to feel like a burden to the other. Even the simplest things in life can become more difficult if accessibility, mobility or chronic conditions must be accommodated.

An assisted living community provides the atmosphere and possibilities to enjoy life together again. With a monthly calendar of activities and options waiting right outside of your door, it couldn’t be easier.

5. A return to family roles

When you move into an assisted living community, you and your spouse can once again enjoy time spent with family members and friends who are no longer serving as caregivers.

Returning to your old familiar roles instills a sense of independence in you and your spouse. For your children, there is also the relief and assurance that you are well taken care of.

6. Expand your social circle

You may have lost close family members and at the same time realized that it can be much more difficult to meet and make new friendships. At an assisted living community, however, making friends is almost guaranteed.

Discover how easy it is to meet others and begin sharing stories during activities, social events and even while crossing paths. Many new life-long companions are formed in assisted living.

7. Dining that caters to both palates

No one said that couples must like the same food. When living at home, however, you might not have always enjoyed your favorites if your spouse’s tastes didn’t agree. Another great benefit of assisted living is that each of you can order whatever suits your mood.

You’ll find a variety of menu selections so each can order the chef-prepared meal that sounds delicious. And neither of you will be left with the cleanup.

8. Enjoy your personal life

Just because you are part of a couple doesn’t mean that you each enjoy the same things. You’ll be happy to discover that it’s easy to pursue your hobbies once you move into an assisted living community.

With a monthly calendar of activities to choose from, there will be several options of interest for both of you. And it’s such fun to rejoin each other and share the adventures of the day.

Discover life at a Northbridge community.

If you’re considering senior living for yourself or a family member, we hope you’ll visit one of our communities. You’ll find a maintenance-free, activity-filled and engaging lifestyle to help support your wellness goals.

You’ll also discover many benefits in a Northbridge Senior Living community, including our Signature Program S.T.A.R. Club (Sharp Thinking, Active Residents) – which offers our residents several activities to participate in with others, including:

  • Daily exercise group
  • Walking club
  • Tai Chi & yoga
  • Nutritional classes
  • Library and book club
  • Museum outings
  • Artists in residence program
  • Multi-generational music
  • Genealogy Generations

We’re here to answer any of your questions. Please contact us if we can provide further information or if you would like to schedule a personalized tour. Download our complimentary Family Decision Toolkit. Family Decision Toolkit

Share this Article

Questions or Comments?

Contact Us

Related Posts

Isolation in Seniors and Why Socialization Is So Important for Their Overall Well-Being

Have you noticed that an older loved one is staying at home more? Perhaps they’re declining social invitations or appearing to have lost interest in activities once enjoyed. If there is little talk of time spent with friends, this may be a cause of concern as well as a potential health hazard. Social isolation in seniors can significantly impact their health and well-being. While it's normal for individuals to enjoy some solitude, excessive isolation can lead to negative health consequences. In fact, a lack of social connection can significantly increase a person’s risk of premature death, similar to those who smoke, are obese or physically inactive.

Read More
How to Help a Loved One Settle in After Moving to Senior Living

The benefits of moving into a senior living community are many. Not only will residents be able to take advantage of the activities, healthy dining and opportunities to socialize, but the stress for families can lessen as well. There is often great relief from the worry and constant safety concerns of what would happen if an injury or illness occurred at home and no one was there to help.

Read More
A Guide to the Senior Living Move-In Process

Older adults who need help with daily tasks or who have discovered a declining quality of life may have decided an assisted living community could be the perfect solution. Residents can thrive when given the opportunity to live an engaged and meaningful life. Once a specific community has been selected and a move-in date chosen, it’s time to begin the senior living move-in process. However, you may be unsure of where to start.

Read More