When it comes to safety and health concerns, older adults are an especially vulnerable group. Our safety considerations and needs evolve as we advance in age, which means older adults have to make changes in order to adapt. To enable the elderly to enjoy a fulfilling retirement, they need to put their safety, health, and social life at the top of their priority list. Find out how your aging loved ones can be safer in assisted living.
Accessibility Concerns
Aging in place at home can have its own set of challenges. This includes as soon as an older adult steps foot outside their front door. Though there is a high percentage of older adults who prefer aging in place at their own home, their property may no longer works for them if they have mobility restrictions and require walking aids. Some houses have multiple levels so it becomes hard for older adults to navigate the different areas of their home safely.
The kitchen is another area of the house where older adults may be put at a risk of injuries. Kitchen cabinets have shelves that may be too high for them to reach especially for those in wheelchairs. This may hinder them in completing daily chores like cooking and cleaning which will in turn implicate their quality of life.
Assisted living communities are designed with the needs of older adults in mind. Every last detail in the hallways, senior apartments, and dining rooms is built to cater to the needs of older adults.
Socialization Issues
Healthy socialization with peers can help older adults stave off feelings of loneliness and isolation. This is important to help them prevent detrimental health issues like anxiety and depression. Social interaction will also help reduce the risks of cognitive decline and high blood pressure.
Aging in place does not provide older adults with the socialization opportunities they need to maintain their social health. Without safe transportation modes to travel to town for dinners or religious services and more, older adults will get stuck at home on their own for most of their old age.
At an assisted living community, there is a daily calendar of senior living activities carefully curated for residents. They are free to participate in any activity they like or explore new hobbies with their fellow neighbors. They can easily stay fit and mentally active without having to travel outside of the community.
Wellness Challenges
Lastly, aging in place offers its own unique wellness challenges even for older adults who are in a great shape. Living at home means older adults need to travel to town to head to the gym or go for a workout class and visit their therapists and doctors. In case of an emergency, older adults can simply call emergency services on their own for assistance which may require some time to arrive.
For residents of assisted living communities, they have ready access to senior health and wellness programs right on site. All programs are facilitated by experienced professionals who are trained to provide emergency support. Their health will also be monitored and any important medical information will be communicated to their physician on a regular basis.
