Misconceptions Of Senior Living Communities
Deciding to move into a senior living community is a decision that affects all aspects of your life as an older adult. While there are many myths about senior living, in reality, residents of senior living communities live full, vibrant lives that allow them to engage in healthy aging.
Senior living communities are just that: communities where older adults can participate in activities, experiences, classes, and programs that cater to all aspects of good health. This includes physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Residents’ social lives are at the center of everything, which dispels the belief that living in a community environment is a lonely experience.
Now that we’ve debunked that myth, let’s take a closer look at some other common myths about living in a senior living community — and how to make the best choice for you.
Life in a Senior Living Community
The concept of a senior living community is that it’s a place for older adults to live full, happy, and healthy lives as they age. To do so, communities offer an array of activities and experiences that cater to a variety of interests. These activities and experiences support different areas of wellness, too.
Take a group yoga class, for example. Not only does yoga promote physical and mental wellness, but it also creates an atmosphere where residents can gather and meet other individuals with similar interests.
Senior living community residents are encouraged to participate in hobbies and programs that excite them. There are also many programs and special celebrations that reinforce a sense of community and allow residents to forge new connections.
Participating in a senior living community’s many activities can help you grow in several ways. Maybe you’ll find a new hobby that sparks joy in your soul. Perhaps participating in a new fitness class can help you feel healthier. Most of all, you’ll make lasting friendships with your neighbors.
Personalized Care and Independence
Older adults often hesitate to consider moving into a senior community because they think they will lose their independence. However, seniors enjoy a high level of autonomy when they live in a retirement community, especially those who choose to make this move earlier in this stage of life.
Each resident has a care plan tailored to their specific health needs, as senior care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Having a plan built just for you means your input matters. You can discuss your preferences and habits with your care team to ensure your independence and lifestyle are never compromised.
Living in a senior living community differs from living in a full-time care facility. While it’s true that there’s a team of trained professionals on hand who are always looking out for your wellness, you have the power to make choices when it comes to your life. A senior living community gives residents control over their lives and wellness while helping them to make healthy choices.
Wellness and Quality of Life in Senior Living Communities
It can’t be stressed enough that wellness is at the heart of senior living communities, like those within the SRG family. Many residents choose to move into these communities for just that reason — they want to have a variety of options available to them regarding healthy aging.
Balanced living is at the forefront of a senior living community. The staff carefully plans detailed activities and programs that appeal to all aspects of wellness: things that feed the mind, body, and soul. When just one of these areas is out of balance, it can significantly affect your health. That’s why it’s so important, especially as you age, to find ways to engage each aspect of your wellness.
Living in a senior living community can elevate your overall quality of life at this stage. With so many resources at your fingertips, you’ll find yourself making the most of each day. Wellness programs, personalized care, engaging activities and experiences, and wholesome, tasty meals are just a few of the things that you can enjoy with ease.
Separating Fact From Fiction: Assisted Living
Many people confuse assisted living communities with nursing homes, so it’s important to know they are not the same thing. If you’re looking for more information on assisted living, you’ll see that there are a variety of arrangements and styles for seniors to choose from.
While nursing homes are for those with specific or serious medical needs, assisted living communities are designed for seniors who want to continue living independently. Many enjoy the security of knowing a care team is available if they need help with some daily tasks.
Assisted living can offer many benefits for residents. For starters, you have all the comforts of home with none of the tedious tasks like washing dishes, preparing meals, or doing yard work. This gives you more time to focus on the things that bring you happiness throughout the day.
Assisted living can also help you with small things, like personal care, making sure you’re eating well, and encouraging you to engage in community activities and events. Your independence comes first, but your care team is always watching out for your health, wellness, and quality of life.
Making Informed Decisions
As you consider moving into a senior living community, it’s essential to ask questions and do your research. It’s a big lifestyle change with countless benefits, but you still want to make sure you find the community that’s best suited to your personality and needs.
One thing that you can do is to seek out the advice and opinions of experts. If you’re considering moving into a senior living community to continue enjoying a healthy life as you age, you can talk to your current medical or care team.
You can start by doing a simple online search to find communities in your area that interest you. You can reach out for more information or plan a visit to get a better sense of the community. While visiting, you can ask questions and find specific details, as these communities strive for transparency. The more knowledge you have, the easier it will be to make an informed decision about your future.
Discover the Benefits of Healthy Aging in an SRG Community
SRG has 19 upscale senior living communities nationwide that focus on all aspects of well-being. Our residents lead rich, vibrant lives that allow them to explore personal interests, create lasting relationships, and nurture all aspects of their wellness as they explore this new chapter of their lives.
Each SRG community is CARF-accredited, so residents can rest assured they will receive only the highest level of care, service and attention. Even so, our residents enjoy their independence and the freedom to make their own choices.
Contact SRG today to learn more about our communities and how residents engage in healthy aging each day!