When you bring up the idea of senior housing to your elderly loved one, does she balk at the very thought? Perhaps her mind goes back to when she was a small girl and she visited her grandmother or great-grandmother in a senior housing environment that seemed ugly, unwelcoming, and depressing. She might have memories that conjure up the last thing she wants – a confined space with no freedom to do the things she wants.
Today’s senior housing is much different than that of your mother’s memories. Many seniors live in communities that help them thrive and enjoy life to a much fuller extent than they could have by living alone in their own home, away from family and friends. Sharing some of the perks of senior housing may be just what your loved one needs to hear so that she can think about the possibility of moving into a new community and exploring the benefits and perks of all it has to offer.
Let’s look at key perks to joining just about any type of senior housing community. Keep in mind that there are many different types and levels of senior housing, but no matter where your loved one goes, she’s sure to benefit from these perks.
Safety
One thing that many seniors (and their caregivers) worry most about living alone is safety. If they injure themselves seriously, there’s no one to help. If the railing by the stairs falls off, they need to find someone to fix it so they won’t fall. And if there is any type of weather emergency, they have no one to help them “weather the storm.” In a senior housing community, seniors are safe and secure with help always nearby. Some communities have medical staff always on hand or maintenance that will stop by and fix things.
Community
Aging often creates loneliness as long-time family members, spouses, and friends pass on or have health issues that don’t allow them to get out much anymore. Long hours spent alone can cause depression. But living in a senior housing community provides just that – community. All of the neighbors are in a similar life stage and the communities often have multiple sources of entertainment to engage and interact within the community. Your loved one is sure to make new friends and have plenty of fun activities to do with them.
Health
Some communities have kitchens or small dining rooms where your loved one can enjoy meals without having to create the meals all by herself. They can accommodate any of her special dietary needs and help her stay on a healthy track of eating right. Many communities also have exercise programs specifically geared toward the elderly so that your loved one can enjoy being active while staying safe.
Once you’ve reviewed some of these perks with your loved one, ask her if she’ll visit some local senior housing communities with you so she can get a better idea of what it looks like. She just might find she’s looking forward to joining one.
If you or an aging loved one are considering a move to a Senior Housing Community in Brentwood, TN please contact the caring staff at Wellington Place today. Call (615) 377-1221
Providing Independent Living for Seniors near Brentwood, Nashville, Fairview, Goodlettsville, Lebanon, Mount Juliet, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Hendersonville, Gallatin, Nolensville, Franklin and surrounding areas.
- How Senior Living Communities Promote Lifelong Learning - October 2, 2024
- Embracing the Next Chapter: Transitioning to an Independent Living Community for Seniors - November 22, 2023
- The Perks of Senior Housing - September 7, 2023