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Choosing an assisted living community doesn't mean an end to a senior's independent life; for many it's an opportunity to get the most out of their later years.
When Lynne Romano's uncle, Louis Romano, decided to enter into assisted living, it was only on a temporary basis. His original intent was to avoid the cold winter months, but he soon found that he benefited from the other offerings of assisted living.
"His main reason for being in the community is the socialization," says Lynne, a 57-year-old retired middle school teacher from Rhode Island. "The decision to go was his and the decision to stay was his." When Louis decided to move into Greenwich Bay Manor (East Greenwich, RI) on a permanent basis, he was motivated by the desire to be near his brother and his brother's wife who were already residents there. "He's a social guy," Lynne explains, "Before the move, he was alone too much; he needed to be around family."
After the deaths of his brother and sister-in-law, Louis wanted to continue in the assisted living community, although Lynne decided that it was best he move to Brightview Commons, an independent and assisted living community in Wakefield, RI, so that he could be closer to extended family.
Lynne believe that the option of a temporary stay also helped Louis to ease into a live in assisted living community–an important option to remember for families who are struggling to convince loved ones to embark on a senior housing transition because of health and medical needs. "It doesn't have to be a lifelong decision," Lynne attests. "They can stay temporarily and give it a try before deciding to make it a permanent move."
Although independent in many ways, Louis no longer drives, which can make it difficult for him to get out and be social on his own, she explains. Thanks to the assisted living community, her uncle is surrounded by others his own age and is regularly visited by family members ("Brightview is only a three-and-a-half-mile walk from my house, so the location is ideal," she adds.). Thanks to the ability to socialize and be near to his family, has greatly improved his quality of life.
"One thing that is critical for extended family is to find a location that's close by," Lynne advises. Being able to visit on a regular basis is vital not just to the mental and physical well being of your loved ones, but for you and your family's as well. |
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