We often consider aged care as something we might NEED, not something we might benefit from. But it’s true – a move into aged care often comes with a wide range of benefits that can improve the quality of our life as well as our sense of wellbeing – not to mention our health.
You might benefit from a move into aged care if you:
Often feel lonely and isolated
It’s quite common for older people to feel increasingly lonely and isolated as they age. This can be due to losing touch with colleagues after retirement, having family members move away, losing friends and loved ones or moving to a new area to retire. And loneliness is a big problem for older people, and can lead to a whole raft of physical and emotional health problems that can significantly impact the quality of your life. Aged care can provide the opportunity to meet likeminded people and make new friends, as you’ll be surrounded by neighbours with whom you can interact, socialise and undertake activities. Plus, you can do all this without having to go anywhere. Lonely seniors will find a great community that they will soon feel part of, and will enjoy the regular events and activities provided by the aged care facility, as well as the opportunity to feel part of things.
Click here to learn more about how seniors can extend their life by staying connected to others.
Are struggling with health issues or to take care of yourself properly
Similarly, health conditions and traumatic events such as strokes or heart attacks can make it increasingly difficult to look after yourself. If you’re struggling to undertake daily tasks such as preparing meals, feeding yourself, dressing yourself, bathing yourself, taking medication or exercising, you would definitely benefit from a move into aged care, where all these tasks can be done for you. Aged care facilities provide round-the-clock access to specialist medical and health care, as well as speedy assistance in the event of a medical emergency. All this can give you great peace of mind that your health will be looked after properly, and you won’t be left alone to deal with medical or personal issues.
Are struggling to keep on top of household chores and maintenance
As you age, it can get harder and harder to stay on top of all the chores that come with owning a house and garden. Plus, it can become risky to try and do so if you have health, mobility or balance issues. Once you move into aged care, all the household maintenance, cooking, cleaning, laundry, gardening and repairs will be looked after for you, so that you’re free to relax and spend your time as you wish.
Find it difficult getting around
Mobility issues can restrict you in many ways. You might find it difficult to go food shopping, cook, get out to visit friends or family or undertake activities, exercise or move safely around your house. In that case, a move into aged care would be highly beneficial. Aged care facilities are designed with the needs of older people in mind, and provide in-built aids to assist you with mobility. It also helps that there’s staff on hand to aid you in getting around and attending appointments etc. As well, most (if not all) of the facilities you need are likely to be onsite, meaning you’ll have less of a need to move around in the community. All of this can help you feel much safer and able to cope.
Feel unsafe in your home
Older people often feel quite vulnerable living in their home, particularly if they’re living alone. If so, you’ll find great peace of mind by moving into aged care, which is a secure, community environment where you’ll feel completely safe. First, you’re surrounded by a community of people, making you feel much safer, and aged care facilities usually have good security features as well. You’ll also have access to 24-7 support from trained professionals who have the expertise to assist you appropriately in the event of an emergency, accident or crisis. There’s technology such as call buttons so that you can always summon help as well. When you move into an aged care facility you can relax, knowing that you’re completely safe and that help is never far away should you need it.
If you feel any of these reflect your current position, you would probably benefit from a move into aged care. Aged care facilities can take care of all these problems for you, and can make your life much easier, and improve your general health, wellbeing and social life. Have a look at Finley Regional Care’s facilities here and get in contact if you’d like to find out more about how our community can benefit you.
