You may have a parent or another elderly loved one who needs access to additional assistance to help manage their daily life. A senior independent living community can provide your loved one with any needed assistance while still giving them as much independence as they need to feel comfortable.
Whether your loved one moves into an independent living facility or an economically efficient senior home for independent living, you'll want to know that they'll be safe and happy in their new environment. If you're worried about how your loved one will manage life when you're not around to help, here are a few ways that a senior community can put your and your loved one’s mind at ease.
Equip Homes with Security Features
Today's top senior living facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art security features that are intended to keep senior residents safe around the clock. These security features can help prevent break-ins and notify your loved one of a fire or another emergency situation that occurs. These features usually include:
- Security locks
- Emergency alarms
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Video surveillance of communal areas
Ensuring these systems are in place before moving your senior loved one into the independent living facility can put both their and your mind at ease, knowing they’ll stay safe from any potential safety or security risks.
Offer Additional Accessibility Features
Seniors who have trouble getting around because of old age or other medical conditions can enjoy more convenience living in a senior community that has the most practical accessibility features.
Doors, stairways, and other parts of the homes are often designed with accessibility in mind and with better ease of use for seniors while still providing the safety they need. Many stairways are typically accompanied by elevators, and walkways are often made to be easier for seniors to navigate.
Have an On-site Manager
You can choose to move your loved one into a place that has an on-site manager who can be notified quickly if something goes wrong. These on-site managers can address maintenance problems, medical emergencies, and other issues that could put seniors' lives in danger. A manager who works within the community can also address issues between senior tenants to resolve any conflicts.
Provide Transportation
Even though many older drivers can still operate a motorized vehicle safely, the chances of getting into a car accident increase as people age. The senior housing option that you and your loved one decide on may offer scheduled bus trips that can save your loved one from having to drive on their own. Mobility grocery van bus trips can also offer a great way for seniors to fit in their grocery shopping.
Offer Group Activities
It's believed that loneliness can increase a senior's chance of developing dementia by as much as 50% and could also make them more prone to other medical conditions. To combat this problem, many senior living centers offer access to a wide range of group activities. Many facilities have community areas for the purpose of socializing and encourage seniors to take part in art and music classes along with other group activities.
Ensure Regular Contact with Loved Ones
Just because you're moving your loved one into a senior community doesn't mean that you have to cut ties with them or rarely see them. Many senior communities have flexible visiting hours, and some may not restrict the times you can visit at all. If your loved one has trouble communicating, support staff can ensure that they stay in contact with you regularly.
Offer Service Fee Reductions
With utility expenses and other costs of living at an all-time high, you may be worried about how you or your loved one will afford basic services. Some senior living facilities for low-income residents offer free utilities so that tenants never have to worry about receiving an electric or water bill. Seniors who live in these facilities may also enjoy price breaks on phone and internet services.
The decision to move an elderly loved one into a senior community can be a difficult one, but Robert Cottingham Property Management Co can make the process easier by presenting you with several housing options that are ideal for older people with fixed incomes. Contact Robert Cottingham Property Management Co to learn more.
