By: Penny Frownfelter, Vice President of Clinical Support Services
There is no magic age for when it’s the right time to move into a senior living community. Unlike getting a driver’s license or enjoying alcoholic beverages, the milestones of aging are much less cut-and dry, so the decision to evaluate retirement communities also has many factors to consider. Who is doing the research is also not a one-size-fits-all approach. Sons and daughters inquire for parents. Grandchildren or nieces are looking into it for their loved ones. Other times an individual or couple are trying to figure out the next move.
The fact is, it’s never too early to consider future-planning options and understand the differences between personal care, assisted living and memory care before it becomes a crisis or last-resort decision. Additionally, some senior living communities may have long wait lists so planning ahead could eliminate stress personally, medically and financially.
We see an increase in inquiries after family get-togethers and celebrations. Reality sinks in as signs of as “Senior Slide”-when age-related decline seems to have happened quicky-are noticed. Unfortunately, the signs aren’t always obvious and can be easily overlooked.
Mobility concerns
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four Americans over the age of 65 will fall each year, and those are just the falls that are reported. If mobility is starting to become a challenge, the risks increase for falls which could domino into other health concerns. Peace of mind could be found in senior living communities where rooms can be set up to minimize fall risk, check-ins are consistent throughout the day and care is provided when emergency support is needed.
Preexisting conditions or a new diagnosis
Medications can be a daunting task when there may be multiple conditions or a new diagnosis being managed. Additionally, juggling appointments and navigating transportation could be added logistics for the individual and their caretakers. In senior living communities, the clinical team administers medications at the correct time of day and proper dosage. Transportation is also offered to ensure individuals arrive safely and on-time to appointments.
Difficulty with daily routines
Whether it is forgetfulness or a lack of interest, often older adults tend to disregard personal hygiene or appearance. Cooking, laundry and other household chores are not as easy because they take too much energy or it’s just harder to get around. Personal finances could be mismanaged and not completed in a timely manner. These examples and other activities of daily living are benchmarks for evaluating the level of care and services an individual might needed in a senior living community.
Personality changes
Aging does impact mental health. Whether an individual has stopped engaging in the hobbies they previously enjoyed or their friend groups are starting to dwindle or not meet frequently, signs of depression or attitude changes are common due to isolation or loneliness. communities provide consistent activities, socialization opportunities and the resources to continue safely enjoying hobbies or learning new ones.
One of the goals of is to ensure, even with support, senior living residents can live as independently as possible and maintain the highest quality of life. Not only does this benefit the resident, it also gives the families peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are cared for, encouraged and seen as they make the transition into a new home.
If you have questions about senior living communities or our Country Meadows locations in Pennsylvania or Maryland, please contact us.
