In the modern world, most adults tend not to spend much time thinking about what life will be like when they enter the senior stages of life. For some people, the thought of getting old is something that does not sound particularly attractive as it tends to be associated with thoughts of declining health and reduced mobility levels. Because of this, the subject of independent living facilities is often avoided by adults until it becomes a pressing issue.
Commonly, this will be when an elderly relative needs to consider relocating to this type of establishment when they are no longer able to remain in their homes safely. For instance, they may have suffered from repeated falls that have caused injury and can no longer cope in their home environment without assistance.
This article aims to reduce some of the misconceptions about independent living facilities and state some of their key benefits.
The population is aging
A key fact in this discussion is that the global population is aging. It is estimated that by 2050 one in six adults will be aged sixty-five or over. This aging population has occurred for a variety of reasons. Firstly, in most developed countries there is now access to world-class healthcare for the majority of the population. In certain countries, such as the United Kingdom, this healthcare is provided free of charge as it is paid for by the taxes of the workforce via national insurance contributions. Having access to high-quality healthcare can ensure that populations remain in good health throughout their lives, thus raising the average life expectancy.
In addition, millions of adults enjoy a healthy and balanced diet and take part in regular exercise thanks to ongoing public health education. This can lead to higher life expectancies when adhered to throughout a lifetime. However, with an aging population comes the definite need for facilities for older adults, such as independent living establishments. Put simply, as the population continues to age, the demand for such services will continue to rise.
Maintain independence
While moving to an independent living facility means leaving the family home (and often selling it to fund the new life in assisted living accommodation), the best independent facilities will take steps to ensure that as much independence as possible is preserved by residents. As the name suggests, independent living establishments seek to keep independence levels high. If you live in the American state of Illinois, you can find a list of premises by searching online for independent living Mattoon IL and this should generate a list of independent living establishments in the local area.
At an independent living facility, it is recognized that the residents have different needs. While some residents may need help with their personal hygiene or some forms of personal care, they will also be encouraged to live a life similar to what they enjoyed at home. There may be on-site shops and regular trips to nearby towns that serve to keep independence levels high and allow residents to continue to experience an existence that is broadly similar to what they experienced before moving. Additionally, these facilities foster a sense of community and connection among residents to create a supportive environment where they can thrive. For example, Clover Group Inc. offers housing near Jewish Community Centers, enabling elders to actively participate in community events and activities.
Create a personalized space
As a final point, residents in independent living facilities will often be encouraged to make their personal spaces their own. A well-run establishment will recognize the value of allowing residents to take control of their personal spaces and decorate or furnish them how they desire. By doing this, they are encouraging their clients to feel “more at home” and enjoy their new accommodation and facilities.
If you are considering an assisted or independent living facility for your elderly relatives, it can be important to visit the establishment and check that residents can personalize their living spaces, receiving assistance from staff when required in this process. In short, this can be hugely beneficial for the well-being and satisfaction of residents in these establishments as it allows them to add personal touches to living spaces and create the environment they want.
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