Once retirement is near, aging adults will have to decide between aging in place or moving to a retirement community. Although the two options have advantages and disadvantages, it is important to consider both before deciding. Which option is safer for your loved ones? Consider the health of your loved ones to decide the most appropriate.
These are a few things to consider when choosing between living at home or moving to 55+ communities in West Palm Beach, FL:
Community and Isolation
Aging adults living alone have a higher tendency to live in isolation. Even if your loved one doesn’t need assistance, having someone check on them is essential. Aging adults who live alone might suffer undernourishment, poor medication management, and an overall decline in health conditions. Since no one is around to check them for underlying symptoms, monitor their medications and diet.
However, aging adults have someone who checks on them daily despite being healthy. In these communities, team members will remind your loved ones of their medications, prepare meals, and encourage them to engage in activities. In addition, some communities offer companionship and assistance as needed by residents.
Support from Team Members
As mentioned earlier, aging adults in 55+ communities can access professional help from team members. In contrast, aging adults living at home might only get support from family members with busy schedules.
These community members will provide constant help as needed and can develop a bond with them in the long run.
Activities
There are many things to enjoy in the retirement community; aside from the indoor activities, your loved ones can explore locations outside the community. The vacation aspect of moving to these communities is enough reason your loved ones should consider moving.
Activities aim to ensure your loved ones stay active and socialize with other residents. So they are not targeted for medical care like nursing homes.
Security
While your loved one’s neighborhood might seem safe initially, it can change with time. It might not be as safe as it was, plus as aging adults, they might be vulnerable to crime. You might want to install a home security system, but its usefulness might be limited. In addition, you cannot compare it to retirement communities with on-site security and emergency response systems to ensure their safety.
Home Modifications
Your loved ones have lived in their homes for a long time; therefore, it is not primarily constructed to support aging adults. They might find it hard to move around the house because of some limiting factors. These factors include the absence of grab rails, poor lighting, steep staircases, and slippery floors.
If your loved ones decide to age in place, their home will require modifications to support access and mobility. However, living in 55+ communities does not need your loved ones to modify their homes. These communities are primarily built to adapt to the health changes of their residents. The layout is built for easy access; even residents with walking aids will not have difficulty moving around.
