If you have a senior relative who is looking to gain more independence and get the support that they need by moving into a retirement community, choosing the right place to live is not always easy. There are plenty of factors to consider when you are choosing a retirement community along with an elderly relative, including how much independence they want to maintain, how much help and support they will need, where they would like to live in terms of location, and the facilities and amenities that are on-site for them to take advantage of. If you are in the process of helping an older relative move into a retirement facility, here are some important factors to consider to help them make the right choice.
Level of Independence
Many older people like to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible, so it’s important to consider this question when deciding which retirement community to move into. If your relative wants to continue doing as much as possible for themselves but would like to benefit from having help and support on hand when they need it, an independent living facility could be an ideal choice for them. In these communities, residents have their own homes and are able to go about their daily lives as normal, with staff on hand that they can reach out to and ask for help and support with anything that they need. On the other hand, if your relative has additional medical or care needs, they might benefit from a community where they have a daily visit from a caregiver or even a live-in caregiver who can help them with their care while allowing them to remain as independent as possible.
Support Needed
For some older people, it can be hard to come to terms with the fact that they have reached a point in their life where they need some additional support, especially if they are used to doing everything for themselves. This is where a good retirement community can be useful since they are designed to make sure that older residents are able to get the help and support that they need while still allowing them to do as much for themselves as possible. If you expect your relative to need an increasing amount of support as time goes on, it might be worth considering a flexible community where they can change the level of care and support that they need as and when they need it.
Where to Live
It’s a good idea to sit down with your relative and come up with ideas for where they might like to live. Some older people might be interested in living somewhere different, perhaps a place that they used to visit a lot when they were younger or an area that they have always wanted to live in but never got the chance to. On the other hand, many older people might prefer to choose a retirement community that is close to home so that it is easier for them to continue spending regular time with their friends and family. Search for senior living near me to find facilities such as Brandywine Living that offer elderly people the chance to live independently while having the support that they need on hand.
Activities and Hobbies
Many independent and assisted living facilities will offer a wide range of activities, hobbies and clubs for the residents to get involved with. Many have a full calendar of activities throughout the week with a range of options for residents to choose from, including hobbies that they are already involved in, or if they want to try something new. If your relative already has an established hobby that they would like to continue after moving into the facility, it is worth doing your research into the different options to make sure that you find a suitable place to live that will allow them to continue doing the things that they enjoy easily. In addition, it’s worth looking at the activity schedules and calendars for the retirement communities that you are considering for your relative to see if there are any options for things that they might like to try in the future.
Social Aspect
Many older people begin to suffer from loneliness when they are unable to enjoy a good social life. If your relative struggles to spend time with friends and family members have commitments that often make it difficult for them to spend as much time as they would like together, it’s important to choose a retirement community where they will be able to make new friends and get together with other people on a regular basis. Many retirement communities have a lot of facilities on-site to make this happen including cafes, restaurants, and even bars that the residents can go to and socialize with their neighbors.
Staying Active
If your relative wants to exercise more and stay as active as possible when moving into a retirement community, look for somewhere with good options for staying fit and healthy. Many retirement communities and assisted living facilities will offer on-site gyms, swimming pools, fitness classes and fitness clubs that residents are free to join and take part in at their leisure to help them stay active and improve their mental and physical health with more exercise.
Pets
Finally, consider any specific requirements that your relative might have for moving into a retirement community such as bringing a pet. Many facilities will allow pets in the accommodation while some do not, so if your relative has a beloved dog or cat that they will not want to part with when moving, it’s important to be sure that their furry companion will also be welcomed.
Moving into a retirement community can often be the best move to help an elderly relative with their mental and physical health, making it easier for them to manage and enjoy their life. If you are in the process of helping your relative find the right facility for them, keep these important factors in mind to help you find the right one.
