The opportunity to grow older is a gift. It means more time to spend with the people you love, doing the activities you enjoy. There are a lot of misconceptions about getting older, especially when it comes to quality of life. Although ageist stereotypes may lead you to believe that old age is sad or depressing, research suggests that older adults tend to get happier over time.
Like with any other stage in life, happiness in old age doesn’t come without effort and support. When seniors are surrounded by a healthy community of peers and caregivers, they are able to thrive. Everyone deserves the resources to age with dignity and joy, and many modern senior living centers can provide that.
If you’re searching for the ideal senior living center for yourself or a parent, it’s important to research your options. Keep reading to learn about the best senior living Jackson, MI, can provide, including types of senior living, their costs and how to find the best fit.
When it comes to types of senior living, there are a lot more options than there used to be. In previous generations, many seniors were sent to general care homes, regardless of abilities or preferences. Today, seniors can choose from a wide range of environments that are designed to benefit their physical and emotional well-being.
Many people prefer to age in place, meaning they continue to live in their own home or community. However, for seniors with certain health considerations, this hasn’t always been an option. For seniors who value autonomy yet need special attention, residential care homes are an attractive choice.
Not every senior wants to live in their own home, especially if they require frequent medical attention or suffer from isolation and loneliness. Luckily, residential care homes are just one option. When it comes to senior living, Jackson, MI, has plenty of alternatives.
Staff at assisted living residences help with laundry and housekeeping, as well as bathing and grooming in some cases. Amenities may include restaurant style dining, coordinated social activities, planned outings and transportation. Assisted living centers are ideal for residents who value their social lives but may not be able to perform daily tasks alone.
Skilled nursing residences resemble hospitals more than apartments, as the focus is on recovery rather than long-term living. Unlike traditional nursing homes, skilled nursing residences have fewer coordinated social activities, as the focus is not integration. However, these residences do provide some social opportunities for their residents.
Independent living communities offer a variety of housing choices for seniors to rent while avoiding the maintenance hassles of homeownership. These communities are meant for independent older people with active lifestyles. Amenities may include recreation spaces, pools, fitness centers, art studios and dining venues.
With so many types of senior living to choose from, it can be difficult to know what’s right for you or your parent. Sometimes, seniors and their children disagree about which living features to prioritize. In these cases, it’s important to evaluate the situation from both perspectives.
For children of aging parents, choosing a senior living residence comes with a lot of responsibility. The most important factors to consider are your parent’s happiness and wellbeing. However, you should also consider the following:
Many older adults and their children worry about whether they can afford the necessary senior care. If you’re unable to pay for senior care with personal funds or private financing, you may qualify for financial assistance through one of the following :
Many assistance programs can be difficult to navigate alone. If you’re struggling to find financial assistance for a particular senior living residence, ask to speak to one of their representatives about your options. They may have valuable insight about how to make their residence affordable to you.
Oftentimes, the first sign of a struggling senior is a lack of grooming and personal care. There are many reasons that some older people stop caring for themselves, including mobility issues, forgetfulness, depression or fear of slipping in the shower or bath.
Unfortunately, neglecting hygiene and grooming can exacerbate depression, and forgetting essential medications can be dangerous. Assisted care residences can help older adults with bathing, toileting, dressing, grooming, medication, eating, moving and more.
Part of caring for yourself is maintaining your living space. Environments that are cluttered, dirty and unkept present hazards to seniors. Older adults can trip in messy living rooms, get sick from eating spoiled food and suffer from lack of nutrition if they’re unable to prepare meals. When a home is in disarray, it’s time to start thinking about senior care.
Do you or your parent require frequent trips to the doctor? Seniors who need to see a variety of specialists in order to maintain good health face several potential obstacles. Not only must seniors drive themselves or find a ride each time they visit the doctor, but they must also remember to schedule and attend appointments.
After an injury, illness or surgery, some seniors need comprehensive care. For those adults, skilled nursing residences supply 24-hour medical care until they are well again. Seniors with progressive diseases may benefit from assisted care residences that offer around-the-clock access to medical professionals.
In residential care homes and independent living environments, independent seniors can surround themselves with people their own age. These are perfect environments to make new friends, meet a special someone or just relax around peers. Seniors who prefer scheduled social activities and help with daily activities may also consider assisted living residences.
Safety is a huge concern for aging adults. If you or a parent are falling more frequently, noticing more cuts and scrapes or have a general feeling of being unsafe, it’s time to consider other arrangements. At senior living residences, staff ensure the safety of their residents with routine check-ins and appointments.
If you’re thinking about entering a senior living residence or sending your parent to one, you probably have a lot of questions. With so many factors to consider, it’s a good idea to take your time and do the necessary research. Our FAQ section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
If you’re searching for the best senior living, Jackson, MI, has to offer, you’re in luck. There are many highly-rated senior living residences, including the following:
Jackson, MI, is a wonderful place to grow older. There are 20 assisted living residences in the Jackson area, with 16 inside the city and four just outside of town.
The most important thing you can do when helping an aging parent decide on a senior living residence is to respect what they want. For most seniors, access to medical care isn’t their only concern; they also want to live around people their own age, engage in social activities and have access to outdoor space.
Aging in place means being able to stay in a familiar and comfortable environment despite changing medical needs. Communities built around aging in place contain all the resources that seniors need throughout the various stages of older adult life. When seniors are allowed to age in place, they experience safety, comfort and happiness.
At John Ganton’s Countryside, seniors live in dignity, on their own terms. Our 100-acre campus includes residences for every stage of older life, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, assisted memory care, rehabilitation residences and more. No matter where an older person is in their journey, we have a community built around supporting their needs.
Interested in visiting John Ganton’s Countryside? We’d love to have you! Schedule a tour through our website or give us a call at (517) 787-4150 today.