RetirementGuide_0120

RETIREMENT GUIDE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ISSUE : JANUARY 2020 WWW.DMAGAZINE.COM | LAURIE.STOVALL@DMAGAZINE.COM

Retirement Guide

Upgraded:

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Growing old is a privilege, and thanks to today’s upgraded retirement communities, it’s one that can be enjoyed in style. Closing the kitchen for good, tossing the broom and mop, and permanently parking the lawn mower are all perks of downsizing to a senior living community where every task is taken care of you and the most pressing decision is what to order for dinner from a chef-crafted menu.

Deciding where and how to live during retirement is something more people will soon consider, as 47 million seniors age 65 and older are living in the U.S. This number is expected to more than double to 100 million by 2060.

Older adults are looking at more manageable living arrangements to make the most out of their retirement years. Whether it’s highrise living in Uptown Dallas with skyline views and a concierge on call, a tight-knit community with home-like amenities in the suburbs, modern condos in masterplanned communities designed for active older adults, or attentive palliative care that allows you to live comfortably at home, retirement options throughout the Dallas area offer an abundance of perks, comfort, and convenience.

Living in a retirement community isn’t what it once was, and that’s a good thing. With a lock-and-leave lifestyle, chef-prepared meals, concierge service, opportunities for travel, and a packed calendar of social activities (including a daily happy hour), retirement living in Dallas has never looked so good. The face of retirement living is changing, too. Some seniors continue to work part time while enjoying the efficiency and convenience of an independent living community. Seniors who are single are now moving to retirement communities with a friend or a sibling. Many couples who trade their homes in exchange for retirement communities are in their second or third marriages, and there is a growing number of same-sex couples in today’s retirement communities.

“The retirement living industry is changing rapidly,” says Alyssa Adam, chief marketing officer for The Legacy Senior Communities, Inc. in Dallas.

Retirement Living Has Never Looked So Good

BY J E N N I F E R S A N DE R H AY E S

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“Over the last few years we have seen the numbers climbing for new developments in senior living all across the country. The previous concept of ‘nursing homes’ that many of us remember visiting as children is now outdated.

This industry is focused on hospitality now more than ever and gearing up to meet the demands of the incoming Baby Boomers who share a preference for convenience, control, and choice. The sheer number of people approaching the age for senior living is incredible. Their demands are much different than the generations before them. We are seeing increasing demands for technology use, and more independent living residents are still working. The leading-edge Baby Boomers (born between 1946-1955) are very much interested in maintaining a lifestyle during retirement that is leveled up in fun and convenience from what they enjoy now. They are interested in being among like-minded friends and neighbors, as well as ‘smart-sizing.’

They can happily pick up and do whatever they want, when they want.”

Another shift in retirement living today is the attitude toward it. Rather feeling like they are giving up things they have enjoyed because it’s time to move, more seniors are looking forward to new opportunities when they upgrade their lifestyle, from making new friends to learning something new. Tracey Wenson, senior manager at Greystone, a company that offers guidance on strategic planning, expansion, redevelopment, occupancy improvement, marketing, sales, management, and development for senior living communities, such as CC Young in Dallas, says in the 27 years she has worked in the retirement living industry, she has witnessed a lot of change, but one thing that has remained the same is the residents’ desire to maintain or discover a sense of purpose. Many people are surprised to find that once they move, they enjoy the opportunity to share their life stories and learn about others’ life stories. The time gained from unburdening themselves from household chores allows them to get involved in new activities, exercise more, dive into cultural opportunities, and even learn new languages.

“Today’s seniors are more proactive about approaching wellness, physically as well as emotionally,” she says. “They want to feel connected, and they enjoy

sharing their own experiences gained during their careers and lives. They want to pursue lifelong learning. When comparing retirement living to home ownership, in a retirement community you get to do what you want to do rather than what you have to do. When you no longer have the hassles and responsibilities of home maintenance, it frees up time to live well and try new things. It’s a built-in lifestyle package with peers—a sense of community that they likely didn’t have when they were isolated in their homes.”

There are several contract options to keep in mind when shopping for a retirement community—rental models, entrance fee models, and equity models. Because today’s seniors want more control in spending their hard-earned money, more retirement communities are offering various contract and payment options to meet different needs and preferences. Most not-for-profits offer an entrance fee model. Those who choose this option often use the proceeds from the sale of their home and apply it toward the community’s entry fee that is mostly refundable to the resident or their estate. In addition to this fee, a monthly fee is required that may cover a certain number of meals, housekeeping, maintenance, several other services and amenities, and discounts on future healthcare services offered on campus. Another popular model today, especially among for-profit providers, is the rental model, similar to an apartment lease, where the fee may cover dining, maintenance, and other services and amenities. In this model the resident pays full market rate if they

should need any healthcare services in the future. The monthly rate in this scenario is often a little higher than the entry fee model, and there are no refunds. “It’s really just a preference,” Adam says. “You can find high-quality communities with both models.”

Another change? The dining programs. In every type of community, this is where the most noticeable changes have taken place. There was a time when retirement living communities’ meal service and food selection was institutional. Now, dining is like going out to eat at a nice restaurant, and there are several venues on one campus.

“While formal and special occasion dining is still available in many full-service retirement communities, more of them are moving away from the suit-and-tie dining experience and instead, adding more casual options, such as bistros, cafés, and expanded in-room dining services,” Adam says. “Many communities have incorporated pubs, billiards lounges, and sports bars. That’s another drive Baby Boomers have created. They want choice and more control over their lifestyle, free from limitations.

That translates into tons of hospitality and flexibility, particularly in dining.”

Of course, the physical decline related to aging is inevitable. For some seniors, the focus will shift from choosing a community based on its luxury amenities and services to finding a community that can meet their changing health needs. To address this, many of today’s retirement communities offer a continuum of care so that residents can age in place, and some offer care for

“In our society, aging is often looked at as a negative thing. Not in a retirement community. Here, it’s an honor to be older, and life experience is unbelievably valued.” – TRACEY WENSON, GREYSTONE

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Retirement Living 101: Q&A with the Experts WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF LIVING IN A CONDO COMMUNIT Y FOR ACTIVE OLDER ADULTS?

specific diagnoses, such as dementia.

For instance, The Auberge at Plano is a retirement community for adults with Alzheimer’s and dementia. “We want our residents to have the greatest sense of autonomy and enjoyment while walking through the journey of memory impairing diseases,” says Samantha Savage, director of marketing for The Auberge at Plano. “We do that by providing care in a very respectful and focused way with a highly trained staff who has specific education and training in dementia and Alzheimer’s. Sensory is very important, so we focus on sight, feel, and smell throughout the community.” Daily fitness, baking, music therapy, pet therapy, seasonal activities, and even happy hour once a week all give residents a sense of community and a feeling of safety, purpose, and familiarity. Because The Auberge offers a full spectrum of memory care, they can cater to residents based on their needs and pair them with other residents who have similar health issues. Family members are encouraged to take part in activities, such as visiting on Sundays to watch football games together like they did at home. “We want families to feel at peace when they are visiting,” Savage says. “Those memories we have of retirement communities from years ago are hard to shake, but it’s nice to see that it’s an entirely new world for today’s seniors.”

Older adults who are diagnosed with a terminal illness or serious and ongoing health issues will need a higher level of care at some point. Because so many retirement communities are designed to help residents to age in place, there is a big demand to meet this very diverse range of health needs.

To do so, many retirement communities invite outpatient programs to assist their residents with services. These may

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“Condos designed for those age 55 and older are a great alternative for retired adults.

They provide lowmaintenance living without the headache of yard work or the ‘honey-do’ repair list. Finding a new construction condo that is Energy Star certified can also help save on electricity bills. Plus, condo living invites natural social networks to grow among adults in similar life stages.”

– Jason Oates, Gatherings by Beazer Homes, a 55+ Condo Community WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO TALK TO MY FAMILY ABOUT OUR PL ANS FOR HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE?

“It’s never too early to start these conversations. You want to get a plan in place, so you don’t have to make emotional decisions in a medical crisis.

That’s when you may make choices you wouldn’t normally make. It seems counterintuitive but consider having these conversations when you’re together during the holidays so everyone can hear your wishes, from the type of facility you prefer and whether to take heroic measures, to who you want as your power of attorney. By doing this, you’re giving the family such peace by

not leaving these big decisions in the hands of your children who would have to guess.”

– Sarah Harris, VNA of Texas WHEN SHOULD I START SHOPPING FOR A RETIREMENT COMMUNIT Y?

“You should start educating yourself on retirement living as soon as you’re curious, even before you’re ready to make the move. Some people look a few years out, and others look months before their ready to move.

It’s never too early.

You can start with communities in your neighborhood or neighborhoods you are interested in. A lot of people who come to us are taken aback by how different the communities can be. There are many layers to explore, from resident offerings to resident agreements.

Retirement communities may appear alike on the surface, but they’re not.” – Alyssa Adam, The Legacy Senior Communities, Inc. WHAT IS THE TOP MUST-HAVE IN RETIREMENT LIVING TODAY?

“Choice. It’s expected of communities today.

People still think of nursing homes when they hear the words ‘retirement community.’ It’s nothing like that. Most are like living in a fivestar resort. Some are stunningly beautiful and operated much like a luxury hotel.”

– Tracey Wenson, Greystone

WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS THAT RESIDENTS ARE RECEIVING GRE AT CARE?

“Particularly in a memory care community, look at how residents are maintained. Are their glasses clean? Are their clothes clean?

Are the residents engaged in what’s happening? Is the care staff present? It’s a difficult industry as a whole for employee retention because it’s such demanding work, so if you are aware of longevity of staff and employee retention, that’s also a good sign.” – Samantha Savage, The Auberge at Plano WHAT ARE SOME INDICATIONS THAT I’VE FOUND THE RIGHT COMMUNIT Y?

“A community with a continuing level of care is a plus because it’s important to not only plan for today, but also for the rest of your life. When all levels of care are in one community, you can have peace of mind knowing that each transition will be easier. Longevity in the community’s leadership; a comfortable culture that aligns with your goals, likes, and dislikes; amenities and activities you’re interested in; solid financials; and the ability to share your voice with access to the CEO and executive team or with the resident council are all important.” – Tracey Wenson, Greystone

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CC Young Senior Living

THE TERRACES

Unmatched Lifestyle and Location CC Young Senior Living is in the heart of East Dallas, with its campus at White Rock Lake.

CC Young is a forward-thinking nonprofit community with a continuum of services and a history of excellence. If you’re looking for unmatched choices and a lock-and-go lifestyle for yourself or a loved one, you need not look further than CC Young.

CC Young currently has three Independent Living apartment neighborhoods and we are now taking priority reservations for our newly announced Independent Living apartments, The Terraces, coming soon. The Terraces will offer exclusive views of White Rock Lake; one-, two-, and threebedroom apartments; a top-f loor restaurant; and more. All aspects of The Terraces have been thoughtfully designed with your lifestyle in mind.

CC Young Senior Living creates unmatched choices for lifelong learning and unforgettable

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experiences for residents and the community at large. Serving as the hub of the community, The Point Building and the outdoor performance Pavilion are the gathering places for art gallery shows, movies, technology classes, and more. See this month’s calendar of events: ccyoung.org/the-point-pavilion.

Additionally, we offer Assisted Living, Memory Support, Long-Term Care, Short- and Long-Term Rehabilitation and Aquatics Therapy, Home Healthcare, and many other services. We invite you to schedule a tour to see our beautiful campus.

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Checklist:

Today’s Retirement Communities are Loaded with Amenities Indoor and outdoor pools and spas

Dog parks

State-of-the-art fitness centers

Celebrity chefs on staff with daily gourmet meal options

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On-site coffee shops, cafés, and bistros

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In-room dining with room service ordered by a touch of the button via a dining app

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Valet and concierge service Multiple floorplan options with commercial-grade appliances and designer finishes Bars and pubs with billiards, happy hours, and social events Rooftop gathering spaces with city views to host friends and family

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What to Ask When Shopping for a Retirement Community

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Is this a for-profit or notfor-profit community? Forprofit communities report to their stakeholders or the chain of communities they belong to. Not-for-profit communities are typically affiliated with a religious or faith-based group. They do make a profit but since they don’t pay stakeholders, the proceeds typically see their way back to be invested in the community sooner. One may be more appealing to you than the other.

are moving out. You would want to ask why.

Talk to residents about their own experience there. Ask to see menus, activity calendars, and about

transportation services. Also talk to the friends and family of people who live there and ask about their experiences when they visit or what their loved ones say to them about the community.

Make sure to talk money.

Ask about annual fees, a la carte, fees or customer service fees so that you know what your exact costs will be upfront and in the future.

Source: The Legacy Senior Communities, Inc.

Who owns the community?

Once you learn the answer, you can look further into the community’s financial information and stability.

Ask the meet the executive director. This is the boss who makes decisions and who is in charge of everyday operations and department heads.

Ask about the resident-tostaff ratio in the licensed areas, like assisted living or memory support, to learn how many people are available to help per resident.

What is the average length of stay for each level of care? Most people stay in independent living community for five to seven years. If it’s shorter than that, it could mean people

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Our spacious, beautifully appointed apartment homes afford residents with a comfortable, convenient lifestyle. Resort-style amenities include: Chef-driven menus with fresh, seasonal ingredients | Life enrichment programs tailored to a range of interests | Wellness programs to enhance mind, body and spirit | 24-hours nurse on site | Light maintenance and scheduled housekeeping services

SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR TODAY! THE AUBERGE AT PLANO | 3690 MAPLESHADE LANE | PLANO, TX 75075

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Making the Move How do you know if it’s time to transition to a retirement community? These are some of the signs to watch for.

The Legacy Senior Communities Going Above and Beyond for Today’s Seniors

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• Independent living, assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing and rehab • Predictably low future health care costs with Life Care • Maintenance-free, full-service living • Full-time Executive Chef and Pastry Chef • 7000 square foot Wellness and Aquatics Center

The Legacy Midtown Park 8240 Manderville Lane Dallas, TX 75231 www.thelegacymp.org 214-379-6700 • Rental senior living community coming to Dallas in 2020 • Full-time Concierge • Thoughtful amenities such as car washing station • Spa and Aquatics Center • Independent living, assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing and rehab

Shrinking social circle. Friends move away or pass away, and your find yourself more and more alone. An inactive social environment is clinically proven to be related to a decline in both physical and cognitive health.

Many residents find they have renewed their social circles with new neighbors and friendships upon moving into a senior community. Often, people don’t realize until they move into a community how much they missed these relationships.

Concern about living alone.

Most senior living communities are staffed 24 hours per day, seven days a week with caring people who are specially trained help to look out for their residents which provides peace of mind.

Meals are missed or no longer enjoyable. Some older adults find the motivation to prepare and cook a well-balanced and delicious meal is diminishing.

Although eating is a necessary biological need, mealtimes are also key to social well-being.

People tend to all eat better when they are with people they enjoy being around and vice versa tend to have stronger social ties when sharing meals with others.

Overwhelmed by obligations.

Moving to a senior living community gives people more time to do the things they want to do. When you move into an independent living community, you are choosing to hand off homeownership obligations, like maintenance and yardwork, housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, driving, and many other tasks, to others.

Many use this new-found freedom to spend time doing things they enjoy.

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Increasing physical and medical needs. This includes activities of daily living, such as shopping, cleaning, cooking, or even more intensive help, such as bathing, moving around, and eating. You or a loved one may also need increasing help with medical needs. Sudden conditions, such as a heart attack or stroke, may accelerate the need for additional care.

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include physical therapy, transportation to and from doctor appointments, remote telehealth monitoring, and hospice or palliative care. VNA of Texas, the only Medicare-sponsored palliative care program in the Dallas area, is an option for seniors whose medical needs are changing due to serious illness. VNA empowers individuals to age or recover from an injury or illness where they are most comfortable—at home—whether that is in their family home or the retirement community where they now live. VNA also provides hospice care when traditional medical treatments no longer offer the hope of a cure. Qualified and experienced doctors, nurses, hospice aides, social workers, chaplains, bereavement counselors, and volunteers work as a team with the patient’s current doctor to provide care that meets the medical, psychological, social, spiritual, and practical needs of patients and families.

“When someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness, and a doctor determines that disease will take its natural course and leave their patient with about six months to live, we take over much of the care coordination—all of the services you need to remain comfortable,” says Jennifer Atwood, managing director of development and communications for VNA of Texas. “Most of our patients, especially those on palliative care, continue to live normal lives and see their physician. We oversee care as needed where they live using a holistic approach to support patients and their caregivers.”

Sarah Harris, director of hospice and palliative marketing with VNA of Texas, says, “VNA’s services also include initiating discussions about advanced directives and life planning—anything a patient needs to handle their affairs and make educated decisions. People often associate hospice with the last few days of life, but it’s really about helping patients live life to fullest with whatever time they may have left. When we can no longer help patients achieve quantity of time, we aim to achieve quality of time. But in addition, studies show many patients who get on hospice earlier, rather than later in their disease process, live longer because they are at home and all their needs taken care of.

They aren’t distressed by going in and out of hospitals.”

When debating the options for retirement living and deciding which type of community to choose becomes overwhelming, industry experts recommend going with reputation first. According to Age Wave, most retirees visit two or more communities prior to selection, and more than 40 percent of those cite reputation and recommendation as the top reasons for their final choice. Because you

are going to be investing not only your money, but also what is unarguably an important part of your life there, these are decisions that require thorough research and careful thought. “Many people now are planning for senior living just they would any major life event, like college or a wedding,” Adam says. “Make yourself aware of the options and educate yourself so you’ll feel good about your future.”

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