Landsun homes retirement communities are gated and have security personnel on duty, giving residents peace of mind knowing their home is protected while they travel for vacation or business. Residents can also enjoy regular shopping trips, visiting family and friends or participating in community activities.
Researching retirement communities can be overwhelming. To make it a bit easier, check out these important factors to consider when choosing one.
Socialization
Many seniors feel the need to socialize during their golden years. They often become lonely due to a decline in health or the death of a spouse, and they crave fulfilling relationships. Retirement community living is a great way for them to meet new people and strengthen interpersonal connections. This type of lifestyle offers plenty of opportunities for socialization, such as themed events, hobby clubs, discussion groups, and meals with friends. Socialization is important for seniors because it helps to reduce the risk of isolation, which can lead to high blood pressure*, a weakened immune system, depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
Retirement communities can range from extremely large, multi-acre communities with all the amenities of a small town to smaller ones located on the outskirts of cities. Most retirees find that they enjoy the lifestyle provided by these communities, which are usually designed with a village atmosphere. Many have shops, restaurants, and medical facilities. In addition to providing a sense of security and belonging, they also offer an attractive lifestyle that is congruent with basic American values of thrift, self-reliance, independence, and material comfort.
If you are looking for a retirement community for your aging loved one, it is best to visit the facility and get to know the staff. Consider eating a meal there to see how the food tastes. You can also read online consumer reviews and state regulator reports.
Security
Regardless of your age or condition, life naturally poses risks. From car accidents to falls and even burglaries, the risks of daily living can be a concern for anyone. However, seniors can find security and safety in a retirement community. The community’s security measures often go above and beyond to protect the residents, making safety a top priority.
Many communities have security gates at their entrance, which can be a good deterrent for potential criminals. The staff may also have a list of people that are allowed to enter, which can help to prevent unauthorized entry into the community.
Additionally, most communities have video surveillance to ensure the safety of everyone in the community. The retirement community’s security system may be deployed using on-prem or cloud technology.
For instance, Brethren Village Retirement Community has security officers that patrol the buildings and parking lots 24 hours a day. Each officer is CPR and AED certified. In addition, the security department keeps an AED on all of its vehicles. This allows the security officers to quickly move from one area to another while first responders are on scene.
A resident in a retirement community may also have an emergency call system installed inside their private residence. They can use this system to alert the staff or security team of a medical emergency, fire or theft. They can also press the button to be greeted by someone at the gate of their home or apartment. This can be an excellent way to connect with fellow residents and feel a sense of belonging to their community.
Affordability
A lot of people worry about the cost of retirement living. It can be less expensive than you might think. When you move into a senior living community, all of the bills you currently pay are built into one affordable monthly fee.
Most retirement communities include a wide range of amenities and services. These can range from basic utilities to health care. Many communities also handle basic home maintenance, such as mowing the lawn and shoveling snow. This can save you a lot of time and money.
Many seniors who live in retirement communities feel freer to travel and volunteer. They no longer have to spend so much time on yard maintenance and commuting for appointments. In addition, they can enjoy activities that bring them joy.
A retirement community may also offer an affordable option if you choose to move in while still young. Some retirement communities are part of a continuum of care, and you can stay in the same place if your health needs change. This is important because it means you won’t have to move to a new community and lose the friendships you’ve made.
There are different types of retirement communities, and their cost varies from low-income housing to half-million-dollar homes for affluent seniors. You should make sure to compare costs and amenities before making a decision. Some important details to look for include accessibility and safety features like wider doorways, stairlifts and zero-threshold showers.
Recreation
Whether it’s a water aerobics class or a group nature walk, recreational activities offer seniors the chance to bond with other residents over shared interests. These social encounters are important to emotional well-being, and have been shown to increase longevity, strengthen immunity, reduce stress, and lower blood pressure.
Recreation also helps keep seniors physically healthy through exercise programs such as dancing and stretching. But it’s the satisfaction recreation professionals get from helping their seniors follow lifelong goals that makes them the most proud. “Seeing a resident follow their dream is what it’s all about”, says Jennifer Nash, a recreation therapist at the Marina Point retirement community in Squamish, BC. “That moment when they realize their goal makes everything worth it”.
A retirement community that offers a range of recreational programs and opportunities is ideal for people who want to continue leading an active lifestyle. Regular volunteering strengthens social bonds, gives a sense of purpose, and helps protect older adults from feelings of loneliness and hopelessness,* according to a study by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Pursuing artistic passions lifts the mood, and reminiscing about past adventures improves emotional resilience.