Most of the time, a family member provides care for elderly persons in their homes. Despite not having to compensate the family caregiver financially, the total cost to the family may be far higher than anticipated. According to studies, the average amount of lost wages for a caregiver of this kind is close to $284,000 for men and $324,000 for women. In addition, family members who provide caregiving services do not have enough time to spend with their families and friends. It has been found that depression is a common problem among family carers and that it can lead to a variety of other health problems and unexpected costs. Let’s take a look at retirement homes in Mobile, AL, and aging in your own home to figure out what works best for you.
Advantages of Living in a Retirement Community
The majority of elderly people who have relocated to retirement communities report that they like living in their new house more than they did living alone in their previous residence. The following are the primary explanations behind this:
Social Connections
Living in a community that offers independent living presents a wealth of opportunities to cultivate meaningful relationships with other people and make new acquaintances. Seniors often confront a number of life events all at once, any one of which could easily contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation. For this reason, it is vitally necessary for seniors to engage in social activities. The residents in retirement homes have the opportunity to take part in events and activities organized for the community as a whole, have meals together, and meet new people.
Having A Healthy Diet
Residents in independent living don’t have to worry about going weekly grocery or making meals for themselves. Meals that are scrumptious, high in nutrients, and expertly prepared by chefs are one of the ways that high-quality retirement communities make life easier for their residents.
Home Maintenance-Free
As people get older, it becomes more difficult for them to perform home repairs and maintenance. Moving to a community that specializes in the care of elderly people is one way to overcome this problem.
The Downsides of Aging at Home
- Those who choose to age in place typically require numerous modifications to the house. In order to transform the house into an environment that is secure for elderly people and suitable for their needs, you will need to make a number of modifications. Some of the simplest adjustments you may make concern the lighting and the installation of non-slip mats in the bathroom’s shower and bathtub. In addition to that, significant alterations could be included. A stair lift, for instance, may need to be installed on the property if it contains stairs that the elderly person is unable to navigate or descend without difficulty.
- Since your loved one is likely to be unattended for the majority of the day, one of the primary safety concerns associated with aging in place is the possibility that the senior will experience a slip and fall when no one else is present. In order to ensure the safety of your senior loved ones at home, you may need to install a medical alert system.
