Individuals have many choices to make as they age. Where will they live, when will they retire, and how will they fund their retirement? Countless individuals consider senior living communities when they ponder the answers to these questions.
Senior living communities like The Sarah Community offer numerous benefits for residents. They promote wellness and healthy aging. Research shows residents of these communities live longer, have better health outcomes, and receive more healthcare. What else did this study show?
Vulnerability
The National Investment Center for Senior Housing and Care (NIC) turned to NORC at the University of Chicago for help in studying the benefits of senior living. Researchers found that seniors living in a community are less vulnerable to adverse health outcomes. Most seniors experience an increase in vulnerability, but this can be reversed by moving into a community with their peers. The structured environment and regular monitoring ensure seniors receive timely care and access to healthcare services, leading to better outcomes.
Enhanced Services
Individuals living in a senior community receive more healthcare services than seniors with other housing arrangements. Community residents have more access to primary care and specialized healthcare providers. The provider visits are more frequent, leading to prompt and effective treatments.
Longer Lifespan
Senior community residents live longer than their peers who remain in the general public. Researchers say they live an average of more than one week longer. The mortality rate decreases, so every family should consider moving their loved ones to a senior community as they age. Researchers believe this is due to these communities’ support and continuous care. The residents spend less time in the hospital because their healthcare issues are managed more effectively. They also have increased access to preventative and rehabilitative services, which can lengthen their lifespans.
Fewer Antipsychotics
Many seniors are prescribed antipsychotic medications. Surprisingly, adults in senior living communities spend less time on these drugs. Reduced reliance on these medications leads to improved health and quality of life, as they come with numerous side effects. Individuals taking antipsychotics may struggle with movement disorders, high blood sugar, constipation, and other health issues.
The Importance of Senior Living Communities
Senior living communities provide residents with a structured and supportive environment with access to services that improve their quality of life. Socialization is a major component of community life, and the residents can form meaningful connections with their peers and staff members to prevent loneliness and isolation. They receive access to preventative and rehabilitative care, while their families have peace of mind. They know their loved ones are well cared for.
Is Senior Living the Right Choice?
Every senior and their family must decide whether a community for older adults is the right choice. When doing so, the senior’s needs must be considered. Families should explore different options to find a community that meets the seniors’ needs and request input from the seniors. They will settle in more easily when they have a say in which community is selected. This community should be located close to the seniors’ families and friends so that they can visit regularly and the seniors won’t feel abandoned.
Senior living communities are an excellent option for most older adults. Thanks to improved health outcomes, residents of these communities are typically healthier, happier, and live longer. They will have a high quality of life and be able to enjoy every minute when this move is made.
