What is an active adult community?

Active Adult Communities are specifically designed for age qualified, active adults who want to embrace the stress free, turnkey, empty nester lifestyle. Focused on creating a warm, inclusive atmosphere, active adult communities provide state-of-the-art amenities, classes and activities that foster lasting social relationships with peers. You will find fitness, fun and friendship in resort style surroundings. You will not find medical assistance, transportation, or meals but these things can be sourced at an additional fee. Community members want the best of empty nester living, minus the charges for services they do not need.

What are the pros and cons of living in a 55+ community?

The many pros of living in a 55+ community include: Living spaces designed for aging in place with comfort and convenience. A built-in network of like-minded, active adult peers with which to create meaningful social connections. Peace of mind in a secure environment with other community members who support and watch out for each other. Resort worthy amenities that may include state-of-the-art full-service fitness centers, Olympic sized pools, professionally outfitted kitchens for classes and demonstrations, theaters, game rooms and well-manicured outdoor spaces. An unlimited list of opportunities for physical, intellectual, and social enrichment. The best of stress free, turnkey living.

What is Senior Living?

Senior Living is an umbrella term applied to the various different types of communities that cater to older adults.

What is the difference between assisted living, independent living and active senior apartments?

Independent Living: Ironically independent living is for seniors who may need some level of assistance. Services like meals, laundry, linen delivery, maid service, on-site nurse, and planned activities are available as needed or wanted. If a resident needs special care, like an aide to help with daily life, they have to hire from an outside source on their own. Assisted Living: Assisted living may be the right choice for those who need a higher level of support. Assisted living facilities have on-site professionals to help with daily challenges and medical care. Those services are generally included in the overall cost of the facility. Active Adult Living: An active adult community is the gold standard for totally independent active adults seeking to maximize their empty nester chapter. With no hidden charges for services community members do not need, it's a choice that makes sense in terms of both lifestyle and finances.

How do I find the right active adult community for me?

There are important issues to consider when looking for the right community: Where do you want to live? Do you want to stay in your present location or try a new geographical area? Does the community make sense for you financially? Will your pet be welcome? Does the community design and layout meet your expectations? Does the roster of classes, activities and social opportunities accommodate your interests and lifestyle? Now that you have taken a tour, does the community have the right vibe for you?

My loved one is not able to live on their own. What is the best way to start a conversation with them about moving?

Open the communication lines early. Be honest about your concerns. Be sensitive. Be proactive by doing your research first. Be supportive.

How to downsize for a senior living move?

Deal with the clutter a little bit at a time. Set a timer to make sure you don't overdo it. Create a yes, no and maybe pile to decide what is kept, donated or trashed. Get help from family, friends or call in the professionals.

Home Safety Checklist for Seniors

We’re taught to be safe from an early age. Don’t run with scissors. Don’t stick forks into power outlets. Don’t eat glue. All important advice for when you're young. As we become adults, we interact with our environment in new ways. We’re less likely to eat glue, but still need to be aware of safety risk. Fall prevention, for instance, becomes more important in later life.

Whether living alone or in 55+ senior living communities, home safety is a high priority. Below are some senior home safety tips to take into account as you put together your home safety checklist.

Be Prepared with Emergency Numbers

Your emergency numbers should be easy to find and easy to read. Remember, you may or may not be the one dialing an emergency number. It could be a guest who isn’t familiar with your home. If you are making the call, you may be upset or injured.

Keep these tips in mind:

Use large print for all emergency information.
If you have a landline, locate your emergency numbers near the phone. If not, the fridge is a good location.
Include 911 for ambulance service, as well as numbers for poison control, an emergency contact, and your doctor’s office.

Fall Prevention Tips for Older Adults

According to the CDC, one in four seniors falls every year, with one in ten falls resulting in injury. You can prevent many falls with a little extra attention and care. Any home safety checklist for seniors should include fall prevention strategies, including:

Carry a cordless phone with you instead of rushing to answer the phone. If you can’t get to the phone safely, let the answering machine pick up and call back later. No call is urgent enough to risk falling.
Smooth, slippery floors and stocking feet are a lethal combination. Keep non-slip slippers handy, so you’re safe and comfy.
If you have a cane or walker, arrange furniture so you have plenty of room to maneuver. Your living space shouldn’t be an obstacle course.
If you are at high risk of falls due to physical or mobility issues, consider using an alarm bracelet or necklace with a button you can press to contact emergency services.

Make the Bathroom a Hazard-Free Zone

If you’re going to fall at home, there’s an 80% chance you’ll take that tumble in the bathroom. A home safety checklist for seniors should take bathroom falls into account:

Add rubber mats to bathtubs and showers to reduce the risk of slipping.
Install grab bars to help you use bathtubs or shower stalls safely. Shower chairs, benches, and raised toilet seats help keep you safe and secure.
Avoid burns by keeping your water heater temperature no higher than 120℉.

Keep Walkways Clear

Nothing ruins a relaxing day like falling over a poorly placed pair of shoes on the floor. Cleaning up clutter is a lot less aggravating than a trip to the emergency room.

Keep hallways, stairs, and open areas free of potentially dangerous objects.
Tape area rugs securely to the floor, so they don’t slip when you walk on them.

Where There’s Smoke…

Reducing the risk of fire is an important aspect of home safety, especially if you or a loved one has a mobility issue. Keep these safety tips in mind:

Check smoke detector batteries once a month and replace them at least twice a year.
Don’t overload sockets with multiple extension cords (extension cords also represent a tripping hazard, so be careful how you use them).
Replace any frayed or damaged electric wiring immediately.
Candles are lovely and romantic, but extinguish them if you leave the room. Never go to sleep with lit candles in the bedroom.
In the event of a fire, get out first, then call 911. Your safety, and that of loved ones, takes precedence over everything else.

Carbon Monoxide: The Silent, Odorless Killer

While you’re checking your smoke detector, make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors by all bedrooms. Test batteries regularly and replace at least twice a year.

Manage Medications

We tend to take more medication as we age. Make sure your meds are safe by:

Keeping all medications in their original containers to avoid mistakes.
Asking your pharmacist to put large print labels on containers to make them easier to read.

Stay Fit, Stay Safe

Staying active and fit is often overlooked when putting together a home safety checklist for seniors, but it’s essential for health and well-being. We aren't talking running marathons or bench-pressing 225lbs here (although good for you if you can). Instead, we’re talking about choosing activities that are appropriate to your age, skill level, and limitations. Staying active helps reduce your risk of falls and other household injuries.

Enjoy this exciting chapter of life in Overture’s secure 55+ senior living communities. And even though you’re all grown up, don’t forget to put those scissors down before running.