Assisted Living and Retirement Homes That Could Work for You
Growing older comes with both its perks and its challenges. The older you get, the more you learn to appreciate life and all of the beautiful intricacies that comprise it. You stop caring about the trivial issues that distract and divide people at younger ages, and you know that the greatest freedom and happiness come from being true to yourself.
However as time goes on, our bodies do not always keep up with our spirits the way that we wish they would. Sometimes this means more limited mobility, health issues, and needing a bit more help to keep up with things. This is all natural, and should not be feared or denied. Attempting to avoid these issues will only make things more difficult.
Assisted living for those who need a bit of help
There is nothing wrong with needing a bit of assistance, especially after decades of living a full, active, and capable life. Even those who live the healthiest of lifestyles cannot always control how their bodies will react or function after a certain point. This is why there are nursing homes and assisted living centers for the elderly. Homes and communities that offer services to help perform daily tasks and functions can be extremely beneficial in a number of ways. Not only do these homes help with the day to day activities, but there are often more opportunities to get involved with recreational and social activities, which is important.
One study showed that those who keep moving are generally in better mindsets for longer. Of individuals in their 70s and 80s, those who were not physically active reported feelings of loneliness setting in at a rate of about 22.6%, while those who were active reported those feelings at a rate of just 12.2%. Staying active and social plays a big part in levels of happiness.
Finding places with a range of services
The great thing about retirement facilities and assisted living centers is that there is such a wide variety, offering such a wide variety of services. Everyone is different, from their personalities and lifestyles to their medical or physical needs. Aging is no different, so finding the right home means finding out what all is offered, and how those services fit your needs. It has been estimated that nearly 40% of residents in assisted living facilities get help with at least three tasks or actions that they perform each day. Having reliable and caring staff members who can consistently provide that help makes life that much less stressful and that much more enjoyable.
There are many places that also provide excellent memory care. It can be extremely difficult to begin losing memories, which are such a major part of identity. Choosing a home that specializes in this type of care can make things feel much more manageable. One study showed that those who participated in the most social activities experienced a decline of their memory at a rate which was half that of those participated in the least amount of social activities. Interaction is a crucial key, and the right facilities can help to provide that.
When it comes down to it, you want to be able to choose the place that is best for you, where you will be the most comfortable. Doing a bit of research to find the best possible fit will prove to be more than worth it once you get settled in.
