Age is a natural part of life, and today in the developed world, there are many options for the retired elderly, ranging from the best retirement facilities in their area to senior housing or even assisted living for seniors. A senior citizen’s finances, health, and activity level may determine their best living situation, and for retirees who have chronic health conditions such as arthritis or dementia, the best retirement facilities in their area can provide around-the-clock care as needed. Family members may help them find the best retirement facilities in their county or city, and those best retirement facilities may offer comfortable living spaces, professional nursing staff, and an opportunity to enjoy a social life with the other residents there. Meanwhile, assisted living may be a fine option for an elderly citizen who can and wants to reside at their own house.
Growing Older
Elderly citizens of any nation have needs and limitations that other, younger adults do not, such as needing routine medical care for chronic conditions or accommodations for dementia or even osteoporosis. Today in the United States, estimates say that around one million Americans are living in senior communities, and that number may double by the year 2030. And many Americans aged 50 and over underestimate the odds that they’ll need help; 37% of them believe that they will eventually need long-term care, but in reality, 70% of them will. Americans and many elderly adults abroad are living longer than ever, and they may choose from several different options for their living spaces. Japan leads the way, having the world’s highest life expectancy and a large percentage of its citizens being aged 65 and over. Estimates suggest that by 2050, one in four Japanese will be aged 65 and over, and they will need care. The percentage may not be quite that high for the United States and Europe, but all the same, many millions of American seniors will need somewhere proper to live well into their golden years.
Living Options
The best retirement facilities in one’s area may be assisted living nursing homes for seniors who need routine medical care, or they may be retirement senior housing communities instead. In the former case, elderly Americans who have chronic conditions will appreciate the constant, on-hand nursing care that retirement homes may provide, and this can help maintain their health, safety, happiness, and dignity well into their elderly years. This may involve younger family members looking up good nursing homes in their area, and arranging for their elderly relative to move in there from their current residence. Ideally, this nursing home will be within reasonable distance for moving into and visiting.
Elderly Americans with minimal assistance needs may relocate to senior communities, which are exclusive to residents aged 55 and over for property ownership there. Senior Americans who can manage their own health and maintain active lifestyles may choose to live in such communities, and find them online or through references. The senior citizen, and possibly some family members, may visit these communities to evaluate them in person, and see what options, features, and assistance is provided there, from a movie theater to a kitchen staff and beyond. Thee features may vary from one community to another.
Assisted Living at Home
In other cases, an elderly American will live at home, often due to personal preference. This is best when the residence is close to family members and nursing staff who can easily and often visit to provide assistance. This may involve work such as grocery shopping, caring for pets, working on a home garden, doing dishes or laundry, home maintenance, or anything else. Regular guests can keep the senior’s social life strong, and this is especially important for seniors who have dementia, such as Alzheimer’s. Regular care is essential for Alzheimer’s patients, whose memory impairment and physical clumsiness may minimize their self-sufficiency.
In this case, caregivers may help with chores, along with making the house safer. They can lock away sharp and flame-producing items in drawers, and they can clear away tripping hazards such as loose rugs or electrical cords. And if the senior ever goes on walks or short trips, he or she should carry a photo ID name tag complete with their address and contact information for their caregivers.
