The Augusta at Gruene offers serene Hill Country living in New Braunfels. We are just a few minutes drive from the Historic Gruene. Enjoy single-story garden apartments with brick exteriors, private patios, and attached garages surrounded by lush landscaping.
You can choose from the spacious 1, 2, or 3-bedroom floor plans. Unwind at the pool, clubhouse, or pet park. Voted #1 apartment community in Comal County, it provides tranquil yet convenient retreat.
We hope to welcome you
Volume 27 Issue 2 March - April 2025
Senior Living Choices has added a new section to the guide, “Aging in Place Resources” . Aging at home can be comfor table and safe with a few key modifications Installing a walk-in tub reduces the risk of falls in the bathroom, while a stair lift ensures easy access to multiple levels. Having a reliable phone with a loud volume setting helps seniors stay connected with loved ones and emergenc y ser vices. A medical aler t system provides peace of mind by allowing quick access to help in case of fall or emergenc y These simple adjustments can greatly enhance safety and independence for seniors choosing to age in place.
512-928-4271 Austin 210-224-5151 San Antonio 830-257-4677 Kerrville
Arthritis Foundation www.arthritis.org 800-442-6683
•
• Up to 24-Hour Care
• Managers available 24/7
•
•
• Light Housekeeping
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• Bathing/Dressing
• Extensive Background Checks
• No Contract/No Deposit
• Free In-Home Consultation
Easter Seals www.easterseals.org 800-221-6827
National Parkinson Foundation www.parkinson.org 800-327-4545
FEDERAL & STATE AGENCIES
Area Agency on Aging
512-438-6208 Austin 210-477-3275 San Antonio 254-770-2330 Central Texas
Department of Veteran Affairs
Veterans Benefits Administration www.va.gov 800-827-1000 Austin 210-617-5300 San Antonio
Meals on Wheels
512-476-6325 Austin 210-735-5115 San Antonio
Medicare Health Information
Counseling & Advocacy Program 1-800-252-9240
Your Lifetime Advocate
Housing & Services Descriptions
Look for these color-coded housing types on the pages of this magazine …
ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES 55+ either age targeted or age restricted offer home ownership for adults 55+. These communities are maintenance free and offer a monthly association fee. Many of these communities are single family homes, cottages, patio homes, condominiums and townhomes.
SENIOR APARTMENTS offer all the amenities of regular apartment communities but have a minimum age requirement, in some communities it is 55 years of age, in others it is 62. Many of these apartments offer reduced rent for those that qualify, they are identified as “affordable” apartment communities.
INDEPENDENT LIVING WITH SERVICE COMMUNITIES offer older adult congregate housing that is generally replete with many amenities and social activities and services. Most communities offer restaurant-style meals, frequent events and country club style furnishings.
PERSONAL CARE HOMES this is a home in a residential care setting equipped to give adequate care to three residents. Personal care services may be delivered, i.e. assistance with bathing, moving, feeding, general oversight of the physical and mental well-being of a person who needs assistance.
ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES offer help with all aspects of daily activities (bathing, grooming and dressing assistance, perhaps) in atmosphere of semi-private living units. There is a wide range of services and amenities offered in this category. Provide many activities, excellent meals and beautiful appointments. All are currently licensed by the state as assisted living communities.
ALZHEIMER’S MEMORY CARE COMMUNITIES can be a special unit of a free-standing community designed to sensitively care for those with Alzheimer’s or memory-related disorders.
SKILLED NURSING / PHYSICAL REHABILITATION COMMUNITIES Offer hospital-like attention in an institutional atmosphere. These facilities offer 24-hour supervision. The amount of additional services, upkeep, food, and the structure of facilities can vary from nursing home to nursing home. They also may specialize in short term or acute nursing care, intermediate care or long term skilled nursing care.
HOSPICE CARE care may be provided in the home or a senior care facility. Services can include pain management and a variety of emotional, spiritual and physical support issues.
HOME HEALTH CARE agencies offer skilled nursing services, wound care, distribution of medication, physical and rehabilitation therapies.
PERSONAL CARE SERVICES providers of licensed health care services in the home and communities offer non-medical assistance with such tasks as bathing, dressing, meal preparation and transportation.
TEXAS HILL COUNTRY/CENTRAL TEXAS
1. Amberlin Georgetown
2. Ashford Wellington
3. Augusta at Gruene, The
4. Bel Air at Terra Vista by Cantex
5. Coronado at Stone Oak by Cantex
6. Eden Hill Communities
7 Elan Westpointe
8. The Huntington
9. La Vista Apts
10. Sorrento by Cantex
11. Village at Collinwood
12. The Village at Incarnate Word
13. Windemere at Westover Hills by Cantex
HOUSING
Village at Collinwood
Welcome HOME! Your new apartment is waiting for you! e Village at Collinwood is a community set apart from the standard one-size- ts-all lifestyle! Here we are focused on an environment that is resident centered. Being a part of this community, comes with an EXTRA element of unity and family. We value each and every one of our residents and our sta strives to personally connect with everyone who lives here. We o er spacious 1 & 2 bedroom apartment homes. We have incredible amenities that will perfectly t your active lifestyle, so you can live life to the fullest. We are close to a variety of shopping and dining experiences. Our Leasing Agents are standing by to o er you a Video or In-Person tour, so call us TODAY!
BENEFITS / SERVICES HOUSING OPTIONS
• Valet Trash Service
• Elevators
• Covered Parking
• Limited Access Entry Gates
• Pet Friendly
• Walk-in Closets
• Handicap Accessible
La Vista
Enjoy the Serenity of Independent Living. Located in the Heart of Texas just on the outskirts of San Marcos, La Vista is independent living at its nest, o ering spacious 1 & 2 bedroom oorplans, conveniently grouped in our one-story community. Come and join our family.
Austin, Texas
1001 Collinwood West Dr Austin, TX 78753
OFFICE HOURS
M-F 8:30 - 5:30 pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
DIRECTIONS
IH35N take the 243 exit toward Braker Ln, turn right on E Braker Ln, take a right on Blu Bend Dr, we are on the left.
San Marcos, Texas 1615 Redwood Road San Marcos, Texas 78666 Local & Toll Free:
www.lavistaretirementcommunity.org
BENEFITS / SERVICES HOUSING OPTIONS
• Transportation Services
• Social & Recreational Activities
• Hair Salon
• Congregate Meals
VISITS & TOURS
Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:00 Saturday by appointment
• Swimming Pool
• Washer & Dryer Connections
• Laundry Facilities
• Pet Friendly
DIRECTIONS
Take IH35 to San Marcos, exit Wonder World Dr. Go east on Wonder World Dr. Cross Hwy. 123. O road on your left.
Texas Department of Health & Human Services dshs.state.tx.us 210-949-2000
Texas State Securities Board
(We regulate stockbrokers, investment advisors, and investments sold to Texans) www.ssb.state.tx.us
www.TexasInvestorEd.org
512-305-8300 866-663-0009
CONSUMER INFORMATION
Adult Protective Services
800-252-5400
Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center 210-335-2128 www.bexar.org/drc
Commission on Legal Problems of the Elderly American Bar Assoc www.abanet.org/aging
Low Vision Resource Center & Owl Radio www.lowvisionclub.com 210-829-4223
Talking Book Program
800-252-9605 www.tsl.state.tx.us
Texas and New Mexico Hospice Organization 512-454-1247 www.txnmhospice.org
Why you need dental insurance in retirement.
Many Americans are fortunate to have dental coverage for their entire working life, through employer-provided benefits. When those benefits end with retirement, paying dental bills out-of-pocket can come as a shock, leading people to put off or even go without care.
Simply put — without dental insurance, there may be an important gap in your healthcare coverage.
When you’re comparing plans ...
Look for coverage that helps pay for major services. Some plans may limit the number of procedures — or pay for preventive care only.
Look for coverage with no deductibles. Some plans may require you to pay hundreds out of pocket before benefits are paid.
Shop for coverage with no annual maximum on cash benefits. Some plans have annual maximums of $1,000.
Medicare doesn’t pay for dental care.1
That’s right. As good as Medicare is, it was never meant to cover everything. That means if you want protection, you need to purchase individual insurance.
Early detection can prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones.
The best way to prevent large dental bills is preventive care. The American Dental Association recommends checkups twice a year.
Previous dental work can wear out.
Even if you’ve had quality dental work in the past, you shouldn’t take your dental health for granted. In fact, your odds of having a dental problem only go up as you age.2
Treatment is expensive — especially the services people over 50 often need.
Consider these national average costs of treatment ... $222 for a checkup ... $190 for a filling ... $1,213 for a crown.3 Unexpected bills like this can be a real burden, especially if you’re on a fixed income.
Featured Article
Aging in Place
Aging in place—the desire to live independently in one's own home as one grows older—is a goal shared by many seniors. Achieving this requires thoughtful planning and practical adjustments to ensure safety and comfort. Below are key considerations and suggestions to help seniors successfully age in place.
1. Home Safety Modifications
Creating a safe living environment is paramount. Simple modifications can significantly reduce the risk of accidents:
Preventing Falls: Install grab bars in bathrooms and handrails on both sides of staircases. Ensure that all areas of the home are welllit, and remove tripping hazards like loose rugs and clutter.
Bathroom Safety: Consider adding non-slip mats, a hand-held flexible showerhead, and a shower seat to prevent slips and falls.
Accessible Fixtures: Replace traditional doorknobs with lever handles, and ensure that frequently used items are within easy reach to avoid unnecessary bending or stretching.
2. Leveraging Technology
Modern technology offers tools to enhance safety and independence:
Emergency Response Systems: Wearable devices can detect falls and summon help immediately, providing peace of mind for both seniors and their families.
Home Automation: Smart home devices, such as automated lighting, thermostats, and security systems, can be controlled remotely and programmed to suit daily routines, reducing physical strain and enhancing security.
Medication Management: Automated pill dispensers and reminder apps help ensure medications are taken correctly and on time.
3. Health and Wellness
Maintaining health is crucial for independent living:
Regular Exercise: Engage in activities like walking, stretching, or yoga to improve strength, balance, and flexibility.
Nutrition: Adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support overall health.
Routine Medical Care: Keep up with regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations to address health issues promptly.
4. Building a Support Network
Social connections and assistance are vital:
Stay Connected: Regularly communicate with family, friends, and neighbors. Participate in community activities or senior centers to foster relationships and reduce isolation.
Professional Services: Consider hiring help for tasks like housekeeping, meal preparation, or personal care. Many communities offer services tailored to seniors' needs.
Community Resources: Explore local programs that provide transportation, social activities, or educational opportunities for seniors.
5. Financial Planning
Ensuring financial stability supports aging in place:
Budgeting: Assess income, savings, and expenses to create a sustainable financial plan.
Home Modification Funding: Research grants, loans, or community programs that assist with the costs of home modifications.
Insurance Review: Evaluate health and longterm care insurance policies to understand coverage options and benefits.
6. Legal Preparations
Having essential documents in place ensures that one's wishes are respected:
Advance Directives: Prepare living wills and designate health care proxies to outline medical preferences.
Estate Planning: Create or update wills and trusts to manage assets and provide clear instructions for heirs.
Organize Important Documents: Keep legal, financial, and medical documents accessible and inform a trusted person about their location.
By addressing these areas, seniors can enhance their ability to live independently and safely in their own homes, enjoying comfort and autonomy in their later years.
A Help Button Should Go Where You Go!
To be truly independent, your personal emergency device needs to work on the go.
MobileHelp® allows you to summon emergency help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by simply pressing your personal help button. Unlike traditional systems that only work inside your home, a MobileHelp medical alert system extends help beyond the home. Now you can participate in all your favorite activities such as gardening, taking walks, shopping and traveling all with the peace of mind of having a personal alert system with you. MobileHelp, the “on-the-go” help button, is powered by one of the nation’s largest cellular networks, so there’s virtually no limit to your help button’s range.
No landline? No problem! While traditional alert systems require a landline, with the MobileHelp system, a landline is not necessary. Whether you are home or away from home, a simple press of your help button activates your system, providing the central station with your information and location. Our trained emergency operators will know who you are and where you are located.
If you’re one of the millions of people that have waited for an alert service because it didn’t t your lifestyle, or settled for a traditional system even though it only worked in the home, then we welcome you to try MobileHelp. Experience peace of mind in the home or on the go.
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✓ Top-of-the-line installation and service, all included at one low, affordable price
