Senior Living Choices: How to Know If It’s Right for Your Aging Loved One

Research shows seniors thrive when they live in a community. Their health and well-being improve, and they live longer. According to the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, seniors living in communities spend less time in the hospital and have a longer life expectancy. The New England Journal of Medicine reports that socializing with others and participating in favorite activities helps a person maintain their cognitive abilities longer.

Furthermore, the American Association of Senior Housing discovered that aging in place isn’t always cost-effective. When a person needs around-the-clock care, they do best in a community. However, the right community must be found. One person may need a community that helps with activities of daily living, and another person might need services that include memory care. How can a family know which is right for their loved one?

Senior Living Choices How to Know If It's Right for Your Aging Loved One

Independent Living

Independent living communities offer seniors maintenance-free living. Their time is theirs to do as they please. They can socialize, engage in their favorite activities, and live life to the fullest. These communities are designed for active seniors who can handle their own personal care needs.

Assisted Living

Assisted living allows seniors to live independently while having help as needed. Residents of assisted living communities have their own living space, and staff members assist them with tasks like bathing, grooming, or medication management. Seniors have plenty of time to socialize, participate in wellness programs, and enjoy the things they love.  Staff members ensure they have everything they need for a high quality of life.

Memory Care

Men and women struggling with cognitive decline need memory care. The safe and secure housing ensures they are monitored around the clock. Staff members are trained to deal with the unique challenges that come with cognitive decline and ensure that residents have a safe and stimulating environment. Families receive relief when they transfer a loved one to a memory care community because they know their loved one is receiving the best care possible.

Continuing Care Retirement Community

A continuing care retirement community offers multiple levels of care on one campus. A person’s needs might change over time; when they do, the senior does not need to move to a new campus or community. They can remain in familiar surroundings and just transfer to a different unit.

Nursing Home

At one time, seniors would either live with family members or move to a nursing home. Today, nursing homes are reserved for those who need around-the-clock medical care and supervision. Residents receive this care while having access to activities and amenities that add value to their lives.  Some nursing homes are standalone facilities, while others are offered as part of a continuum of care in a community.

A senior’s living arrangements are extremely important. When a senior is in a community where they feel valued and appreciated, their lives are enriched. Seniors should sit down with loved ones to discuss their preferences and needs to find the right community.  This community should be close to family and friends so the senior can maintain established connections while meeting new people and forming new bonds.  The more opportunities they have to connect with others, the happier they will be, and their mental, physical, and emotional health will improve. For many seniors, a community is the perfect living arrangement in every way.

The source: https://megapersonals.co.com/

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