It is a significant decision to move into an aged care facility, and the process can be difficult for both the elderly person and their family. It’s normal for older individuals to fear moving into “an old people’s home” because many people dislike change. On the basis of the conventional notion of senior life, many older people frequently have negative opinions about aged care institutions, although this is no longer the case. Aged care facilities today are cosy, sociable, happy, convenient, and pleasant places for older people to enjoy and live life to the fullest. They are far from the depressing and lonely experience that it is frequently considered to be. There’s really no need for elderly individuals to fear going into an aged care facility, and even while these worries may be understandable, they’re probably not grounded in reality right now. Following are a few typical anxieties that older individuals have while considering moving into an assisted living facility and the current state of assisted living facilities.
Fear of the unknown
Because it is such a huge life decision, it’s completely understandable to experience some anxiety and trepidation about what lies ahead. Knowing what will happen now and in the future gives us all a feeling of comfort, we are all curious about what will take place. It can be helpful to think on what got you through difficult times and changes in the past so that you can better manage the problems you have now. For instance, a cheerful disposition, loving family and friends, or a clever sense of humour. As a general rule, things tend to become more stable, and a person’s confidence tends to increase, as they gain experience and grow more comfortable with the new circumstance.
Loss of independence
Another common fear is that moving into an assisted living environment equates to your sense of independence diminishing. After so many years of being responsible for your own decisions, it can be daunting. However, by giving seniors the resources and support they need to enjoy life to the fullest, moving into an aged care facility can actually increase their level of independence. There will still be plenty of options available to residents, and they can engage in social life and activities to whatever extent they like. Senior communities encourage and support seniors in leading as independent a life as possible while giving them the assistance they require to do so.
Out of sight, out of mind?
The idea that moving into aged care means a life of loneliness, forgotten by family and friends is understandable but it’s also untrue. You will not only have numerous opportunities to see your existing friends and family, but you will also have the opportunity to form meaningful connections with staff members as well as other people who live in the community. These friendships may last a lifetime. Many senior citizens are confined to their houses and lead isolated lifestyles because they struggle with issues related to mobility or their health. Because of this, it is difficult for them to engage in conversation with other people and to keep themselves involved in the community where they live. When a person moves into an assisted living community for the elderly, they put themselves in a position to benefit from a greatly increased number of opportunities for social contacts and companionship with other people. Your freedom to go out and spend time with family and friends whenever you like, as well as their ability to pay you a visit at your senior living facility, will not in any way, shape, or form be limited. This is something that you can rest assured about.
Boredom
The transition into assisted care does not mean that your life as you know, or knew it, stops. If anything, the opposite applies! The good news is that there are activities and pursuits that might help retirees avoid being bored and find greater satisfaction in their later years. A variety of social activities and recreational opportunities are offered in today’s senior living communities in recognition of the risks associated with boredom. These options are aimed at assisting older individuals in avoiding boredom and developing new friendships. Senior living facilities provide their residents a wide variety of options to maintain an active and involved lifestyle on a daily basis, ranging from trips to the theatre to fitness programmes and book clubs to dance classes and fitness programmes.
Going into a senior living community is considered one of the best things that can be done to help older people avoid feelings of isolation and prevent boredom. If you are anxious about an elderly family member living by themselves, you should think about the advantages of a senior living community, which can improve the individual’s quality of life, as well as their happiness and their health.
Plan ahead with ConnectAbility
ConnectAbility is here to help you find the appropriate information and services if you or a member of your family are thinking about different possibilities for elderly care. This way, you can be sure that the best choice will be made for either yourself or a member of your family.
We know that navigating this road may be a challenging endeavour, and at times it can feel overwhelming. There is a plethora of data and sources of information that can be utilised. We are here to help point you in the right direction. When it comes to senior care services and other information associated with them, the ConnectAbility team has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field.
It is crucial to prepare ahead, and in order to do so, you need access to the appropriate information that reflects your unique needs, such as your location, your financial condition, and the support that is already available to you. Talk to us today on 02 4962 1000 in Newcastle or 02 4349 3700 on the Central Coast to find out how we can help you.
