The Advantages of Living in a Retirement Facility
By: Sarah Dowling | Posted: 20th February 2012
An assisted living facility will benefit the senior and the senior’s family.
Those individuals who have reached retirement years often enjoy a lot of independence, but they may also begin to have difficulty making sure that they are taking proper care of themselves. This is particularly the case as the years pass, and they may find that they are confined to their homes, unable to do anything many of the things for themselves that they used to do. This is not only depressing for the senior, it is also distressing for their family. In addition, health risks to the individual increase, particularly if they have problems with falling or if they are not taking their medication properly. A retirement facility, however, has many benefits that can help individuals live out their golden years in the comfort and with a greater level of independence.
What are some of the benefits of using one of these assisted living facilities?
The first thing to be understood is that there is a difference between an assisted living residence and a nursing home. Rather than being confined to a room, with very little independence, many of the assisted living facilities offer services with just the right level of support to give the senior resident some self-sufficiency. One of the most important benefits of this type of environment, for the senior, is security and safety. This is especially true for those with some degree of physical impairment where assistance is available to ensure the senior has all the independence that he or she is able to enjoy.
When your senior loved one lives in a retirement home, you can rest assured they are getting meals on a regular schedule.
Nutrition is often a concern for individuals who have entered this time of their life, many do not get the proper nutrition when they are living on their own. It can also be very difficult for seniors to be able to get out and shop for groceries that they need as well. In an assisted living residence, however, there is access to regularly scheduled nutritious meals. Restaurant style dining not only supports good nutrition but is an important aspect of socialization and creates a family atmosphere.
No need to worry about a messy room or dirty clothes when living in an independent living facility.
Housekeeping is often difficult for many seniors, but that problem is overcome when living at a retirement facility. The housekeeping is done for the resident. Friendly staff members regularly straighten and clean the residents’ rooms. A clean room, as I'm sure that you're aware, is a healthy room, and it can really help to make a difference in the overall health of a senior when this cleaning is done on a regular basis. In addition, the housekeeping staff at the retirement facility will make sure that the residents are taken care of as far as laundry is concerned. On a regular basis, you can arrange for clothing and other laundry to be picked up in order to be cleaned and returned to your loved one conveniently.
More reasons to consider an assisted living facility for your parents or senior loved one.
Many seniors who have entered this stage of their life are unable to drive. The independent living facility gives your loved one access to the transportation that is necessary for you to make sure that they make their appointments as well as to get out shopping regularly. This transportation offers a considerable amount of freedom, and provides a solution for loved ones who are responsible for transporting the senior.
Finally, don't overlook the health related care that is available through a retirement facility. Trained staff are available to provide assistance and medication. Of course, not everyone will need constant care when entering a retirement facility, but it's nice to know that it is easily accessed.
About the Author
Sarah Dowling has been working for several retirement communities in Downey, CA. If you are looking for assisted living facility or retirement homes in Downey, CA, visit Lakewood Park Manor community website, a fully licensed independent and assisted living facility located in Downey minutes from shopping centers, restaurants, medical offices and hospitals.
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Tags: seniors, groceries, medication, health risks, retirement home, proper nutrition, nursing home, assisted living facilities, self sufficiency, security and safety, assisted living facility