Retirement is when many people plan to travel, experiment with different hobbies, and spend more time with family and friends. However, once this stage of life arrives, they find it is not what they envisioned. Traveling may not be fun if family and friends can’t tag along, and a person might explore several hobbies only to find none are a good fit. Family and friends may be unavailable to spend time together, and a senior might discover they are sitting home alone more than planned.
Finding a retirement community to move into is an option individuals in this situation should consider. Many benefits come with transitioning to the community. Every person will discover things they love about living in a community, with a few of the most recognized benefits outlined below.
Low-Maintenance Living
Individuals who move to retirement communities no longer need to do basic household tasks. Staff members mow the lawn and rake the leaves. They wash clothes, prepare meals, do basic housekeeping, and take on countless other tasks so residents have more free time for the things they love. The residents may head outdoors to explore walking paths or play a game of tennis. They can challenge a fellow resident to a game of darts or billiards or gather a group to watch a movie in the theater room. Putting greens are found in many communities, along with swimming pools and fitness centers. When visiting communities, families should ask about the on-site amenities.
Personal Care
Seniors might be embarrassed to admit they need help with hygiene tasks or meal prep. However, they aren’t alone when they live in a retirement community. Many seniors struggle with these tasks, and staff members are available to help.
Independent living communities don’t offer personal care assistance, but assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing communities do. Certified nursing assistants may be called to help residents bathe, dress, eat, and complete other daily activities. They can also be helpful to those who need medication reminders or assistance with technology when they want to connect with loved ones who don’t live nearby. Families should talk with several communities to learn which personal care tasks staff members can help with.
Safety
Every senior worries about having an accident. They may not be steady on their feet, or they could fall when climbing a stool to get something off a top shelf. Imagine falling in the shower and having to call first responders for help. Moving to a retirement community can prevent the embarrassment of such situations.
Staff members are available around the clock to help residents, and these communities have safety features designed to reduce the risk of accidents. Residents know they can call for help using the alert system in their room or apartment, and a staff member will immediately assist.
Memory care communities take additional steps to safeguard residents. They may have surveillance systems and locked doors to prevent wandering and often provide visual cues so the seniors don’t get lost as they move around the community.
Healthy Living
As a person ages, their health needs change. Staff members at retirement communities understand that residents must get up and move around, so they offer plenty of opportunities for them to do so. Fitness classes may be provided, including chair yoga for those with limited mobility and Zumba for those who want a fast-paced workout.
Physical activity helps reduce a senior’s risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and memory loss. The staff might also plan golf outings or set up walking clubs. Many communities have swimming pools and fitness centers where residents can exercise independently.
Before starting a new exercise program, seniors should talk with their doctors to ensure the chosen activities are safe based on their current health status. If a doctor gives the okay to try the new activity, the senior should start slow. They may set fitness goals and work with staff members to find ones they can quickly achieve when starting. They should also talk with the staff about modifying exercises as needed. Staff members can then speak to the residents’ doctors to learn how best to accommodate each resident’s specific needs while helping them exercise to better their health.
Transportation
Some seniors find they can no longer drive or prefer not to. When they live alone, they may not get out much. Moving to a retirement community will allow them to explore the world again.
Retirement communities often take residents shopping or out to dinner. They may plan events and arrange for residents to get to medical appointments. Residents won’t need to worry about making a car payment, maintaining and repairing the car, or paying for gas. They can get around town while leaving the driving to someone else.
Socialization
Humans need connections. Without them, their physical, mental, and emotional health may suffer. Residents in a retirement community have countless opportunities. They can join a club, form a new group, take classes, or spend time connecting with peers around the community. Staff members plan several activities each day, so every resident should be able to find something they enjoy that will allow them to spend time with their peers. Mealtime is another socialization opportunity residents may take advantage of.
Nutritious Meals
Seniors often dread going to the grocery store. They must walk around the store, pick out their groceries, load up their car, take them home, and put them away. By the time they have completed these tasks, they may have lost all interest in cooking. Why bother when they are the only ones eating the food?
Retirement community residents have access to three meals daily, which the staff chef prepares. Every meal is created to accommodate the residents’ dietary needs. Seniors can enjoy socializing with one another while eating and walking away, knowing the cleanup is also being handled.
Every senior should look into retirement community life to determine whether it is right for them. Many seniors thrive in these settings, but a person can’t know if they will until they check it out. Visit one or more communities today, and you may fall in love and want to move in immediately.
