Finding the right kind of residential care home for a loved one is a difficult task. For many the thought of having to move into residential care is frightening and worrying, but care homes can offer not only much needed support and medical care but also access to a community with many shared activities. The value of such a community cannot be overstated. In fact, participating in three or four activities regularly resulted in the happiest retirees and lowered the rate of loneliness to 12.2% compared to 22.6% for those who did not lead an active lifestyle.
Physical activity is vitally important to the health and wellbeing of retirees. On average, most people in the United States retire at 63 and as medical advancements improve people are staying heather and more active longer. Retirement can be and often is a happy time in the lives of those who have worked their entire lives; in fact close to half of all retirees is a survey said they were happier than expected. Much of that has to do with the kind of support and connection that they have access to, which is what assisted living homes can offer.
Communal interaction plays an important part in keeping the elderly physically and mentally active, something that greatly aids memory. Those who had a high level of social integration were half as likely to develop memory loss or decline as those with few social connections. For those who are diagnosed with memory disorders, assisted living facilities can offer memory care. Other assistance offered can vary depending on the needs of the resident and the services provided by the facility. For close to 40% of those living in assisted living communities there is a need for help with at least three or more day to day activities such as dressing, cooking, cleaning, washing and so on. Skilled care is provided at roughly 40% of such facilities.
Profiles of typical residents of residential care homes that offer assisted living services should that over 54% of residents are 85 years or older; typically a resident is a woman of 87 who can still get around but requires assistances with a few daily tasks. The kid of care provided can help such residents retain their independence while still getting the support they need. When looking for a residential care home, consider the kind of assistance on offer to ensure that they offer the right services for your needs.
