We get it. The hustle and bustle of the holidays. The close of the calendar year. December is busy. It makes it easy to postpone a decision to move. However, you may find that moving now not only makes the transition to senior living more effortless but also helps seniors battle feelings of guilt, depression, and loneliness that can be detrimental to their health and longevity.
According to the National Council on Aging, loneliness is more than an emotional issue; it has real implications for physical and mental health. Studies have shown that feeling lonely or isolated affects mortality similarly to a smoking habit of 15 cigarettes per day and impacts mortality more than other risk factors, like obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.
"I don't want to take mom/dad out of their home during the holidays," you say? Well, consider these top three reasons for moving now. It may just be the perfect way to make your holidays merry and bright!
At the Present
As you're putting your holiday lists together and contemplating the greatest gifts to give, have you thought about what you or your loved one is presently feeling? During the holiday season, many seniors struggle with heightened depression, anxiety, and isolation. Adding to their anxiousness are feelings of being a burden to busy adult children. They might not share their feelings or take on more than they should rather than reach out for help. Not just with activities of daily living like bathing, grooming, or medication management, but also seasonal to-dos such as decorating their home.
Conversely, adult children often feel overwhelmed by an aging parent's increasing need for care or companionship as they juggle busy holiday schedules with their children and grandchildren. Sandwiched between a desire to be involved and helpful to both sides, adult children often have to manage their own anxiety and guilt.
So why not give the best gift of all – honest, open communication? Make time to talk and honestly share concerns and genuine feelings. The answer to what both sides most need may be found in a senior living community.
At MBK Senior Living communities, the holidays are fun and festive. New residents find social connections, ample activities, resort-style amenities, and on-site staff that fill a void and increase opportunities for purpose. Likewise, adult children are more at ease knowing mom/dad aren't isolated and alone, have staff on hand to lend a hand (day or night), and that time together can now be spent doing more of what you love.
"There's no time like the present to move to a senior living community," said Becky Price, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for MBK Senior Living. "It's the gift of greater peace of mind and the comfort of high-quality care and joy-filled days."
Peace, Comfort & Joy
The holidays are meant to be a time of peace, comfort, and joy. However, many inter-generational holidays gathers often don't accommodate the individualized needs of aging adults. Seniors with limited mobility may find crowded shopping venues or large holiday gatherings difficult to navigate. Plus, the added holiday cheer (noise) may make it challenging to hear and visit with loved ones. This can make the holiday season less enjoyable for seniors or be the reason they choose not to join in on family festivities.
In addition, with inflation and rising costs, the holidays are getting increasingly expensive. This, too, can put undue stress and limitations on seniors and their families during the holidays. Seniors may choose to bow out of family events (even if others are picking up the tab) not to incur or be a financial burden.
"But moving is expensive too," you might be saying. While that may be true, tally up all the costs for holiday programs, special meals, performances, the upkeep costs of your home, and private care. Many often find the cost of senior living, with its programming, activities, services, amenities, and more, is far less. Not to mention that MBK communities have team members and other resources can help coordinate moving, set up apartments, and help seniors settle into their new homes.
Seniors and families find greater peace of mind and comfort in knowing that care is on-site 24/7 and that they are freed from home maintenance and care. Plus, newfound social opportunities and holiday performances are just steps from their apartments, leading to engaging and fun-filled days, and fine dining offered daily in restaurant-style dining rooms.
"It's all here and included in your monthly rent," said Price. "It's not uncommon for us to hear, 'there's so much to choose from; I'm never at a loss for something to do or people to meet.'"
"During the holidays, there is even more," said Price. "Between tree trimmings, decorating, holiday parties, carolers, trips out to see lights, gingerbread house making, musical performances, and our Yoi Shigoto Gives Back philanthropic events, the choices are endless."
"Our residents can participate in as much or as little as they choose," added Price. "And, families can let go of the worry about mom or dad, especially if they travel over the holidays to visit their kids and grandkids."
Friends & Festivities
Memories of the past can be painful during the holidays, especially if a senior has recently lost a loved one and is now living alone. It often can trigger feelings of depression in a usually otherwise happy person. However, new friendships offer a unique way to reminisce on fond memories with less sadness.
“Social interactions and healthy friendships are known to lower levels of depression and loneliness. At MBK communities opportunities to form new and lasting friendships abound,” said Price. “Whether it’s bonding over shared experiences while enjoying MBK Cuisine or participating in holiday festivities together, it’s a wonderful time to make new friends and memories that will last well into the New Year."
Still not sure if a move is right for you? Why not consider a respite stay at an MBK Senior Living community? Consider it a try-before-you-buy opportunity in which you can see first-hand all the benefits, opportunities, amenities, and services available. Call one of our communities today to schedule a personal tour and learn how you can come home to MBK Senior Living this holiday season.
