Apparent memory issues are a top influencer of baby boomer decisions to move a parent or loved one into a senior living community, according to a recent survey by Holiday Retirement. Forty-eight percent of respondents said that memory issues would be highly or somewhat influential in their decisions.
Following close behind, at 46%, were a loved one’s falls and/or the need for more around-the-clock supervision. Thirty-nine percent of survey participants said that dietary issues might convince them to move a loved one, 36% said an inability to keep up with house work or yard work might do so, 35% said the absence of nearby friends or family members would be a strong motivator, and 34% said the death of a spouse might influence them.
ORC International conducted the poll Sept. 9 to 13 among a sample of 1,000 adults aged 50 to 69 years. Respondents were selected from people who have volunteered to participate in online surveys and polls. Holiday Retirement released the results Jan. 18.
In conjunction with the survey, Holiday Retirement created a free, downloadable e-book for consumers that lists myths and realities related to senior living and how they can address their concerns. The company also created a checklist that adult children can use to help choose a senior living community for a parent or other loved one.
Holiday Retirement is the second-largest senior living operator in the United States, with more than 300 retirement communities across 43 states.
