What’s the Difference Between Independent Living and Assisted Living?

As we age, the choice of where to spend our golden years becomes paramount. Arbor View offers distinct options for its residents: independent living and assisted living. Independent living at Arbor View is designed for those who wish to live life on their terms. In contrast, assisted living provides a nurturing environment for those requiring additional support, while maintaining the balance between independence and care. 

Let’s explore the unique facets of each below. 

Embracing Autonomy & Nurturing Support

Independent living is for those who relish the freedom to manage their daily lives without the additional hassles of homeownership. At Arbor View, residents reside in spacious apartments, with plenty of legroom, as they recognize the importance of an active and engaging retirement. With a large campus and spread-out amenities, residents can soak in the breathtaking views of Arvada’s mountain landscape. The independent living spaces are crafted for the 55+ demographic who might desire an environment that aligns with their values and aspirations.

In contrast, assisted living provides a compassionate solution for those requiring assistance with activities of daily living. Assisted living is designed to maintain residents’ cognitive abilities so they can thrive in an environment and actively participate in community activities while receiving the support required. 

Safety

A key distinction between independent and assisted living lies in the approach to safety. In independent living safety measures are in place, but the emphasis is on promoting self-reliance. Emergency call buttons and regular check-ins provide peace of mind while preserving residents’ autonomy. 

In assisted living, safety is approached with a more personalized touch. Arbor View ensures that residents in assisted living have access to emergency assistance buttons, accompanied by a heightened level of support. The community strives to provide not just a secure environment but also one that is tailored to the unique needs of individuals including enhanced lighting and easy-to-navigate walking paths. 

Socialization and Activities

Arbor View distinguishes itself by fostering a community where socialization and activities take center stage. From group fitness classes to art workshops, independent living options are designed for those who wish to live an active lifestyle true to its Coloradan roots. With transportation services, events, and planned social hours, there are plenty of opportunities for connection. 

In assisted living, residents still have access to a wide range of engaging activities designed to enhance their quality of life. Trained staff members will go the extra mile by facilitating meaningful interactions, ensuring every resident can enjoy a purposeful social life while receiving the support they need.

A Compassionate Environment

For those who appreciate the beauty of self-directed living, Arbor View can be a haven. The community understands many retirees are seeking more than just a place to stay – they want an environment that resonates with their values, interests, and the desire for self-sufficiency. 

Arbor View also recognizes that everyone’s needs are unique, and for those who require additional support, assisted living is an option. Residents can find comfort in a community that values independence but will provide the necessary assistance for a more secure lifestyle. 

In closing, Arbor View is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where both independent and assisted living residents can thrive, and call Arbor View their home. 

Want to learn more about Independent Living or Assisted Living options at Arbor View? Call 303-268-4747 or visit our website and schedule a personalized tour to see for yourself everything our community has to offer.

When deciding where to live, location is paramount. While those pursuing careers and raising families might concentrate on public transportation and schools, older adults are often focused on access to good health services, shopping, dining, and entertainment.

When searching for a senior living community, it’s important to focus on the type of retirement lifestyle you desire, which will help determine what location will make you the happiest and set you up for success.

Here are a few things to consider when searching for the best location for your retirement:

Neighborhood

Are you looking for an urban environment within walking distance of downtown or a calmer area that’s off the beaten path? Many retirees seek a community that offers the best of both worlds, one that’s away from constant traffic and noise, but still close to stores, art venues, and recreational opportunities.

Arbor View Senior Living is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood situated atop Hackberry Hill far removed from the hustle and bustle of Denver. Surrounded by trees, walking paths, and gardens, residents enjoy sweeping views of the foothills with convenient access to the outdoors. A quick seven-minute drive away, Olde Town Arvada is home to quaint stores that sell pottery and jewelry, craft breweries, and the Sunday Farmers’ Market, making it a great place to spend the day, grab a meal, or catch a free summer concert.

Lifestyle

Is your ideal day spent playing a leisurely round of golf? Or do you prefer to frequent art galleries and attend live musical performances? Maybe you like spending your time equally on active outdoor pursuits and cultural outings.

Just down the street from Arbor View, the Indian Tree Golf Club is part of the Apex Park and Recreational District, which includes several nearby recreational centers and swimming pools. Seniors get discounted memberships and passes, too.

For those who enjoy the performing arts, the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities is nearby and with frequent theater performances, concerts, art shows, dance and art classes, there is no end to the educational and cultural activities you can enjoy.  It’s also a great place to take visiting family members or plan a fun outing with friends.

Community

Once you’ve found a location that appeals to your pace, lifestyle, and the things you enjoy doing, it’s time to evaluate what your new retirement community has to offer in day-to-day living. Studies link our surroundings to our level of happiness. Being close to nature in a peaceful environment reduces stress and boosts your mood for better overall physical and mental health.

Arbor View offers comfortable and quiet community areas to relax, and all apartments are located on ground level with private patios for easy access to our beautifully maintained outdoor spaces. Residents also benefit from our full calendar of life enrichment activities and social programming designed with residents’ interests in mind.

A move to Arbor View meets the needs for a quiet setting without compromising good access to culture and healthcare, the best of all worlds.

Considering a move to senior living? See for yourself what Arbor View Senior Living has to offer in location, services and amenities. Call 303-268-4747 or schedule a tour online today.

Senior woman spending quality time with her adult daughter discussing senior living options

While it may be uncomfortable or you think there’s no hurry, it’s beneficial for seniors and their families to start exploring various senior living options before it becomes a need, such as in a moment of crisis, injury, or illness.

As difficult as it may feel, planning or at least exploring senior housing while loved ones are healthy and independent can help reduce stress if a move becomes necessary to ensure someone’s quality of life in later years.

1. It can be dangerous to live alone

As seniors age, they experience an increased risk of accidents from even the most mundane household tasks—from doing yardwork to sweeping floors to folding laundry. As immune systems weaken, less hygienic conditions become even more dangerous, and walking down a slippery driveway to retrieve the mail can lead to a fall that limits mobility. By understanding your loved one’s senior living preferences and concerns now, you can be more confident they’ll stay safe in the years to come.

2. Living in a community makes it easier to stay social

Senior living communities make it easier for older adults to socialize in groups, engage with others, express themselves and discover new interests. Feeling isolated can have a negative impact on seniors’ physical and emotional health, and research shows that loneliness and depression can shorten one’s lifespan. Ensuring proximity to social events, activities, classes, and friends can help your loved one ward off isolation, particularly common after late-in-life events like retirement or the loss of a spouse.

3. A hurried decision can lead to financial mistakes

It’s important for seniors to reserve enough time to choose the right senior living community for them, considering their finances, available housing types, and possible locations. With many kinds of senior housing serving many different needs—including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities—it’s a good idea to start researching now. Looking at the big picture early on will give you and your loved one some idea of what is affordable down the road, without running into financial trouble.

4. It can be difficult to sell your home

Any last-ditch decision about senior living can be a potential drain on you and your loved one’s time, resources, and finances. While downsizing in real estate is typically good for the pocketbook, it’s important for your loved one to sell in a market that will maximize their original investment. Seniors who try to navigate the process alone may fall for an unscrupulous or predatory broker.

To experience our newly renovated independent and assisted living community up close, visit crossroadsnorthglenn.com or call our team at 303-268-4747 and schedule your personal tour today.

How to Stay Independent When You Have Hearing Loss

Older adults aren’t the only people living and coping with hearing loss. In fact, hearing impairment is the third most common physical condition affecting people of all ages. But people born with hearing loss may have different coping skills than those who develop it later in life, and, for those who gradually lose hearing as they age, it can be difficult to know exactly what tools are available to make life more accessible.

While some adjustments to your routine may be necessary to accommodate hearing impairment, it doesn’t mean having to forfeit your happiness or independence. At Arbor View Independent and Assisted Living, our team is standing by to help you adapt to and manage hearing loss and any other medical difficulties you may experience, including declining vision, mobility issues and chronic health conditions. In addition to assistance from our team, here are three helpful tips to help you adjust to age-related hearing loss:

Maintain appropriate upkeep on hearing devices

Like any medical intervention, hearing devices require some level of upkeep, and our Arbor View team is here to help you make sure your device stays in good shape. While proper care and cleaning are necessary to prevent damage to in-ear devices, you may also need to visit an audiologist if you feel your hearing aids aren’t strong enough or are not making things easier. It’s not just about adjusting for any worsening impairment; hearing aids sometimes need to be recalibrated, especially if they’re not filtering sound appropriately or causing too much static.

Consider easy home modifications

Depending on the extent of your hearing impairment, our Arbor View team members can help you look into ways to modify things around your apartment so they’re more accessible. For example, fire alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are available with visual elements like flashing lights to ensure you’re alerted if they go off. Your morning alarm doesn’t need to rely just on sound, either — alarm clocks with vibrations or lights are a reliable alternative to just turning the volume up on your traditional alarm.

Tell people how to better communicate with you

At first glance, someone probably doesn’t even realize you may have hearing loss. Even when you let them know, they may assume they just need to talk louder so you can hear them, which can be frustrating if you already have hearing aids that amplify sound. When asking someone to repeat themselves, give them some direction on how to better communicate with you. Simple requests like asking for better enunciation or just reminding them to turn towards you when they talk can make a world of difference.

At Arbor View Independent and Assisted Living, we’re committed to helping our residents live well and age well, which means our team members are standing by to accommodate residents’ individual needs and preferences, including managing hearing loss, vision difficulties or mobility issues. Besides 24/7 support from our caring team, Arbor View residents enjoy designated wellness programming, a full calendar of events and activities, a friendly network of peers and easy access to local amenities and services.  To learn more about what our community can offer you or your loved one, call (303) 403-3129 to speak to a member of our team.

Stepping into a Healthier Future: The Joy of Walking

As we age, staying active becomes increasingly important to maintaining our overall health and well-being. One of the most accessible and enjoyable ways to stay active is by walking. This timeless exercise has numerous benefits without being too strenuous on our bodies.

For example, a recent article from The New York Times highlighted how even walking 4,000 steps a day can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, Elaine LaLanne’s recent article, “Secrets to Lifelong Fitness,” highlights the profound advantages of walking for seniors.

At Arbor View, we’re especially grateful to be nestled in the heart of a serene and tranquil neighborhood where walking is so convenient. Let’s explore the benefits of walking and how it can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

1. Convenience:

Walking is the cornerstone of healthy living. It offers numerous benefits without having to make the trip to the gym. With a good pair of shoes, and perhaps a cane or walker for added stability, walking promotes wellness and enhances mobility.

2. Enhances Physical Health:

Walking is a low-impact exercise that’s gentle on the joints, making it an ideal choice for seniors. It improves cardiovascular health, helps maintain a healthy weight, and lowers the risk of heart disease and diabetes. The great news is that it doesn’t require 10,000 steps either. A recent 7-year study demonstrated that participants who walked just 3,867 steps a day decreased their mortality by 15%.

3. Mental Well-Being:

Regular walks in peaceful neighborhoods can help reduce stress, alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, and boost overall mental well-being. Such calming atmospheres offer the perfect environment for relaxation. It’s a wonderful way for residents to clear their minds and find tranquility amidst nature.

4. Social Connections:

Walking provides an excellent opportunity for social interaction. Residents can form walking groups and enjoy the company of their neighbors all while leisurely strolling through the quiet streets. This not only promotes physical health but also fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among residents, helping us build stronger connections with each other.

Finally, for the days when the weather doesn’t cooperate, there is the convenience of indoor walking. Our well-lit hallways allow residents to stay active and maintain their walking routines regardless of the conditions outside.

The benefits of walking for seniors are undeniable. At Arbor View, we’re committed to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle for our residents. With the advantage of our peaceful surroundings and the option to walk indoors, staying active has never been more convenient or enjoyable.

Want to learn how residents at Arbor View stay active? Call 303-268-4747 or visit our website and schedule a personalized tour to see for yourself everything our community has to offer.

Three of the Most Beneficial Exercises for Seniors

Working up a sweat on a regular basis is important at any age but becomes even more essential to overall health as we get older. Seniors who exercise regularly are more likely to stay mobile as they age and are less susceptible to falls, arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease, hypertension and other illnesses. It also helps ward off cognitive decline: a recent study found regular exercise reduced the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia by nearly 50%.

Older adults can gain significant benefits just by exercising moderately on a regular basis, and at Arbor View Independent and Assisted Living, we are equipped with a designated wellness center where residents have the equipment and support to reach and even exceed their fitness goals. Arbor View offers access to some of the most popular and beneficial exercise regimes for seniors, listed below, to help our residents stay active, independent and prevent injuries.

Walking

Walking promotes a healthy lifestyle, while strengthening muscles and lowering your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and colon cancer. It’s also one of the least stressful and most accessible forms of exercise there is. Whether you’re on one of our treadmills in our fully equipped wellness center or touring our beautiful grounds, Arbor View offers all the resources you need to make walking your preferred form of fitness.

Stationary bicycles

Stationary cycling is a great form of aerobic exercise and doing it doesn’t exert any significant impact on your joints, so there’s a minimal chance of injury. At Arbor View, our wellness center features recumbent exercise bikes with an ergonomic seat and backrest for extra support, so residents can pedal while sitting comfortably.

Chair yoga

Chair yoga is a low-impact form of exercise that improves muscle strength, mobility, balance and flexibility but provides less stress on muscles, joints, and bones than more conventional forms of yoga. Chair yoga classes, which are offered at Arbor View, have been shown to improve mental health in older adults. In fact, regular participants have better quality sleep and lower instances of depression.

At Arbor View Independent and Assisted Living, we’re committed to helping our residents live well and age well. We hear regularly from residents who enjoy our fitness center and designated wellness programming, full calendar of events and activities, support from our caring team, companionship with peers and more. If you have questions about what our community offers, call (303) 403-3129 to speak a member of our team.

Side view of a happy senior woman smiling while painting with watercolors as a recreational activity outdoors at a retirement community with a group of other retired women

Arts and crafts aren’t just for kids anymore. National Craft Month encourages everyone to focus on their creative side and make something purely for enjoyment. People of all ages, especially older adults, can physically and mentally benefit from participating in craft-related activities. In fact, many retirement communities provide a vibrant activities calendar with plenty of creative outlets that are not only fun but offer some surprising health benefits.

Drawing, sewing, and model building are all crafty activities that improve hand-eye coordination and strengthen fine motor movements like dexterity. Research shows that crafting and making art stimulates the production of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that creates feelings of pleasure and enjoyment and can lessen pain levels. Creating art has also been clinically shown to reduce stress-related hormones in the body, prompting a physical response like muscle relaxation and lower blood pressure.

The biggest boost to seniors’ health from arts and crafts is mental. Regardless of the medium, painting with watercolors or designing a homemade birthday card, research shows arts and crafts improve mood and increase self-confidence. Artmaking may boost older adults’ self-esteem and overall well-being by challenging them to learn new skills, create something unique, and take pride in a finished project. Crafting is also beneficial for those living with depression or insomnia and can help improve mental acuity, thereby reducing the risk of developing dementia.

Residents of Arbor View Senior Living really enjoy our “Art Galore” classes. These weekly sessions allow residents to work with new and interesting mediums like clay, paper mâché, or collage and participate in community bonding activities like making decorations for an upcoming event or holiday celebration.

Providing the materials, opportunity, and inviting space for residents to gather for creative endeavors is one of the many benefits of living in a 55+ retirement community like Arbor View. Our full-time Life Enrichment Director loves coming up with new art-related programs and creative outlets that foster socialization and camaraderie and encourage our senior residents to explore their creativity and let their imaginations flow.  Plus, the maintenance-free lifestyle affords them more time to indulge in new hobbies and interests and boost their overall health.

Ready to start “crafting” your perfect retirement? Call 303-268-4747 and schedule your personal tour today. We’re always looking for more makers and DIY enthusiasts to join our independent and assisted living community.

Five Benefits of Living Smaller

Thinking about redefining your retirement lifestyle? Considering a retirement community can be an arduous task. Yet, it presents a unique opportunity: embracing a simpler lifestyle can yield a richer experience, especially when streamlining your living space within an active senior community.

For example, many people understand the importance of aligning your lifestyle with your core values and priorities. In this context, downsizing your living space within a senior community might initially seem like a step backward, but it’s a stride toward new advantages. By downsizing your living space, you’ll open doors to a plethora of expanded benefits. Below, we dive into just a few perks of upsizing your retirement lifestyle by living smaller. 

1. Liberating Your Time – A Boon for Retirement Living

With streamlined, maintenance-free living spaces, residents in a 55+ community gain precious time for what truly matters. Participating in community wellness programs, fostering friendships, or pursuing personal hobbies without the hassle of home upkeep. In addition to more time, residents don’t have to worry about cluttered spaces, losing their most valuable items, and the carefree attitude that comes with a minimalist lifestyle. You’ll spend time doing things you enjoy, not maintaining a home.

2. Practical Living – Simplifying Retirement Spaces

In downsized apartments, you create a space that reflects your personality without overwhelming clutter. At Arbor View Senior Living, our detailed studio and one-bedroom floor plans can assist in visualizing and designing your cozy haven.

3. Accessible Care – Vital for Retirement Living Peace of Mind

Enjoy peace of mind with easy access to amenities that support good health, including fitness facilities, activities, and connections with others. Imagine being able to hit the gym within a short walk away. No more treadmills or weights gathering dust in your garage. The best part? If you do need help, it’s close by.

4. Tailored Lifestyle – Crafting Retirement Community Connections

Embrace a social lifestyle within a lively community. Inviting places like the theater, library, and outdoor patios foster connections, ensuring you’re never alone unless you choose to be.

5. Enriched Living Experience – Elevating Retirement Living Beyond Space

At Arbor View Senior Living, downsizing isn’t merely about space; it’s a gateway to a fulfilling life. From communal dining to a diverse calendar of social and cultural events, residents can discover the perfect environment for a successful senior move. 

Selecting the Ideal Retirement Residence for You

Discovering the beauty of downsizing isn’t just about physical space—it’s about expanding horizons and embracing a lifestyle that matters to you. More than relinquishing square footage; it’s about gaining the freedom to immerse yourself in meaningful connections, activities, and a carefree existence.

At Arbor View Senior Living, downsizing doesn’t equate to sacrifice; rather, it unleashes you from the burdens of home upkeep and clutter. We envision a home as more than just a place for relaxation; it should be where shared laughter, engaging conversations, and cherished moments with friends find their space.

Ready to discuss your options for retirement? Call 303-268-4747 or visit our website and schedule a personalized tour to see for yourself everything our community has to offer.

Mature senior couple smiling and unpacking moving boxes in their new apartment at a senior living community

Transitioning to a senior living community can evoke many emotions. While you’re probably excited to start a new chapter of life, you may also feel nervous at the thought of leaving a longtime home, downsizing your personal belongings, or adjusting to a new routine. It’s perfectly normal to feel that way. There are several steps that you and your loved ones can take to ease the transition and help you adjust to your new home.

1. Get to know your new community

The thought of changing your daily routine may seem stressful. To reduce any feelings of worry, learn what the day-to-day schedule will look like in your new community. Knowing this will give you a better understanding of what to expect before settling into your new home.

2. Ask questions

The best way to get answers to all the questions you have is by talking to members of the community’s team and current residents. Spend time with team members before moving in, take a tour, and speak to a marketing or leasing person about the details. These individuals will help you begin your exploration process and give you a sense of the community’s culture.

3. Get involved

Frequent social activities are one of the best amenities senior living communities have to offer, so be sure to take advantage of your community’s social calendar as you move in. Many communities have welcoming committees and special events specifically designed for new residents. You should also look at the community calendar each day and pick activities or events you’d like to attend.

4. Make yourself at home

Personalizing your residence is an easy way to begin making your new community feel like home. Adorn your walls with pictures of loved ones and display favorite art pieces and other keepsakes. Pillows, throw blankets and rugs will make your space feel more comfortable as well. Ask family members to help you shop for some of these items and then spend an afternoon having fun together decorating and organizing your belongings.

5. Stay in touch

In addition to hosting events and activities for residents, senior living communities often invite your entire family and outside guests who may be considering a move to the community. Including your loved ones in this way helps you stay in touch with them on a regular basis. Maintaining a bond with the people who provide you with a sense of familiarity will help you continue feeling like part of the family, even after you’ve moved into a new community.

To experience our retirement community up close, visit crossroadsnorthglenn.com or call our team at 303-268-4747 and schedule your personal tour today.

Practical Tips and Resources for a Smooth Transition to a Maintenance-Free Senior Living Community

Arbor View Senior Living was recently featured in a Patch article sharing simple, effective tips for downsizing in retirement. From early planning to making your new space feel like home, the article highlights how Arbor View helps make the move to senior living easier and less overwhelming. Read the full article below or on Patch’s website.

Downsizing is about more than just moving to a smaller space—it’s a chance to simplify your life, focus on what truly matters, and embrace a new chapter. At Arbor View Senior Living, we know that transitioning to a 55+ independent living community can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it involves years of family memories and cherished belongings. To ensure a well-planned, coordinated move, check out this list of best practices and download our new consumer guide: Downsizing and Preparing for a Move to Senior Living.

Start Early and Plan Ahead

One of the most important steps in downsizing and preparing for a move to senior living is to give yourself plenty of time. Start planning months, if not years, in advance. Take inventory of your home and create a timeline with key milestones, such as sorting through each room, deciding what to keep, and scheduling donation pickups or estate sales; be mindful when shopping for new household items. Breaking the process into smaller, more manageable tasks can help reduce stress and keep you on track.

Declutter Strategically

Decluttering is at the heart of downsizing. Begin by sorting your belongings into four categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. Focus on one room or category at a time, such as clothes, kitchen items, or books. Ask yourself whether each item serves a purpose or holds sentimental value. Contact the leasing expert at your new community and request a floor plan of your residence to help determine what pieces will fit in your new space. For items that are hard to part with, consider taking photos to preserve the memories without keeping the physical object.

Enlist Help

Downsizing doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. Involve family or close friends who can offer support and help with decision-making. Professional organizers and senior move managers can also provide expertise. Ask your leasing agent for recommendations on local businesses specializing in senior moves or visit the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) website for resources in your area. NASMM members are experts in helping older adults and families with organizing, downsizing and relocating. Their services often include house cleaning, estate sales or auctions, realtor selector, and preparing your home for prospective buyers.

Making Your New Space Feel Like Home

After moving, personalize your new space with meaningful items like family photos, artwork, or a favorite chair. Create a cozy and welcoming environment that reflects your personality. Adjusting to a smaller space takes time, but familiar touches will make it feel like home.

Focus on the Benefits

While saying goodbye to a home can be emotional, keep your sights on the benefits of your new living environment. Maintenance-free communities, like Arbor View Senior Living, offer a host of advantages that simplify daily life. Say farewell to the hassles of mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, or repairing leaky roofs. Instead, enjoy peace of mind with services like housekeeping and on-site maintenance, giving you more time to focus on the activities you love.

Embrace Life Enrichment Opportunities

At Arbor View Senior Living, we provide more than just a place to live—we offer a vibrant lifestyle rich with opportunities for personal growth, social engagement, and wellness. Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals, engaging activities, and the freedom to live life to the fullest without the burden of home maintenance.

Celebrate the Journey

Downsizing is a significant life change, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and renewal. Moving to a smaller, more manageable space can lead to a fulfilling, stress-free retirement. With thoughtful planning and support, this transition can bring greater peace of mind, enrichment, and joy.

To make the transition even easier, Arbor View Senior Living created a FREE Downsizing Guide! It’s packed with expert advice, practical tips, and a printable checklist to help you stay organized and reduce stress. Download your copy today!

To learn more about Arbor View Senior Living, call 303-268-4747 or visit crossroadsnorthglenn.com. Our leasing professionals are happy to provide a free consultation, schedule a tour, and talk about decisions that come with coordinating a move.

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