Are you unsure which senior communities to choose from for your loved one? You’re not alone. With America’s population slowly but consistently aging and healthcare policies changing year after year, more people are seeking out the benefits of assisted living facilities to stave off uncertainty about the future. While looking for assisted living information can be a little daunting in light of so many options, rest easy knowing that assisted living for seniors is only growing more common by the day. Let’s take a look at what retirement centers in Florida or your state can offer your loved one in the near future.
What Are Senior Communities?
Also known as assisted living facilities or retirement centers, senior communities are facilities designed to promote independence and physical wellness for elderly, disabled and chronically ill populations. Around-the-clock medical staff and consistent access to everyday resources such as transportation set senior communities apart as a lifestyle change and help both the individual and the family in the long-term.
What Do Senior Communities Offer?
Did you know more than three-fourths of assisted living residents have at least two out of the 10 most frequent chronic conditions? These include, but are not limited to, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and more. Senior communities help individuals who are struggling with the onset of diseases that make day-to-day life difficult, providing steady access to medical support and community resources while promoting independence and dignity.
What Are Retirement Rates?
More Americans are retiring than ever before. Studies have shown the average age of retirement being 62 to 63 years old — a recent survey of MONEY readers found nearly half of all respondents reporting being happier in retirement than they expected. Another survey saw 80% citing good health as the most important ingredient to a satisfying retirement. Almost four in 10 assisted living residents received assistance with three or more day-to-day tasks, such as bathing and dressing.
What Do People Worry About Concerning Community Centers?
There are a few prevalent fears concerning senior communities and the changes they bring to an individual’s life. According to Age Wave, the majority of people vastly underestimate the likelihood they will need long-term care — while nearly 40% of people over the age of 50 believe they’ll need long-term assistance in the future, the reality is twice as many. Another common fear is that community centers bar off an individual from the outside world, but this could not be further from the truth. With easy access to transportation and a variety of daily activities, retirement homes are about community first and foremost.
What Should Assisted Living Facilities Offer My Family?
The function of assisted living or senior communities is to promote the highest quality of life possible. Not only do senior communities provide regular access to healthcare and transportation, hobbies are encouraged to promote emotional and mental wellness — this includes yoga, bookreading, golfing, visiting concerts and painting. According to ongoing information shared by Holleran Consulting LLC back during a 2013 conference of nearly 58,000 people, over 89% of independent living residents rate their overall satisfaction as either good or excellent. Another 85% would recommend their community to another. With so many options available, searching for the right community home doesn’t have to be a fruitless task.
