Many families around the country attempt to care for their aging loved ones themselves, often to save money. However, below are three reasons why joining a retirement community in Florida is far more beneficial.
Wellness
Aging in place, which is the term used to describe people who remain at home under the care of their loved ones, can present wellness issues. Their family members may not be able to watch over them 24 hours a day, and if an emergency occurs no one will be present to come to their aid. By joining a retirement community instead, you’ll have access to around the clock support and monitoring with someone that can come to your aid at a moment’s notice.
Joining such a community also alleviates pressure on family members. No loving parent or grandparent should want their children or grandchildren to sacrifice their careers just to take care of them. They deserve to have a life of their own just as you did when younger, so by joining a retirement community you show that you actually care about the future and wellbeing of your forebears.
Accessibility
Many single family homes and apartments aren’t designed for aging in place. For instance, there might not be adequate insulation, enough space to use walkers, wheelchairs and other mobility devices or perhaps the bedroom is upstairs and your aging loved one will have to constantly walk up and down, which increases the risk of falls and injuries if they slip on the stairs.
Retirement communities are ergonomically designed to assist elders in every way. For example, the floors tend to be made from soft materials which are beneficial for elders that have sore knees, and they also use non-slip surfaces which minimize the chances of slipping and falling. The bathrooms and showers feature guard rails which make it easier to sit and stand and the kitchen has easy to reach appliances which are labeled. Most domiciles will also come with emergency call systems that residents can use to call for help at any time.
Socialization
Loneliness is a major issue in those over the age of 65, often because their spouse or friends have passed away. Even if their basic daily needs are being met, without the companionship of similarly aged people that they can relate to, they could develop feelings of despair which can lead to cognitive decline, high blood pressure and depression.
By joining a retirement community, your loved one will have the opportunity to socialize with other people of the same generation that understand them. This constant companionship can be a source of inspiration and when combined with the other amenities that such communities offer, they will be able to enjoy their golden years in comfort.
While retirement communities may seem costly up front, the fact of the matter is that they provide a host of features that simply aren’t available in a home environment. Relocating your family member to such a place will give them and you peace of mind.
