After retirement, many aging adults come to a realization that living alone is no longer safe for them. This could be due to loneliness, mobility issues, inability to perform activities of daily living, cognitive impairment and other health concerns. In a retirement community, there are several senior living options an aging retiree can choose from, including independent living, assisted living and memory care.
Discovering exactly what it means to live in a retirement community is an essential factor that affects the decision-making process. In this guide, we’ll look at what it’s like to choose a senior living in Wilmer, AL, and what services are available to older adults.
New Friendships
Maintaining friendships after retirement might be tough for many aging adults due to several reasons including mobility problems and health concerns. Some of their friends may still be employed while others may have relocated to go after their own retirement plans.
Moving into a retirement community is an effective way to alleviate loneliness as there are countless opportunities to meet new people and create social connections with other residents who share the same interests, goals and hobbies.
Low Maintenance
Living in a retirement community means you no longer have to worry about tiresome house chores such as cooking, laundry and housekeeping. Life in a retirement community gives you easy access to the following:
- Three meals daily with snacks
While putting your dietary needs into consideration, three chef-prepared meals will be provided by the community daily so you don’t have to worry about meal planning and preparation.
- Housekeeping and Maintenance services
Depending on the community you choose, you will have access to weekly or daily housekeeping services by a professional team. You can expect to live in a clean, spotless apartment throughout retirement.
- Laundry services
Laundry can be very exhausting for aging adults; which is why retirement communities provide linen and laundry services for residents to always have clean clothing at all times.
Endless Social Activities
Many aging adults experience loneliness and depression due to many reasons including not having someone to talk to and boredom. Being in a retirement community comes with an activity schedule that keeps residents socially and mentally engaged. Common social activities include:
- Bingo
- Book clubs
- Games
- Gardening
- Fitness programs
- Trips and outings
Safe and Secure Environment
Living alone makes an aging adult prone to falls, falling for financial scams, wandering and other hazardous situations. Living in a retirement community protects aging adults from such risks. Some of the safety features of a retirement community include
- Handrails in the hallways
- Non-slip floors
- Emergency buttons
- Fenced and gated entrances
Retirement communities offer round-the-clock nursing care for aging adults who need medical attention or in cases of medical emergencies. Likewise, there is always someone around to help aging adults with whatever their needs may be.
Independent Lifestyle
Many aging adults may start feeling like they are losing their independence due to inability to make their own meals, inability to drive and other mobility problems. However, retirement communities give residents the support they need without giving up their independence.
