Retirement Homes for seniors: Here’s what you should know

Aging is inevitable and it’s something you should all embrace as an opportunity for growth and development. It can be difficult to imagine how your lifestyle will change once you reach adulthood, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on what makes living life enjoyable. Instead, consider transitioning into a senior-living facility where you’ll experience new opportunities to grow and develop while enjoying the comforts of home in retirement homes.

If you’re considering moving out of your current residence here’s everything you need to know about choosing a retirement home or retirement community.

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What is Retirement Living?

Retirement living facilities such as Sienna Living offer services such as assisted living, memory care, independent living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation among others. Some also provide specialized programs like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care, hospice care and more. At these types of residences, seniors often live together within one building or neighbourhood. They may share meals and socialize throughout the day, participate in group activities and take part in recreational classes and events.

Residents typically receive 24/7 personal attention from staff members who help them carry out everyday tasks and maintain their independence. Whether they require medical treatment or not, retirees at this type of residential setting usually receive health insurance coverage. If you’d prefer to stay alone in your own apartment, then you might choose an independent living facility instead. In addition to offering similar amenities, independent living places allow seniors to make decisions regarding their lives without needing anyone else’s permission.

Benefits of Retirement Communities or Homes

Retirement communities or homes provide a wide range of amenities and services to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. These features may be available at all levels of care but typically vary by level. These include;

Assisted living – This type of facility provides 24/7 staffing so seniors can get around safely without having to worry if someone will assist them during meal times, bathroom breaks or while getting dressed. It also offers personal hygiene products and laundry service. Assisted living often includes social events like bingo games, exercise classes, arts & crafts sessions, etc.

Nursing home care– At this level of care, staff members work closely with doctors and nurses to ensure that seniors receive proper medical attention and treatment. They monitor medications and perform regular physical exams. Many nursing homes even allow families to visit every day.

Memory care – Memory care focuses on providing individualized care for people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Staff members regularly assess each resident to determine his or her needs. The goal here is not only to keep patients healthy but also to reduce stress and agitation among family caregivers. Residents usually sleep through the night and eat three meals per day. There are no set schedules; however, most days begin with breakfast followed by lunch and dinner.

Continuing care homes– Continuing care homes focus primarily on continuing health care rather than just ensuring safety and comfort. Staff members attend to routine tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and medication management. Seniors enjoy privacy because rooms aren’t shared with others. Most continue care homes offer a full menu of dining choices, allowing residents to choose how much time they spend eating.

Retirement Homes vs. Retirement Communities or Villages

There are two types of residential settings for older adults: independent living and skilled nursing. Independent living generally refers to housing where an elderly person lives alone but has access to various support systems within the complex. Nursing homes provide round-the-clock care and supervision. In addition to offering specialized healthcare, nursing homes offer additional amenities like housekeeping, security guards, recreational programs, transportation, shopping opportunities and dining halls.

Independent living residences tend to be smaller and less expensive than nursing homes, which means they’re ideal for those looking to save money while still receiving quality care. If you don’t require constant monitoring, then independent living might be right for you. However, it does have some drawbacks. You’ll likely live in one room rather than share your space with multiple roommates. While there are many independent living facilities, finding the perfect fit isn’t easy. Your best bet would be to check out several options before making a decision.

Skilled nursing facilities are designed specifically for individuals requiring extended periods of rehabilitation following hospitalization or surgery. Some include rehabilitation services, while others specialize solely in caring for frail elders. Although these places are more costly than independent living complexes, they do come with numerous perks including private bathrooms, larger bedrooms and kitchens, and high standards of cleanliness.

Summary

When choosing a retirement home, consider what kind of lifestyle you’d prefer. Do you want to stay active? Or would you prefer to relax and unwind after a long day? Are you interested in joining a religious group or volunteering? Would you benefit from participating in special education or therapy groups? All of these things add up to make sure you find the right home for yourself.