As our relatives get older, there may come a time where they will require more support and assistance with day-to-day living. After retirement is often when many older people and their family members start to consider their options for moving somewhere that offers a little bit more support for them. Perhaps the house that they are currently living in is too big for them to manage, or maybe they simply like the idea of a change and being surrounded by people. Either way, a retirement community such as an assisted living community can be an ideal choice. Keep reading to find out more about some of the main factors to consider to help your loved one choose the best place for them.
Independence
Many older people want to remain as independent as possible, and there are many studies to support the benefits of this. Nobody wants to feel completely reliant upon others and having as much independence as possible can help older people with better mental health by giving them a sense of purpose and more control over their own lives. When choosing an assisted living community, it’s worth finding out more about how independent your loved one can be when living there. Ideally, choose somewhere where they can be as independent as possible while having support on hand when needed, such as Brandycare, a Potomac MD assisted living facility.
Activity Schedule
Many assisted living facilities offer a wide range of activities for the residents to get involved with. It’s a good idea to find out more information on the activity schedule while checking out new retirement homes for your loved one. Make sure that the activities offered are ones that your loved one is going to enjoy getting involved with or would be interested in trying. It’s a good idea to choose a facility that has an active activity schedule throughout the week and is often bringing in new things to do and try.
Exercise and Health
Another factor to consider when helping your loved one choose a retirement home is their health and exercise levels. There are lots of benefits of exercising regularly for older people including improved mobility, better physical health, and a reduced risk of serious illnesses. Many assisted living and retirement facilities offer a range of options for exercising including on-site gyms, swimming pools, and fitness classes.
Housing Types
Finally, consider the type of housing offered and what is permitted. For example, if your loved one has a pet then it’s important to find somewhere where they will be allowed to keep them at home with them. Some assisted living facilities offer complete houses, while others are shared rooms, individual rooms, or small apartments. It’s a good idea to come up with a list of needs and requirements for your loved one, as this will help you determine what kind of housing option will work best for them.
If you have a relative who is looking for different living options during their retirement, then there are several factors to consider before choosing the right retirement or assisted living community for them.
