The Advantages and Disadvantages of Senior Living Facilities

There are many benefits of senior housing. Those with physical limitations or less mobility often benefit from this living arrangement. Seniors can maintain a sense of autonomy and independence while enjoying all of the amenities and services of a modern senior living facility. Activities can help keep residents active, and they might be able to take part in games, arts and crafts, and even dance lessons. In addition to the daily routines and amenities, seniors in senior housing will have access to a community room where they can stay connected with neighbors.

Socialization

Senior living communities should offer activities that encourage socialization for residents. These activities can range from knitting groups to independent building activities. Those with dementia should be encouraged to participate in these activities, which will help them feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Residents should also be allowed to attend activities that are open to all residents. It’s important that residents feel like part of a community, which can help them maintain positive morale. Socialization should also include the involvement of family members.

Community spaces promote interactions. Common areas such as hallways and community cafes encourage mixing. Benches positioned along walls provide space for friends to chat with each other. Activities such as board games or trivial pursuits encourage interaction. Community kitchens promote socialization, while communal dining areas and cafes encourage residents to participate in activities and stay active. A resident survey showed that a wide variety of residents were satisfied with the socialization of their communities. This is also being done in the senior living facilities Missouri.

Cost

Senior living facilities can be pretty expensive. The average monthly fee for independent living can be as low as $3,000, and an assisted living or memory care facility can cost upwards of $10,000 a month. While the cost of independent living may seem low compared to the cost of assisted living, it is essential to understand that the more services and amenities provided, the higher the price. Most senior living facilities are all-inclusive, but others may charge for certain services.

The cost of senior living facilities varies widely, and it is essential to determine precisely what level of care your loved one requires. The number one factor in determining costs is the level of care provided. While there are many types of care, the most common type is assisted living. The average price of a special care unit for an Alzheimer’s patient is $233 per day. Homemaking services can be an excellent option for many older adults, and some may even opt for a home health aide.

Health care

More senior living facilities are looking for ways to incorporate primary care into the daily routine of residents. The need for a more holistic health care system has never been higher. With the advent of new technology, operators can track the health of residents from their beds. A recent study found that residents who visit their primary care providers more often enjoy better health outcomes. And that trend is likely to continue. One senior living operator, Juniper Communities, partnered with Redwood Health Partners in 2015. The results have been promising: the company has seen a 27% drop in move-outs in the past two years. While providing on-site primary care is an added challenge, it can also benefit customers and increase word-of-mouth.

While there are differences in the types of services provided by assisted living facilities, some similarities exist. For example, aside from a 24-hour emergency response system, each facility must have an RN/LVN on staff and an RN/LVN on call at all times. In addition, you may modify the meals to meet special dietary needs or preferences, and residents can store food in their rooms. Other features of an assisted living facility may include transportation and activities.

Safety

While nursing homes are required to provide all residents with safe, clean surroundings, it is still essential to consider the safety of senior living facilities. Many health care organizations have implemented pandemic safety protocols to prevent the spread of disease. Most senior communities, including nursing homes, assisted living and memory care, and independent living communities, have such protocols. However, these protocols may be outdated or ineffective for a particular situation. 

Security: While senior communities are responsible for ensuring their residents’ safety, there are also risks of theft or vandalism. For this reason, senior communities should use advanced alarm and surveillance systems. Moreover, the presence of surveillance cameras throughout the property is an excellent way to deter potential criminal activity and help investigate any crime. Fire and disaster safety measures are also crucial in such communities. Staff members should be adequately trained to protect residents in an emergency. The presence of professional staff can help prevent wandering issues.

In-home care

While the advantages of in-home care far outweigh those of a senior living facility, seniors who cannot live alone should seriously consider the disadvantages of such a setting. The most crucial advantage of in-home care is that the elderly can continue living at home without having to worry about house maintenance, money pit expenses, or transportation. A recent survey of senior citizens in England showed that 225,000 spoke to no one at all most weeks.

The main disadvantage of senior living facilities is their cost. In-home care is much cheaper if you combine different care types to lower your costs. For example, if you need 24-hour care, a senior living facility is a better choice, but if you can’t afford that level of care, in-home care is the right choice. Moreover, in-home care allows you to focus on your relationship with your senior while at the same time providing ample socialization opportunities.

Location

Many seniors prefer to live near entertainment and other activities, so senior living facilities must be strategically located. For example, senior housing cannot be located next to office spaces, but many businesses need the freedom to attract employees. The tech industry, in particular, seeks highly educated Millennials and Generation Zs. However, senior living facilities should have ample space to accommodate pets and furnishings. In addition, the facilities should have much closet space and storage space for personal items.

Independent living apartments are the ideal solution for seniors who do not need medical care or personal care but still want to live with others who share similar interests and hobbies. These facilities often have planned community events, on-premise projects, and recreational facilities. Although independent living apartments are typically unlicensed, adult homes are licensed for long-term residents and offer supervision, personal care, housekeeping, and three meals per day. They are a more luxurious option, however.