Getting older is never easy. The loss of sight, hearing, taste, smell and the ability to remember new things can be devastating. Knowing when it is time to look at alternative living situations such as a retirement community, is imperative. Here are a few signs that it may be time to look.
• Memory loss
If you cannot remember when to take your pills, when to refill them and what dosages you are to take, looking at a retirement community may be the best thing. They can help remind you of times to take your medications, help you get your pills refilled and how much to take.
• Inability to care for self
If you are no longer able to cook safely, unable to bath, or do laundry, then it is time to start looking. They will provide you with meals, help you to bath, dress and do your laundry as well as daily housekeeping. Often, the retirement communities have a microwave and stove, as well as a small kitchen area to allow you some of your own food and snacks.
• High risk of falling
If you have had several falls, or have trouble walking, it is time to look at a retirement community. This type of living situation helps monitor you to make sure that you have not fallen.
• Need some company
If you are just living by yourself and are lonely, then a retirement community may be just the thing for you. Offering a wide range of activities, there are other seniors who are in the same position as you. You can make new friends, do activities and increase your social life.
• Unable to care for your home
If you can no longer take care of your home and yard, or do housekeeping, then a retirement community is the way to go. Offering apartments that allow you to not have to worry about those things, it can take a load off of your mind, and make you feel less helpless.
Many times, seniors feel like it is a loss of independence to move into a retirement community. In actuality, it can offer them an opportunity to increase their social life, increase their activities, and yet still afford them some independence by allowing them to keep some of their old furniture, their favorite foods and the ability to still watch their favorite shows. This allows them to get the assistance that a senior may need without feeling totally helpless.