Considering a move to a senior living community can be one of the biggest and most emotional decisions you’ll make in your lifetime. It’s natural for you or your loved one to fear this life change, but it’s also important to clearly understand the benefits senior living can provide.
For many, senior living means peace of mind, a higher quality of life, and life-enriching activities and friendships. To fully identify the benefits, you’ll need to work through each of your fears first.
Identifying Commons Fears Older Adults Have About Senior Living
Older adults share many common fears when deciding to move to senior living. This is an emotional time filled with some uncertainties and grief. Seniors moving to a community will likely be downsizing and parting ways with many possessions.
They’re also experiencing grief over leaving their home and their current way of living. Remember to validate your senior’s feelings by showing empathy and patience. Allow them space but also let them know you are there to provide comfort, support, and a helping hand in the decision-making process.
Here are examples of fears you and your loved one may have during this emotional time:
- Loss of independence
- Failing health, particularly memory
- Running out of money
- Having to leave their home
- Losing loved ones
- Having to depend on others
- Not being able to drive
- Being isolated and lonely
- Falling or becoming incapacitated
Download our complimentary Family Decision Toolkit!
Understanding What Benefits Senior Living Offers
Senior living communities were designed to alleviate these fears and address concerns and health changes as they occur. Senior living provides a safe, secure environment for older adults to thrive, enjoy friends, and lead a purpose-filled life.
There are many benefits to moving to a senior living community, and most of the benefits dispel the common fears older adults have about this emotional life event. Consider the following ways a senior living community can improve quality of life:
The environment fosters independence.
Senior living communities offer supportive services for residents who need them while encouraging an independent lifestyle. You can come and go as you please and have access to care when needed. Senior living means the freedom to choose how you fill each day.
Related: Discover a Typical Day for a Senior Living Resident >>
The lifestyle is maintenance and worry-free.
Residents enjoy the conveniences of a maintenance-free lifestyle with spacious accommodations and landscaped grounds. Many senior living community amenities include pools, fitness centers, restaurant-style dining options, and housekeeping and laundry services. Residents no longer have to worry about household chores and repairs. Instead, they can focus on hobbies, wellness, and relationships with friends and family.
Related: Explore the Comfort and Conveniences in Today’s Senior Living Communities >>
Loneliness and social isolation are a thing of the past.
Most senior living communities have a dedicated life enrichment team that plans and publishes monthly activity calendars of clubs, classes, special events, and outings. You’ll typically enjoy a variety of socialization opportunities and wellness-related activities, with common spaces where you can host loved ones. It’s often difficult to feel bored as a senior living resident!
Related: Discover the Importance of Socialization for the Health and Wellness of Seniors >>
You can still be you!
Senior living residents are encouraged to personalize their apartments or homes and continue to pursue their favorite hobbies and interests. Most communities have resident committees and seek input and involvement in decisions, events, and programming. You’ll likely have volunteer opportunities within the community where you can share your passion and serve a need.
Life at Golden Bell Senior Living
Ultimately, you want to ensure your loved one is safe and their daily needs are met. It’s important to prioritize their overall well-being so they experience a high quality of life while maintaining meaningful relationships with others.
Senior living communities like Golden Bell provide the comforts of home with the added benefits of supportive care, engaging activities, and a maintenance-free lifestyle. With your daily needs met, your loved one will live more independently and have opportunities to meet friends, discover new interests, and live each day to the fullest.
Golden Bell Senior Living, family-owned for over five decades, offers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and respite care. Residents have personalized care plans, are treated like family, and are greeted by name in a warm, welcoming environment.
Amenities and activities include:
- Beautiful accommodations
- Landscaped grounds and gardens
- Community outings
- Recreation and social activities
- Chef-prepared meals
- Scheduled transportation
- Beauty and barber shop
- Housekeeping and maintenance services
Please contact us to learn more about our communities or set up a tour. We’d love to hear from you and are happy to help answer any questions you have about senior living. For more information about choosing senior living, download our complimentary Family Decision Toolkit.
