Navigating Aging and Housing Decisions
Deciding how to live out your older years is complex and can involve difficult conversations with family. We understand where you are coming from —and your concerns about a transition and what life will be like in a community. We are here to help you navigate the options.
There are several factors that you may want to consider when deciding whether or not to move out of your home as an older adult.
It is a good idea to consider your options carefully and seek the advice of a trusted family member, friend, or healthcare professional before making a decision.
I’m doing just fine at home on my own.
Living alone can be isolating and it’s just not that easy. Maybe you’re realizing that arranging rides to appointments, caring for your household, and cooking meals is not working out all that well now more than you want to manage by yourself. But as a self-reliant adult, you aren’t looking for a care environmentBut, you value your independence and do NOT want to move to a nursing home or assisted living facility. At Upside, we customize services and amenities based on your lifestyle preferences and needs so you can have the freedom to life live as you choose rather than feeling tied to overwhelming household obligations.
Why not have someone come in to help at home instead of moving to independent living?
This sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s not that simple.This may be a good option for you, but there are a lot of considerations. First, home care can be very expensive, and it can be challenging to find a home health aide who is a good fit for you. Secondly, it’s more expensive, and finding care 24/7 can be a challenge. Plus, with home care, you do may not get the benefits, amenities, conveniences, socialization and vibrant living environment that will keep you young. Research has shown helps prevent depression, disability, and loneliness. Isolation and loneliness are usually not solved by in-home care.
Independent living doesn’t seem to offer freedom. I don’t want to be on a community’s schedule. I want to live independently.
At Upside, you don’t have to be on any schedule except your own. We give you access to a menu of amenities, services, events, and conveniences and allow so you can to pick and choose. Much like a resort, you select the experience you want and extras you desire, along with the support you need to freely do as you wish. We never require you to attend events or utilize services that you are not interested in.We find this is empowering and energizing for adults. Basically, we’ll take care of the details and you do life as you choose.
It will cost too much.
Sure, there are some independent living communities that are extremely expensive, but that’s not how we operate at Upside because you get to customize the services and amenities you pay for. You get an elevated experience with our select, renovated and new apartments homes that range in size and include affordable options. This way, you can access a turn-key lifestyle that suits your budget and gives you the freedom to live life on your terms. You only pay for the services you want and need.
I’m not sure community living is my thing.
With Upside, you choose how, when and where to participate in activities, social gatherings and more. You can connect in more low-key informal ways with Upside members, access programs where you’ll meet others with similar interests, or decide to opt for conveniences like meal preparation and concierge shopping. When we say “your terms,” that means you design select the features you want the program and need, and our Upside Managers connect you to the amenities that work for you. And you’re free to change your mind at any time!We’ll never pigeon-hole you into a program.
There are many reasons Upside members decide to join our vibrant communities, where they can access concierge amenities and activities when and where they want. And you might think age is the main factor in choosing senior living, but that’s not the case at Upside. Our members and families are looking for more freedom to spend time the way they want rather than feeling tied down to household responsibilities that can become a real burden. They want the flexibility to travel, dine out, enjoy hobbies—and not the worry of housekeeping, maintenance, technology issues and so on.
At Upside, we focus on the whole person and supporting the lifestyle you want to lead. Upside Managers get to know you on a personal level and help coordinate the services and conveniences you choose. Is there something else we can do? Just ask.
Be honest. Is your home a blessing or a burden? If you weren’t tied to maintenance, cleaning, dealing with repairs or even cooking, how would you spend your time? A move to an Upside partner apartment makes sense if you desire freedom to engage in life—to spend time doing what brings you purpose and joy. Isn’t that how we should spend our older years? But we understand, you don’t want to be “scheduled.” That’s why at Upside, we provide an Upside Manager that is your personal concierge and gateway to support, an array of bespoke services, social opportunities and everyday conveniences. Basically, it’s a lot like living in a resort where you choose from a menu of services that suit your lifestyle and personal needs.
So, when does a move make sense? When you’re ready to reclaim your time and alleviate daily burdens so you can thrive.
You might be wondering what life will look like if you transition to an Upside apartment. These are some of the questions we answer all the time about independent living. We hope it brings you peace of mind. And if there is anything else you’re wondering about, please ask. We are here to help.
With Upside: Access to housekeeping, maintenance, laundry and daily chores are managed by a professional who’s a pleasure to be around.
At home: Daily chores slide and the stress of repairs or maintenance like mowing or vacuuming takes the enjoyment out of living at home.
With Upside: We connect you to social experiences when and where you choose—whether family, friends, Upside members that share your interests, or compassionate caregivers who are there to listen and support.
At home: You feel isolated many days—the neighbors are busy with their own activities, friends your age have trouble coming over to visit, and getting out feels like it takes too much work. You look forward to weekly family dinners, but other days can be pretty lonely.
With Upside: Enjoy dining with neighbors, table service, meal preparation and fresh cuisine that is nutritious and meets your dietary requirements. If you enjoy cooking, request grocery delivery so you can have fun preparing dishes rather than spending time in the store. Select cuisine delivery or engage in social dining experiences. It’s your choice.
At home: Pre-packaged frozen dinners and boxed meals are easier to prepare but not as healthy and fulfilling as the meals you used to cook or enjoy in restaurants. You eat alone most of the time, or in front of the television.
With Upside: A driver service is always available for appointments, outings, errands, events or whatever you need.
At home: You often rely on others to drive you to appointments or errands. You don’t want to ask for help all the time.
With Upside: We bring the activities to you virtually. And, we coordinate transportation to off-site events if you choose. That’s up to you! That can include yoga and tai chi, along with personal trainers who can help improve movement, balance and energy. Tap into a wealth of learning experiences and meet other Upside members who share your interests. Join in happy hours, outings, dinners out and more. And gain support from other members and your Upside Manager, who acts as an extension of family as a go-to, trusted point person.
At home: You’re more sedentary than you used to be because getting to a community or senior center to participate in exercise or classes is a challenge.
With Upside: A personalized Upside Manager focuses on supporting the lifestyle you want to lead and can connect you with our concierge services, along with coordinating medical services, evaluating in-home care needs. Your Upside Manager can also help with short- and long-term planning, and link you to supplemental services like medical and in-home care so you can continue to thrive in your Upside home.
At home: You’re relying on family for rides, help with technology and tasks like finding someone to mow the lawn or fix an appliance. You feel guilty asking all the time because your adult children are taking care of their own families, too.
How can we help you live life to the fullest? Our Upside Managers offer a gateway to independence by coordinating services and connecting you to the conveniences and experiences that mean the most so you can thrive.
Upside Corporate Headquarters
6365 NW 6TH Way, Suite 200
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
