Aging is a natural part of life. Despite this, mainstream media seems dedicated to creating horror stories about retirement homes and specialized care. Bland food, isolated communities and nothing to do all day long are common misconceptions that cause many to actively fear the aging process. When you learn about assisted living, perhaps the most important facet of knowledge is just how varied it is. No single person will face their later years in just one way and, like that, specialized care takes on an even deeper meaning.
You and your loved one have an entirely new road ahead. Let’s talk a little about what specialized care entails and all the resources it offers the elderly, those with mental illness and those with chronic disabilities.
The United States’ population is seeing a shift in its aging population. In just the next few decades over 20% of the country will be age 65 or older, making specialized care a necessity more and more people will become familiar with. There are different forms of assisted living to better address the myriad of issues brought to the table due to age. Memory care is for elderly persons that are developing the onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia, while a nursing facility can accommodate elderly persons or younger adults with disabilities.
How many people need long-term care to help with day-to-day life? More than you may think. A recent study estimates nearly 70% of Americans turning 65 years or older will need long-term care very soon. Not only that, but around 40% of assisted living residents receive assistance with three or more daily activities. It’s frustrating for the person in question when they can’t engage in the hobbies or mundane tasks that they used to, but specialized care is able to provide them the independence they need to get through their life comfortably.
A nursing home can help with all sorts of day-to-day tasks. The most common ones include, but are not limited to, dressing, washing, cleaning, traveling and eating. A recent survey saw over 50% of respondents reporting their greatest fear for long-term care was becoming a burden on their family and friends. Specialized care is not a separate existence far removed from society, but rather, ongoing support that can help people of all shapes and sizes live their best life.
Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating condition that is unable to be prevented, slowed down or cured. More than five million people in the United States live with this condition and it’s estimated that Alzheimer’s disease accounts for up to 80% of dementia diagnoses. Despite this it can be managed with the assistance of experienced caregivers and reliable resources. Memory care units provide 24-hour supervised care for its in-home residents and are regulated in more than 20 states.
Perhaps best of all, a care facility is a community first and foremost. Staffed with caring nurses and filled with people going through similar struggles, it’s a place your loved one can find like-minded peers while still doing what they enjoy the most. The average assisted living facility will make it easier for its residents to take part in their favorite hobbies, such as painting or reading, while reducing their stress when it comes to traveling, eating or managing pain.
Rather than the dreary and isolated hub that is pushed forward in movies, the nursing facility is becoming an increasingly common way of life for many aging Americans.