The decision to move into residential aged care is a significant one and can cause conflicted feelings in older people. This is especially true if that decision needs to be made as the result of a health or medical crisis, loss of a partner or under time pressure. While it may be difficult to move away from your home and familiar environment, there’s a lot to like about living in an aged care community. People living in aged care facilities generally have a better quality of life and are often happier than those who choose to live alone. Here are just some of the benefits of living in an aged care community.
A great social environment
Living in an aged care community gives you a great opportunity to meet likeminded people and make new friends. Many older people can become physically and emotionally isolated from family and friends when living alone – a problem which is solved when living in an aged care facility surrounded by neighbours. You can choose to have company whenever you like – along with the freedom to have your own space if and when you need it. With regular events and activities scheduled to promote social interaction, it won’t be long before you feel part of the community. This conducive social environment also helps with reducing depression amongst older people.
Reduction in daily chores and home maintenance
No more household maintenance, gardening, cooking or cleaning to distract you from the more important things in life! Aged care facilities are maintained by a team of staff, so all you need to do is relax and enjoy being looked after. Specialised kitchen staff can cater for any special dietary requirements, and provide you with healthy and nutritionally balanced dishes which you don’t have to lift a finger to prepare. You can also receive help with daily tasks such as feeding, bathing, dressing, taking medication and exercising if necessary, making life much easier.
A wide range of activities, entertainment and excursions
Most residential aged care facilities provide residents with a huge choice of both onsite and offsite activities to enjoy. While these extracurricular activity programs are not compulsory, most residents relish the opportunity to experience such a variety of entertainment options and activities. It’s never too late to try new things, and it’s even easier when you can participate in these activities without even leaving the complex.
24 hour medical and health care
If you need on-site medical assistance and a high level of care, there’s no better place to get it than in the comfort of your own home-away-from-home. Staff at the facility can help you get prescription medication, manage medical appointments, arrange specialist visits on site if required and recommend treatment providers, taking all the stress out of managing your health. You’ll have easier access to medication, health services and equipment and specialist care in an aged care facility, and round-the-clock medical care in an emergency.
Assistance from qualified professionals
You will receive care from trained professional staff who specialise in the needs of seniors. It isn’t always possible to rely on family, friends or neighbours for help, and even if they are available, they often don’t have the expertise to assist you appropriately. Aged care staff can effectively monitor your health and provide professional assistance whenever needed, without the need to travel.
Peace of mind
When you move into an aged care facility you can relax, knowing that help is never far away should you need it. This gives great peace of mind to those requiring a high level of care. And the stresses of managing and maintaining a home and garden become a thing of the past, leaving you free to enjoy your retirement – after all, you’ve earned it.
