When a couple is aging at different rates, it can bring up feelings of fear, disappointment, and resentment. One person is having to adapt to their new, often limiting, realities, and the other usually is falling into a caregiver role and having to modify plans, expectations, and daily routines to accommodate.
At Sunways, we work with so many clients that are a married couple facing these changes and transitions. The big challenge is finding a solution that can serve both parties…one that can provide physical and/or cognitive care to the spouse who needs it while supporting the caregiving spouse at the same time and allowing them to continue to thrive.
One of the most successful solutions we have found is an “Independent Style” Assisted Living community. Traditional Independent Living communities are not licensed to provide care, so outside private duty caregivers are needed. Since this is the case, many couples feel it’s a similar set-up to what they have at their current home, so a move doesn’t make a lot of sense for them.
That said, a move to a community that is licensed as Assisted Living, so it can provide hands-on care, but feels like Independent Living, so that other residents are vibrant and high functioning, provides a solution that works for both spouses.
The couple makes the move together into a private 1 or 2 bedroom apartment and both receive 3 meals a day, laundry/housekeeping services, transportation (if needed), and access to all activities. At move-in, both will be assessed for what care is needed. Whereas one person may be getting significant care, the other spouse can receive very little to none. The active spouse can continue to come and go, drive if they are able, and keep their routine knowing their loved one is getting the care they need and continuing to live together and enjoy life.
We have personally seen this be such a great solution for clients and improve the quality of life for both people. If you want to learn more about what specific communities will work for your situation, schedule a call with us to discuss at www.sunwaysseniorliving.com. We’re a free service for you to know your options and make the best decision.
