Care for Elderly Parents: How Senior Living in Brooklyn Can Help
If you're navigating care for elderly parents while living and working in NYC, The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights is the answer. An upscale community at the heart of one of New York's landmark neighborhoods, this beautifully restored former hotel takes support for aging parents to a whole new level. Plus, it's just minutes from Manhattan on the 2 and 3 trains and is located in one of the most attractive New York neighborhoods you'll ever find.
New York City may not be the obvious choice for care for elderly parents, with just 6,194 retirees moving in and 28,696 moving out in 2022. However, The Watermark changes all that. Get ready to discover how delightful and sophisticated assisted living in Brooklyn, NY, could be for your beloved parents.
How to Take Care of Aging Parents
For busy New Yorkers who have carved out a career in NYC, the dilemma of how best to provide support for aging parents is a challenge. It may be impractical to care for them in their own home or your home. Yet, if they move to a senior living community upstate, it may be hard to visit them as regularly as you would like.
Find Out Their Needs
The first priority for your family is working out what support for your aging parents is required. One of the best family caregiver tips is simply to listen. Let them articulate their struggles and have an open conversation about how a senior living community could help.
Matching Needs to Services
Next, you need to match your parents' needs to the right type of senior living community. There are three main kinds to consider:
- Independent living, which provides accommodation and services without personal care for autonomous seniors
- Assisted living, which provides personal care for seniors who need additional support
- Memory care, with support from specialist caregivers and healthcare professionals for seniors with memory conditions
At The Watermark, you have all three senior living communities on a single site. Whether your loved one just needs the security of living in a supervised community or needs specialist care for dementia, The Watermark has the right home for them.
Consider the Location
Brooklyn Heights is one of the premier neighborhoods in New York City and is the ideal setting for a fulfilling retirement.
First, it is a walkable neighborhood with excellent transportation links to the rest of the city. It is full of great areas to eat, get coffee, and take in the inspiring architecture of a bygone age.
It also features incredible views over lower Manhattan. The iconic skyline is clearly visible from many rooms at The Watermark. What an incredible, iconic location for your parents to call home.
Plus, it's close to you and your family. You'll be able to spend more evenings and weekends together because your parents are right on your doorstep. All while still being able to enjoy your life and aspirations.
How Can You Tell When an Elderly Person Is Declining?
The first signs that one of your parents needs additional support or memory care services are usually small, but telling.
You may notice their routines start to slip. They do not show up for appointments, forget to take medication, or don't open their mail. The National Institute on Aging also highlights the following concerns:
- Difficulties caring for personal hygiene
- Struggling to safely prepare meals
- Failing to keep the home as clean as they used to
You may also notice that your parents are not as cheerful as they used to be. When everything is getting too much, it's natural for anxiety and even depression to creep in. Before a crisis situation arises, have a frank but loving eldercare planning conversation.
What Can Lonely Seniors Do?
A recent survey by the NYC Department for the Aging reported that 22% of older adults are not socializing as much as they would like. As we get older, it can be harder to get out and see people. Plus, many of our old friends may have moved away or even passed away.
A change of environment can make a massive difference. At The Watermark, your parents can enjoy the best of daily activities and amenities, with ample opportunities for socializing. These include:
- Photography, painting, and drawing classes
- Creative cookery sessions
- Language learning opportunities
- Fitness classes
- Mixology sessions
Your parents may be able to enjoy the best social life they've had in years, with friendly neighbors and ample mingling opportunities right on their doorstep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Good Day Look Like at The Watermark in Brooklyn Heights?
A good day in our community balances autonomy with community. Mornings might start with a coffee and a light breakfast in the restaurant before some quality time with the paper. Next, head to a Watermark University class before joining friends for lunch.
Afternoons could involve a stroll through Brooklyn Heights, an invigorating swim, or even an educational lecture. Then dinner, perhaps in the private dining room with visiting family, followed by time spent relaxing together in your apartment to cap off a fantastic day.
Why Choose Senior Living in Brooklyn Over a Location Out of the City?
For many New Yorkers, the city gives them energy. Brooklyn Heights offers them the chance to live close to its beating heart, yet have the small community feel that this historic neighborhood perfectly encapsulates. For city dwellers, communities outside of the city may lack the buzz and stimulation they are used to.
Plus, The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights is a community in its own right. It has almost everything you need, from excellent dining to a pool and fitness center, right on campus. So rather than moving your parents into the heart of the city, you're really keeping them close and encouraging them to experience an elevated yet comfortable lifestyle.
Upscale Care for Elderly Parents at The Watermark
If you're weighing care for elderly parents, bring them to The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights for a guided tour. As a family, experience how our team makes everyday life extraordinary through our amenities, including our indoor pool, salon and spa, creative studios, and Watermark University classes.
Provide the best support for aging parents while keeping them close by. Reach out to us today for more information and to schedule a tour.