As a whole generation of people passes retirement age, and they find themselves requiring some level of care for their everyday lives, senior living facilities present solutions that may have surprising degrees of affordability and benefits.
Whether you are an individual who recognizes you have reached this stage yourself or a caregiver for an aging parent, the many options for residential facilities extend far beyond the old-fashioned concept of nursing homes alone.
There are retirement communities with cooperative housing for those who do not need much help, assisted living facilities for those who do, and skilled nursing care locations as well.
The many benefits of modern senior living facilities include:
Safety and a Focus on Health
One of the primary reasons that people begin looking at senior living facilities is the issue of safety1. As mobility decreases, cognitive function declines, and health problems make living alone risky, caregivers and seniors alike look for solutions that support their needs. These facilities have proper equipment and staff in place to help people get around, manage their activities of everyday living, and improve safety in all ways. Having trained medical carers on hand all day and night also helps.
Improved Socialization
Various studies have shown that maintaining an active social life helps prevent cognitive decline and emotional and mood issues like depression and anxiety in the senior years2 Senior living facilities not only have multiple people living together in one convenient place, they also arrange activities that foster socialization and positive interactions. From communal eating to activities like light exercise and memory games, everyone has the opportunity to make a new friend and have some fun.
Finding an Affordable Solution Is Possible
The cost of maintaining a home or renting an apartment can be more than 33% of a senior's income. For many who rely on Social Security, they may end up even paying more. Then, they still have to worry about unexpected repairs, maintenance, and property taxes3 It is possible to find an affordable senior living solution instead.
There are many different options for senior living facilities, and many come with government or private subsidies for seniors that can prove they have a need. In fact, the Good Samaritan Society operates many low-cost senior apartment complexes throughout the USA and offer subsidies to seniors as young as 50 who can show proof of limited income.
While it is true that specialized nursing care and boutique-style, home-like facilities can be quite expensive, the benefits they provide are considerable. Remember that the monthly charges include not only an apartment or room that is cleaned regularly but also hot meals prepared by an in-house chef, medical care in some cases, assistance with daily activities, social events, and much more.
Outcome
The choice to move to a senior living facility depends on many different factors. With the knowledge that there are solutions for every stage of life, you or your caregiver can make an informed decision about what would work best for your health needs, financial circumstances, and interests.
1.https://www.senioradvisor.com/blog/2018/08/benefits-of-assisted-living/
2. https://www.whereyoulivematters.org/community-living-its-healthier/
Reviewed by Liss Sullivan
Written by Debrah Henn
TRENDING
Reviewed by Liss Sullivan
Written by Debrah Henn
TRENDING
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