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Timing is Everything When Making a Move to Applewood

Timing is Everything When Making a Move to Applewood

By Eric Eichhorst, Director of Sales and Marketing

At some point in time, many seniors start to feel it’s time to make a residential change. The reasons are endless—the loss of a spouse, the house is too big, the yard work or home maintenance is overwhelming, you want to get out and meet more people, or it’s just time to start a new phase of life.

It can be tricky to know when ‘the right time’ is to make this move. Too often, I’ve seen people wait too long to pursue continuing care retirement community (CCRC) living, and find themselves unable to meet the health requirements to qualify for independent living. This can happen as a result of an unexpected health episode, declining cognitive skills or simply advanced age precluding their eligibility to live without support.

The independent living component in the CCRC offers a wide variety of social, intellectual and physical programs for residents to enjoy every day. But if you move in “too late,” health issues can prevent you from taking part in this enriching aspect of senior living.

Three ladies doing yoga in the park

Below, I’ve answered some of the most common questions I’m asked about when is the right time to move to independent living at a CCRC, and when it may be too late, and an assisted living or 24-hour nursing care environment is more appropriate.

Can you explain the difference between independent living and assisted living? 

 Independent living is having the ability to cook, clean, drive and be actively social, but wishing to step away from the daily rigors of managing a household. Assisted living offers professional assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating or dealing with cognitive ability challenges.

 What if your spouse or other family member has a different health status?

 About 50 percent (nice safe number?) of our new residents include a cohabiting spouse, family member or friend. With this in mind, the Applewood team looks at the overall health and wellness of every new community member on an individual basis, allowing us to cater to the specific needs of each person.

We offer three distinct levels of senior care under one roof: Independent Living, Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing. As a result, we are uniquely equipped to provide the appropriate residential lifestyle level which best suits the needs of both people, based on our professional expertise and the preferences of the new residents.

 How can I ‘try before I buy’ so I have an idea what the CCRC lifestyle is really like? 

 Reach out to the Sales & Marketing office at Applewood to learn about several trial opportunities available. Community visits, meals, community functions and overnight stay options often help people experience all that Applewood has to offer before moving forward.

 What are five signs I might be ready to move into a retirement community setting? 

  • A desire to have more socialization and activities easily accessible to you
  • Less interest in home upkeep; yard work, maintenance, cleaning
  • A desire to have someone else manage the preparation, serving and clean-up of healthy and delicious meals three times per day
  • Feeling the existing residence is too large, expensive or overwhelming
  • Inability or lack of desire to drive at certain times of day/year

 What requirements do I need to qualify for independent living in a CCRC?  

 Applewood’s admissions process is very simple:

  • Financial qualification for the home style and contract type you desire
  • Demonstrating the physical and cognitive ability to live safely and independently without supervision.

 Senior retirement living at Applewood is as good as you’ve heard it is, and we want residents to enjoy every moment, regardless of whether they live in Independent Living, Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing.

Learn more about all the living options available at Applewood, located in Freehold, New Jersey, including several apartment floor plans and freestanding cottages with private garages.

 Call us at (732) 303-7416 to schedule your private tour at Applewood where you can meet our residents and sample our delicious coffee.