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Assisted Living for Couples

Caregiver comforting senior in wheelchair

It is a privilege to grow old with a partner, and most couples don’t want to give that up because one of them needs added care. This is why one common conversation starter we hear often is, “Can couples live together in assisted living?” Our answer at Laurel Circle is yes!

Why Move Together?

Quite simply, because most couples don’t want to be separated. Especially if one of them needs care, they want to be able to draw strength from each other and their relationship. A great senior living community will find ways to accommodate your personal choices as well as  your care needs. When living at home, one member of the relationship may take on the caregiver role, which can be taxing in their advancing years. That’s why a great option is assisted living for couples with different needs. Partners feel a sense of relief knowing each person will receive the support they need without putting too much strain on their partner.

How to Decide Which Level of Care You Need?

When considering assisted living for couples, the first step is an assessment of the health of both partners. A doctor, social worker or care manager can provide a functional assessment of both people to determine how much daily support they currently need. If both people are still healthy and active, they’ll select an independent living residence. If, however, one or both people need help with activities of daily living, an assisted living neighborhood may be just the right fit to keep them as independent as possible.

What Are Activities of Daily Living?

The most common formula to decide if someone needs assisted living is how much help they need with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). ADLs are fundamental skills people need to live and care for themselves independently, such as

  • Walking
  • Eating
  • Dressing
  • Bathing
  • Toileting
  • Transferring
  • Continence

If one or both people in a couple need some help with any ADLs, assisted living will be able to provide that support, so you can feel confident as you go on with your day. At The Arbor at Laurel Circle, licensed nurses are on call at all hours. Team members help with medication management, transportation to medical appointments, and on-site therapy services.

What if Only One of You Needs Help?

If only one of you needs extra help, but you’d like to stay together, choose a residence that provides the higher level of care. Top-tier senior living communities will have residences in assisted living for couples with different needs. That way each person can live comfortably. For budget-conscious partners, the assisted living cost for a couple living together can be more frugal than living in two separate residences.

What Should You Consider in Your New Residence?

Once you’ve found a community that offers high-quality care, in a location you like, with the kind of friendly people you’d want to share meals with, consider your apartment. It should have all the safety features to help prevent accidents — carpet, nonskid mats, handrails, wide walking paths, etc. — but it should also feel like your own space. Find a floor plan that offers enough space to accommodate you both comfortably. Bring in some treasured pieces of furniture; paint the walls your favorite color; feature pictures of family and friends. Make your new residence a place you’re happy to return to at the end of a busy day.

What Lifestyle Options Are Available in Assisted Living?

One concern that frequently arises when people consider assisted living for couples with different needs is whether they’ll find enough interesting activities for each partner. Lifestyle options will vary by community. At The Arbor at Laurel Circle, there are enough activities offered to keep you as busy as each of you would like to be. If you both have vastly different interests, there’s plenty of variety. There’s too much to list all the activities here, but we can give you a taste:

Fun Fitness:

  • Chair Volleyball
  • Stretch & Strength Class
  • Zumba!
  • Tai Chi

Games

  • Wii Bowling
  • Bingo
  • Rummikub
  • Bridge

Clubs

  • Book Club
  • Bible Study/Torah Study
  • Movie Committee
  • Resident Association

Crafts and Creativity

  • Watercolor
  • Quilting/Crocheting/Knitting
  • Scrapbooking
  • Creative Writing Workshop

Learning Opportunities

  • Armchair Travels
  • Brain Fitness
  • Guest Speakers
  • Trivia

Socials

  • Cultural and Dining Outings
  • Happy Hour
  • Monday Meetup
  • Holiday Celebrations

Spa and Grooming Services

  • Nail Time
  • Beauty Salon/Barbershop

If you and your partner are looking for assisted living for couples in Bridgewater, New Jersey, let us know. A Laurel Circle team member will be happy to tell you more about assisted living cost for a couple, our thoughtful accommodations, and our vibrant lifestyle.