There are ample benefits to senior living communities in Melbourne, including reduced risk of isolation, forming social connections, staying busy with regular activities and taking stress of off the immediate family.
You might still be wondering if a Melbourne senior living community is really the right option for you or your loved one. If a senior doesn’t feel “old” enough to live in assisted living, it’s important to take them to a few different places so that they can see first hand how independent and inviting these facilities can be.
Senior living communities vary in the amount of independence they provide. Seniors can live in their own apartments and enjoy an active and independent lifestyle, all the while there is always someone there to supervise and help as needed. There’s peace of mind knowing that an entire staff of trained people looks after your loved one each day and night. Which brings us to the first benefit of living in a senior community…
Benefits To Senior Living Communities
Someone Is Always There If Something Goes Wrong
As age increases, so does the risk of becoming injured or ill. Seniors fall all of the time, and if they are unable to get up and don’t have a phone nearby, they could be stuck for days without anyone knowing. A quality senior living facility keeps close enough tabs on patients to know pretty soon after a fall or other incident occurs. Long before family members could reach a loved one, the staff at senior living communities can respond and provide necessary care.
When your loved one isn’t answering his or her phone it can cause you to panic and assume the worst. Instead of driving to your loved one’s home, you can simply phone the staff at a senior living community and inquire about your MIA (missing in action) senior. That’s some serious peace of mind.
Seniors Form Important Social Connections
A number of life events can lead seniors down a path of isolation, depression and severe loneliness. Being surrounded by a supportive community of friends helps reduce the risk for these things.
Senior living communities offer new opportunities every day to make new friends and share in valuable social connections. Seniors share meals, go on day trips and partake in games like Bingo, plus so much more.
No More Home Repairs Or Maintenance To Worry About
Senior living communities take care of any and all maintenance and repairs. This level of freedom is great for seniors and their families. The cost to fix and maintain a senior’s home can create a lot of stress, especially if they are on a limited income.
Better Nutrition For A Healthier Senior
An estimated 15-50% of elderly people suffer from poor nutrition and malnutrition. Living in a senior community means all of your loved ones meals are provided for them. Many include kitchens in their apartments, and some seniors may choose to cook some, but there is always nutritious food available. Plus, at a quality facility, staff will do their part to ensure seniors are eating properly.
It’s common for seniors to see improvements in their overall health shortly after moving in, largely because they are eating three healthy chef-prepared meals a day. Make sure you have a chance to try the food before moving somewhere to make sure it’s delicious!
Senior Communities Reduce Boredom
Retirement sounds great until you realize how boring it can get. Boredom is a big problem for seniors, which is why senior living communities always have activities going on. There’s always someone to talk to or something to do.
Improve Family Connections
Without the stress of providing every last need for your loved one, you can focus on spending quality time together. If your loved one lives independently, you likely spend most of your free time grocery shopping for/with them or conducting home repairs. When they live at a facility that does all of that for them, you have the opportunity to just hang out and make truly special memories. Most senior communities offer special dinners and other events where loved ones are more than welcome to partake in the fun.
No matter if you live in a senior community or in your own home, Stellar Transportation is here to take care of all of your non-emergency medical transportation needs. Contact us today for a competitive quote on local or long distance transportation in Melbourne and beyond.