When you think about a senior living community, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? If you have never visited a senior community in the last decade, you would be surprised to see that it probably doesn’t look the way you imagined it.
The senior living communities that used to look like clinical communities have now become more comfortable. You can even say that they feel at home.
If you are searching for a senior living community for your loved ones, you will be surprised by the lifestyle they have to offer.
What are Senior Living Communities?
Senior living is all about LIVING your life to the fullest.
Senior living communities are designed for older adults living together independently. These communities have all the resources a senior citizen needs to live happily.
Senior living can be further divided into the following.
- Independent Living: An independent community is often referred to as a retirement community. This usually appeals to the older crowd. Independent living offers affordable living, social opportunities, and senior-friendly surroundings.
- Assisted Living: If your parents are old, have medical conditions, and live alone, assisted living might be the best choice as it offers around-the-clock care services.
- Respite Care: Respite care, also known as short-lived care, offers your parents the experience of living independently for a shorter period. This is popular among the people who will be away from the house for business purposes and cannot leave their parents alone in the house.
- Memory Care: This is one special care unit. Memory care is for the elders who are suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Memory care units have the right expertise to deal with people and are experienced in handling such a unique condition.
- Skilled Nursing Facilities: A skilled nursing facility can rival a premium hospital’s highest level of care. It is the best option for your elders who need a higher level of medical care.
Things to Know About Senior Living Communities
Before you can think about senior living communities for your parents, there are a few things that you must know. Here we have handpicked some of the most important things that we believe will help you with your search.
1. Couples are Welcomed
Couples that stay together age together — but not always.
Health is something that is not prominent. With uncertain health conditions, separation is imminent. However, not within the senior living community.
Senior living communities allow spouses to live together with their better half and ensure that they spend the last few years of life together.
2. Not All Communities are the Same
Let us clarify something for you. Not all communities are the same. You will soon realize this after visiting a senior living community or two. Different living communities offer different living environments and sometimes, multiple housing options. You can simply select the one that pleases you the most.
3. Pets are Also Welcomed
It is a proven fact that pets relieve stress and reduce blood pressure. Fortunately, some senior living communities understand the importance of bonds and allow pets to live in the home with you.
Although senior living communities may have restrictions on breed types and size, some pets can accompany you to the living community.
4. Even Dementia Patients Can live in Senior Living Communities
One in every ten people suffers from Alzheimer’s. Senior living care communities with memory care offer respite from family members. With these programs, now your parents don’t have to face dementia alone.
5. Senior Communities are More Affordable Than You Think
Most people think that senior living communities are expensive. However, that is not the case. The cost of retirement communities is more affordable than you think. There are many living communities that allow you to choose a room based on your needs. Furthermore, there are several ways to finance a senior community.
6. Customize Your Experience
Most of the senior living communities do not offer a one-size-fits-all experience at present days to their residents. In actuality, you can select the exact level of service and care you require. It can be memory care, assisted living, or independent living. You also might be looking for something that will make you free from all that regular house care stuff.
7. More Health Benefits
Living in a senior community also means engaging with other people. preventing isolation. It eventually also resolves several other issues. Senior communities come with the benefit of developing friendly bonds. As per reports, spending leisure time with loved ones and friends always protects cognitive skills and also keeps them intact for a longer period.
Seniors who are moving to the living communities are happy with their choice. They even accept that it feels more like home than just a senior living community.