More and more seniors are considering some form of senior living. According to Senior Housing News, more than 30% of senior living communities have occupancy rates at or above 90%.
Choosing to move into a senior living community is scary and emotional. Seniors and their families often have a lot of fear and hesitation when it comes to making this significant life change.
Leaving a beloved family home for a senior living community is a significant lifestyle change, and the unknown can be scary. In addition, many of us have a lot of misinformation about the senior living industry. You’ll be happy to know that many of these fears are unfounded, and there are some amazing senior living communities.
Let’s Dispel some of the most common fears seniors have about senior living communities!
Fear: Seniors Are Neglected in Senior Living Communities
If you’re picturing unkept, sickly, and ignored residents, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Most senior living communities have teams committed to providing the highest standard of professional, compassionate care.
Look at the amazing care options offered at Notre Dame:
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Skilled Nursing
Today seniors demand and expect high levels of care from senior living communities. The senior living industry is competitive, and communities are evolving to meet the high level of care expected from seniors and their families.
Fear: Senior Living Communities Are Boring
You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find a full calendar of social opportunities, events, and activities in senior living communities. The aging baby boomer population is active, social, and community-driven. They want senior living communities that give them an abundance of opportunities to meet new people and pursue new interests.
Here are just a few of the events and activities offered in senior living communities:
- Art classes
- Volunteer opportunities
- Outings to local attractions
- Diverse educational programs
- Discussion groups
- Weekly shopping trips
- Nintendo Wii virtual experience games on a large-screen TV
- Cocktail hours
- Musical entertainment
Social isolation and loneliness are substantial risk factors among older adults. According to the National Library of Medicine, 43% of adults aged 60 and older in the United States report feeling lonely. The fact is that many seniors find they are happier once they move into senior living communities and have unlimited opportunities to meet and socialize with new people.
Fear: My Physical and Mental Health Will Decline
Your health and wellness are the number one priority for most senior living communities. According to the International Council on Active Aging, 60% of senior living professionals said their communities will be based on a wellness lifestyle by 2023. Communities like Notre Dame Health Care have care philosophies focusing on residents’ minds, bodies, and spirits.
Residents can enjoy various programs that promote their physical, spiritual, environmental, and social wellness, including:
- Wellness clinics
- Nutritious food choices
- Fitness classes
- Spiritual and pastoral care
- Brain fitness programs
- Art and music therapy
Contact the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Notre Dame Health Care for more information about senior living.
About Notre Dame Health Care
Notre Dame Health Care (NDHC) offers a range of post-acute programs and services to the community, including an Assisted Living Residence; Adult & Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care; Post-Acute Recuperation; Short-Term Rehabilitation; Skilled Nursing and traditional Long Term Care; Specialized Memory Care; and an educational resource center which serves our employees and community. We embrace the individuality, spirituality, and wholeness of each member of our community, including our residents, patients, families, volunteers, and staff.
Notre Dame Health Care is proudly non-profit and honored to carry on the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur to care for the sick and vulnerable and to educate for life through our NDHC Educational Bridge Center.
Notre Dame Health Care
555-559 Plantation Stree
Worcester, MA 01605
(508) 852-5800
notredamehealthcare.org