It can be overwhelming when you or a loved one needs assisted living or memory care. There are questions to be asked, places to be visited, and decisions to be made. Most people don’t know where to begin.
Growing older brings many changes, one of which is retirement. This may mean downsizing from a family home to a smaller apartment or condominium for many seniors. But for many, this could mean searching for a new Active Adult Living situation altogether. While the idea of moving can be scary for some people, it’s common to see it as a positive step. Moving into a senior community offers many advantages over independent or assisted living.
Finding the right senior housing options can be difficult and frustrating. Whether you are starting to look for housing after retirement or you have the recommendation of a physician, finding the right senior living community like the ones offered by The Hickman requires time, effort, and research.
What Are Your Senior Housing Needs?
Physical and medical needs.
When you’re determining your senior housing options, consider the physical needs, like mobility and medical needs. These needs change as our bodies age, so make sure to look into how each location will meet the unique needs of the senior in your household.
Location and accessibility.
When it’s time to place the elderly in a nursing home, choosing where to reside might be challenging. It’s important to pick the correct location; you want it to be reachable but not too reachable since it’s boring to be stuck inside all day. The correct facility is also necessary, one that offers accessibility, safety, and facilities similar to those found in community centers like Preserve at Marsh Creek.
Home maintenance.
It’s never fun finding out your (or your parents’) home isn’t in the best shape. Regular maintenance and upkeep are critical to keeping your home, and everything in it, in good condition. Making sure your house is clean is a daily task, but it’s necessary that you’ll also periodically check the condition of your roof, siding, windows, doors, foundation, and plumbing. You’ll also want to check how well your heating and AC is working and make any necessary adjustments.
Social and emotional needs.
Staying mentally healthy as you age is important. Social and emotional needs are not talked about enough when it comes to senior living, but they should be. Seniors with unmet social-emotional needs are more likely to experience depression and have issues with activities of daily living. To prevent such a situation, you can contact in-home senior care in Land O Lakes (or wherever you are based), where you may get assistance from a dedicated care person regarding the fulfillment of your social and medical needs. Moreover, a senior living community can also serve the needs of both the physical person as well as their mental well-being.
Financial needs.
Many seniors these days want to live independently for as long as possible, and while some prefer not to move into an assisted living facility, others may appreciate a support system and assistance that nursing homes provide. However, assisted living and nursing homes aren’t the only options for seniors looking for housing solutions. Some seniors are willing to pay for the services they need through home care or assisted living, but they may not need the level of care offered by a nursing home.
Preparing Yourself for a Housing Change
Your current housing situation may be convenient, but at some point in your senior years, your needs will likely change. As you age, you may face some health issues, such as arthritis, and may need assistance with daily activities, such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing.
Helping a Loved one Cope with a Loss of Independence.
Senior citizens often age to a point where they need assistance. Many have health issues and may require help with everyday tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and toileting. Other seniors may need assistance with mobility issues due to arthritis or may need help with bathing, feeding, or toileting after an injury. Most seniors are able to take care of themselves, but as they age and their health declines, they may need a little help with these tasks.
This is why considering your housing options is a must when you reach your elder years.