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.

Simple Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Apartment

Spring brings a welcome relief from the cold and damp of winter. The sun is stronger, the winds are gentler, and the temperature is milder. After months of cozy cocooning, it’s time to open the windows, let some fresh air in, and freshen up your home. For many of us, a thorough spring cleaning is integral to the changing season.

If you’re lucky enough to live in one of Overture’s senior apartments, congrats! With outdoor maintenance handled by our attentive staff, spring cleaning is a breeze. Here are a few tips for spring cleaning an apartment so you can celebrate spring in a fresh, organized, spotless space.

Set Goals

Begin spring cleaning by zeroing in on what you hope to achieve. Are you preparing to host an upcoming event? Trying to reduce clutter? Ready to clean out that closet that’s filled up over the last few years? Managing your expectations helps streamline the process and reduce stress. Prioritize the tasks that are most important to you and create a spring-cleaning schedule. Use your schedule to break spring cleaning into manageable steps, such as cleaning one room, a closet, or a kitchen drawer a day, with time to relax and reenergize between tasks.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Seniors

Safety First

Spring cleaning an apartment isn’t an extreme sport, but there are some safety considerations to consider, especially if you have mobility or balance issues. Use sturdy step stools to reach high places, and wear shoes with good traction to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Reachers, extendable dusters, and lightweight vacuums minimize strain and are excellent choices for seniors.

Decluttering Tips

Decluttering can be emotional and take time; after all, you may have owned some items for years. Take it slow. Honor your feelings and give yourself time to make decisions you are comfortable with. Divide possessions into “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Discard” piles to stay organized.

Organize as You Clean

Keep accessibility in mind as you spring clean your apartment. Store frequently used kitchen tools, toiletries, and other items within easy reach, so you don't have to bend, lift, or overextend to reach them.

Dusting

Before you polish furniture or vacuum, it’s important to dust. Microfiber clothes are great for dusting, while long-handle dusters allow you to clean baseboards and ceilings without bending or climbing ladders. If you have respiratory issues, throw on a mask and some glasses - or goggles if you have them - to protect your eyes, nose, and lungs from potentially harmful particles.

Think Green

Eco-friendly cleaning methods and products that use renewable, plant-based ingredients instead of harsh chemicals are not only safer for the planet, but also for you. Try using these sustainable cleaning tools:

Reusable cleaning cloths: Instead of single-use paper towels, use cleaning cloths you can throw in the washing machine and use again.
Homemade cleaning solutions: The ingredients needed for many cleaning tasks may already be in your kitchen. Baking soda, white vinegar, and lemons create solutions that will work magic. Here are a few sustainable cleaning suggestions from Good Housekeeping.
Eco-friendly detergents: Look for cleaning supplies that are perfume- and dye-free, or made with sustainable, natural ingredients rather than harsh chemicals.
Repurpose old toothbrushes: Turn your old toothbrushes into cleaning tools. They’re great for hard-to-reach spots like grout lines between tiles and the edges of tubs and faucets.

Call in Reinforcements

You don’t need to tackle spring cleaning by yourself. It’s okay to ask for help. The best part of moving into Overture senior apartments is the supportive community. Invite some neighbors over to help – or even just to keep you company while you wade through your stuff - and reward them with cookies and cocktails. They’ll be lining up to join the fun.

Spring into Overture. It’s all about new beginnings.