What do you know about the ins and outs of senior assisted living? Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about the function of assisted living facilities — this leads to a lot of unnecessary stress and procrastination when the time comes to start looking for retirement centers for a loved one showing signs of aging or disability. From fears about being isolated from the outside world to being a burden on others, searching for a retirement home can be a difficult task for some. If you have concerns about what an assisted living facility can offer you and your family, take a look at the list below.
What Is Senior Assisted Living?
Contrary to popular belief, assisted living facilities are not exclusive to elderly populations (though they comprise a significant portion). They also assist those with chronic illness or disability, crafting a varied community to meet the needs of multiple American populations. Nearly 60% of independent living residents who participated in recent customer satisfaction surveys fielded by National Research saw 44% cited reputation as the reason they chose the senior living community, with another 40% preferring location.
How Common Is Retirement?
The United States is seeing significant population changes. As of now nearly one million Americans live in some form of senior living community, with this number expected to almost double when 2030 arrives. According to Age Wave, the majority of people underestimate when they’ll require the assistance of community living — while 37% of respondents to a survey over the age of 50 believe they’ll need long-term care in the future, the reality is almost 70% will. The average age of retirement is around 63 years old.
What Are Frequent Misconceptions About Community Centers?
One of the most common misnomers about retirement homes is that they are drab, lifeless communities far removed from everyday life. This couldn’t be less true! Assisted living facilities have been around for hundreds of years, now retrofitted with modern technology, and are designed from the ground up to provide countless individuals with supportive and safe communities. Mental and emotional wellness are encouraged just as much as physical health and community activities such as painting, fishing, concerts, cooking and yoga are regularly offered.
What Services Are Offered?
More than three-fourths of residents in assisted living facilities have at least two of the most common long-term illnesses, including high blood pressure, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Almost four in 10 assisted living residents received some form of assistance with three or more activities of daily living, with bathing, dressing and driving being the most common. Senior living provides a wealth of medical assistance, resources and community support to encourage a high quality of life.
Will Senior Assisted Living Help My Family Member?
Senior assisted living is one of the most effective ways of providing your loved one with long-term care and community support during the later stages of their life. The happiest retirees engage in three to four activities on the regular, with the least happy one or two. A recent survey saw 80% of retirees citing good overall health as the most important ingredient for a happy retirement, making assisted living the smartest and most economical choice around. Not sure where to get started? Take your time — there are plenty of fantastic options to choose from.
