Are Retirement Facilities a Good Idea?

Individuals wrapped up with work in accordance to a regular routine risk the fate of having nothing to do upon reaching retirement. Studies conducted show that some easily fall into depression as the abundant time at hand is apparently too much to handle and comprehend. Senior living communities come to the rescue for individuals having stepped past the thresholds of youth and prime of age. They come to the stark realization that having to set the alarm clock, commute to the office, wade through work, commute home to spend precious little time with the family is a thing of the past. Although this may cause many to shiver in their shoes, it is in fact a blessing as the daily rat race run in life's maze has been known to cut short a life or two.

Although the mention of retirement communities may conjure a picture of silver haired folks with paunches and slow gaits, there are exceptions to the case. In the event living on one's own and having solitary meals is no longer in fashion, it may do one well to consider taking up a space in one of these places. As social networking is the latest buzzword amongst the tech savvy crowd, the senior folk can certain take the concept for a test drive minus the technology bit. This however does not discount those who are well versed in the latest offerings of who's who and what's what in this technologically advanced environment. Senior living communities are not made up of dusty folks in dusty surroundings as many of the elderly post and tweet as well as the younger generation.

These places cater to the needs of the able bodied in their golden years by providing a safe and healthy environment. Also referred to as retirement villages, they provide an avenue for those young at heart and comparatively young at body to enjoy life after dedicating more than half their lifespan to work. Due to the abundance of retirement communities, it is best to check with relevant authorities on which are most reputable. Since this is a business like any other, checking ahead of moving in is certainly a worthwhile move. With death and taxes being the sureties in life, one is well advised to make wise decisions in addressing the latter. As the income stream is either greatly reduced or halted, retirees are advised to select ideal places to call it a day.

Finding a Great Retirement Home

When families reach the point where they are looking for a seniors' home or retirement home for an aging relative, they often focus on finding a local home or the cheapest care available. This is of course, a case of mistaken priorities, when the main concern should be finding the right care for the senior in question.

Finding the right retirement care should involve work on the part of family. Most families of gradually ailing seniors need to begin with the possibility of community-provided care. There are a wide variety of services available, depending on what province or state you live in. Some states, provinces, cities or counties offer publicly funded care, if you are fortunate. In Ontario, for example, you can hire a case worker or social worker who can assist the elderly person and his or her family with care issues. These case workers can help screen home health care services, offer advice about eligibility for assistance and services, and act as a liaison between families and care providers of any kind.

Government funded homecare and support services may be available. You may be able to get a referral from your family doctor in order to get assigned a case worker.

Varieties in retirement homes
If you are in a position to move into a retirement home, many people are unaware of the distinct advantages offered by active adult or independent living retirement homes. These can be resort-style communities with suites all housed in one building or a complex-style community with separate homes or condos.

A more common option is an assisted living senior home, where there is staff ready to help with anything from cooking to medication to mobility.

If you have problems that might only be temporary you can look into a short stay or respite programs. This will also give you a test of the retirement home experience. The fact is that many seniors in this scenario discover that the preconceptions they had about seniors home are inaccurate and they decide that staying here is just fine.

If a senior has a fall or is otherwise falls ill, it may be that there is a need for long term care. These will offer full time nursing care, regular medical care by an on-call physician and 24 hour supervision. This type of care facility also offers short stays.

Follow your gut, find the right fit
When searching for a retirement home, though, family and seniors should be very concerned with the fit. This is very much the same as looking for a new home or looking for a job. People need to be aware of gut feelings they have as they look at various options and through various seniors' homes.

When inspecting homes, travel off the beaten path to see what the home is "really like." Go down darkened hallways and check the cleanliness and care offered to patients so you are sure that the retirement home is not just putting on a face for your tour.

Paying for seniors' accommodation: cheaper than you realize
When looking at the cost of seniors housing many people may balk at figures such as $1600, $2000 or more per month. However, few people really consider that these costs cover all daily expenses. The need for car payments, gas, restaurant meals, groceries and many other small daily expenses suddenly evaporates. Homes provide meals, snacks and entertainment on site. In the case of higher end luxury retirement homes this can include everything from a swimming pool to a fitness center to an 18 hole golf course.

Jim Huinink writes for Comfortlife.ca, a site offering comprehensive lists of retirement homes and advice on finding the right retirement care.