7 Things to Know Before Sending Your Loved One to an Elder Community

In the United States, almost 50 million people are over the age of 65.

That number continues to grow every year. As they continue to age, people experience a number of conditions and issues that aren’t always easy to deal with. An elder community is a place where those needs are met and addressed.

If your parents and grandparents have reached an age where basic tasks, like cooking and cleaning, are difficult, you should consider elder communities. They are a place where those needs are met. They help to maintain a healthy community and activities for people who are old, but not handicapped.

The Elder Community and Assisted Living

Elder communities, or assisted living communities, are not nursing homes. Residents in most elder communities are given their own apartments and maintain a normal lifestyle. They get help with what they need, such as tasks that they can’t or don’t want to take care of anymore.

If you’re considering an elder community for your parents or grandparents, there are some things you should consider. Here are seven things you should know about elder communities before you decide whether or not your family belongs there.

1. Every Community Is Different

The nature and type of community present at a senior living community depends a lot on who is there. The rules, conduct, and activities will be specific to that facility. Many facilities have unique opportunities because of where they are, or who lives there. Some are even built around having fun, new experiences like this senior living community.

Those opportunities can range from senior centers nearby, to even beach and fun outings. Some businesses partner with senior care communities to offer them deals on various products. A senior living community is just like any community. It is built by those who are in it.

This also makes it important that your elders are able to choose where they want to stay. They may not like the feel of one place but fit in very well somewhere else. Don’t be discouraged if they don’t like the first place you show them. Instead, continue researching and checking other places out.

2. Levels of Care Vary from Place to Place

Just because two places are called senior living communities doesn’t mean they offer the same things. The level of medical care is also quite different. Some communities have specialized areas that can care for elders with dementia.

Other assisted living communities don’t have any onsite medical care. The options are endless, with none of them having exactly the same thing as the next community. If your loved one needs specialized care, search for one that provides that service.

3. Pets Are Often Allowed

You will have to check with each one, but often pets are allowed as long as they don’t pose a threat to anyone. Depending on the community, they could have rules against large dogs or exotic pets. For the most part, dogs, birds, and fish are welcome.

If your parent or grandparent has a pet that they don’t want to be separated from, this can be a great alternative. If your loved one needs the help of a service dog or other animal, that should be disclosed and discussed with the administration.

4. Specific Goals and Communities

A lot of elder living communities cater to individuals on a cultural or religious basis. Examples include offering vegetarian options, to even having a focus on religious study or practice. This can be handy if your loved ones want to meet other people with the same interests or backgrounds.

5. They Can Stay Together

In an assisted living facility, it is common to find couples still together. This lessens disruptions to their lives. If they have different needs, many places will make sure that they can spend their golden years together.

The most significant benefit to this is that they will be able to engage in activities while still having time to spend together. Taking away the need to fulfill the minor tasks of life opens up their time to be spent in ways they want. You won’t have to worry about their needs being met.

6. There Is Emotional Support

Living in a large community of other people the same age gives emotional support. The trials and difficulties of life can be difficult at any age. With others around that are sharing in the same experiences, it becomes easier.

Having friends and family over to visit is also important. Many people feel more comfortable in a senior living community than a nursing home. There is more space and more opportunities to engage the mind. This also has significant health benefits.

7. Senior Living Communities Are Not Nursing Homes

When someone says nursing home, an image of hallways with tiny rooms attached often comes to mind. There is a time and place for nursing homes. Some people need so much care that they are the only option. What you see when you think of a nursing home is not a senior living facility.

At a senior living facility, your loved ones will have ample space to themselves. Most facilities have large bedrooms and living spaces. They also have private bathrooms and showers.

The type and availability of nursing are also different. For example, most senior living facilities don’t require weekly doctor check-ups unless a person is sick.

Health and Long Life

There are many benefits to elder living communities. A strong and healthy elder community helps your loved one live a longer, happier life.

Instead of being isolated and finding difficulty in basic tasks, they have that stress removed. They can instead focus on hobbies, arts, and crafts.

Staying active is the key to staying young. Consider getting a place that your parents or grandparents can enjoy while they continue to live a fulfilling life.

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