Approximately 30 percent of senior citizens live in a retirement community at some point. These communities are designed with them in mind and may offer anything from independent living to specialized care. When families know the benefits of senior living, they can determine whether this is the right option for their loved ones.
What Are Senior Living Communities?
Senior living communities are residential options created with older adults in mind. Residents benefit from a supportive and engaging environment and no longer need to worry about household maintenance and repairs. They can enjoy life, socialize with others, and participate in activities such as fitness programs for residents. These communities offer everything from suites or apartments to single-family homes.
Why Move to a Senior Living Community?
Seniors might wonder why they should consider moving to a community. They can stay in the familiarity of their own homes or move in with family members, but there are numerous benefits to living in a senior living community.
Socialization
Older adults should consider moving to a senior living or retirement community because their peers will surround them. Everyone in the community will be in the same stage of life and understand their fellow residents’ challenges. Seniors have a supportive environment where they can thrive and foster connections. They also have time to enjoy current hobbies or try new ones, travel, or reconnect with friends from the past. Residents choose what they want to spend their time on because they know staff members will be there to handle the rest.
Low-Maintenance Living
People who own a home know there is always something they need to do. They may need to prepare meals or do laundry, or they could spend their time raking leaves and mowing the lawn. Staff members at senior living communities handle these tasks. The residents benefit from the amenities found in these communities, which may range from tennis courts and putting greens to business centers and theater rooms. Many communities have on-site gyms or fitness classes, and they may also have swimming pools, jacuzzis, or massage rooms.
Personal Care
Some seniors struggle to complete activities of daily living and need help. They may hire aides to come into the home. However, what happens if they need help and the aide isn’t scheduled to come that day or has already left? Problems such as these are eliminated when living in a senior living community. Staff members are always available to help in assisted living communities.
Many people choose to move to an independent living community when they don’t need this level of help. However, they should search for a continuing care community so they won’t need to move as their needs change. They can start in independent living, move to assisted living when they need help with daily activities, and progress to skilled nursing or memory care. Remaining in the same community is best for seniors, as they don’t want to move multiple times when they are older. They prefer to stay in familiar surroundings and can do so when they live in a continuing care community.
Safety and Security
Seniors are at higher risk of accidents, and when they live alone, they may be unable to get help quickly. Senior living communities always have people around to assist in these situations, and they have alert systems in all residences so seniors can call for help quickly and easily. Families have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are being looked after. Furthermore, criminals often target seniors. When older individuals live in a community, criminals are less likely to target them because they know the senior has others around to help. They don’t want to be caught, so they look for easier targets.
Healthy Living
Senior living communities prioritize physical activity. They understand the importance of staying active as one ages and encourage residents to exercise whenever possible. In doing so, they consider each resident’s abilities and medical conditions. The community may offer yoga or group fitness classes, walking clubs, fitness centers, gardening activities, and dances. Many communities feature swimming pools and may provide water aerobics classes, as exercising in water is gentler on the joints. However, seniors should always consult their doctors before trying any new physical activity to ensure it is safe.
Transportation
Seniors often cannot drive for various reasons and may not want to even if they can. Senior living communities often offer transportation to medical appointments, restaurants, events, and shopping centers. Depending on the community, residents may also be able to request transportation for other purposes. Seniors appreciate this because they can go places without worrying about paying for, insuring, and maintaining a vehicle. They can get around town effortlessly and enjoy life.
Simplified Finances
Anyone who has missed a credit card or other bill payment knows how quickly the late fees and penalties add up. Seniors can easily miss a bill unintentionally and mess up their finances. When they move to a senior living community, they only have one monthly bill for all household expenses. The monthly fee includes housing, meals, amenities, and other expenses. The senior won’t need to budget for household maintenance, repairs, or other unexpected expenses. They can enjoy life and know once the monthly fee is paid, the remaining funds are theirs to spend.
Healthy Meals
Many seniors eat fast and processed food or skip meals because they don’t want to cook for just one person. Grocery shopping, meal preparation, and cleaning up after eating can feel overwhelming. However, when they move to a senior living community, they no longer have to worry about these tasks. Most communities offer three meals daily, tailored to the residents’ dietary needs. Mealtimes also give residents another opportunity to socialize, transforming eating into a social event.
Every senior should consider moving to a community even if they can continue living in their homes. The benefits that come with this move extend beyond those outlined above. Seniors will thrive when they find a community that meets their needs, and they live life to the fullest.
