We may experience physical and health problems as we become older, which may limit our capacity to live freely. Living at home, especially by yourself, might not be the safest choice under some circumstances. Thankfully, anticipating and preparing for a better place to live can improve their quality of life overall. Continue reading to discover more about the ways in which different types of senior living may contribute to a well-rounded future and the significance of assisted living planning for a wise and health-conscious aging strategy.
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Senior Living: What Is It?
The phrase “senior living,” albeit it is out of date, refers to housing that is specifically tailored to the requirements of senior citizens. According to Ben Mandelbaum, CEO of Senior Planning Services in Lakewood, New Jersey, “senior living allows older adults to continue to live and prosper in the safest, most appropriate environment based on their medical and physical capabilities and/or limitations.”
What Is Appropriate Ageing?
The capacity to live an active, independent, healthy, and meaningful existence throughout your lifespan is known as healthy aging. According to Stephen Quaning, M.D., a geriatric medicine expert with MetroHealth in Orlando, Florida, “you have to be proactive at home to stay independent.” Proactive behaviors like taking prescribed medications for chronic conditions, exercising frequently, maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking, getting enough sleep at night, and participating in social activities all contribute to overall health and well-being.
Senior living choices may be considered when chronic and progressive conditions, such dementia and diabetes, impair day-to-day functioning and make staying at home risky. According to Kim Elliot, chief nursing officer of Brookdale Senior Living in Brentwood, Tennessee, “senior living can provide many benefits to a person who is dependent on care, from taking care of the daily chores of life to providing quality care and health services onsite.” “The social component that senior living communities can provide is one of the biggest factors that helps improve a resident’s quality of life.”
The Advantages of Senior Living for Society
Seniors living in assisted living facilities have the opportunity to form new friendships and connections. According to Elliot, “Caring professionals can also provide support to residents, enabling them to continue growing and evolving in new and exciting ways at their own pace and desire.”
Living in an assisted living facility, such a 55+ residential complex, may help alleviate loneliness and lessen the load on family caregivers by providing social support and communal activities. The primary advantage of senior living, according to a small survey conducted in the Netherlands and published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, is the feeling of community and social connections it offers. Senior living members actually felt like they were “more than just neighbors,” according to the study’ findings.
However, if someone is new to a community created especially for senior citizens, it may at first seem like middle school, complete with cliques and awkward situations to deal with. According to the survey summary, even among older persons, social exclusion, disputes, and confrontations are nevertheless commonplace in communal life.
Choosing the Ideal Living Environment for Your Loved One
According to Dr. Quaning, “living at home for as long as possible is the goal for most older people.” Remaining in their familiar surroundings and following a schedule might make staying at home feel perfect, even if they could benefit from the social contact offered by senior living facilities. In the event that an individual may safely age in place, Dr. Quaning advises assisting them in discovering other avenues for community engagement. “I advise my elderly patients to get out and socialize with the younger generation. They have a lot to teach you about the current situation, and you have a lot to teach them about the past and your life experiences,” he remarks.
A more autonomous and active kind of senior living facility, like a 55+ residential community, may be a sensible next step for highly functional older persons who choose to live close to others their own age. This is especially true for those who are unable or unable to age in place. In addition to the standard apartment complex services and facilities, these neighborhoods usually include social activities and housekeeping.
As an individual’s healthcare requirements change, assisted living is probably the next best step up from independent living. These homes assist individuals keep their independence by offering support for those who struggle with self-care and for those whose physical abilities or health are deteriorating. Meals, shopping assistance, home or room cleaning, support with medication administration, and appointment scheduling are just a few of the amenities that an assisted living facility may offer.
Nursing home care is accessible for those with memory problems who require support to carry out everyday tasks (such going to the restroom on their own). In addition to three meals a day, professional nurses provide on-site hands-on help and supervision around-the-clock in nursing homes.