Have you noticed you or a loved one becoming more anxious or worried about safety and security? Especially if living at home alone?
It’s actually not an uncommon occurrence as we grow older. Our houses may be in need of repair or our neighborhoods might have changed and not feel as safe or comfortable as they once did. We may be more concerned about falling down the stairs or becoming injured or ill and not being able to access help.
Yet even though we might not be alone in experiencing these feelings, it doesn’t make it any less distressing. We may also discover that this frame of mind is taking joy from our lives.
The good news is that there are options, so we won’t need to live with this level of anxiety. One of the easiest ways to eliminate many of these senior living safety issues is to move into a senior living community. And we won’t need to sacrifice our independence to do so.
Common senior living safety concerns
There are several circumstances that can increase our level of anxiety as we grow older, including the following:
1. Physical safety
Older adults often find themselves more fearful about safely living at home alone. They may worry about the security of their home and neighborhood or the ability to care for a spouse or partner.
2. Home inaccessibility
Most homes were not designed for an aging population so many older adults find themselves living with stairs, narrow hallways or inaccessible bathrooms.
3. Fear of losing independence and self-reliance
One of the top-ranking fears of older adults is the loss of independence and becoming reliant on others, often creating a sense of changing roles between parent and child.
4. Fear of becoming ill or injured and being alone
Another senior living safety fear of many older adults is what they would do if they became ill or injured. Those who live alone may have heightened concerns about being able to get help.
How a community provides peace of mind for senior living safety
A senior living community supports an active and enriched life through activities, social events and healthy dining, to mention only a few of the several benefits. But they are also designed with senior living safety in mind. The following are examples of what you’ll discover in a community:
1. An accessible home to age-in-place
While older adults often express a desire to age-in-place, their homes may not support them to achieve that goal safely. Stairs and steps, out of reach cabinets and inaccessible bathrooms lacking senior living safety features can make daily life more difficult or require expensive repairs.
A senior living community, however, provides a move-in ready and accessible private home which is also supported by a community that is age-friendly.
2. Senior living safety and security features in the community
Many older adults experience a change in their neighborhood over time and may no longer feel they are part of the community or as safe as they once were.
A senior living community understands the priority of safety and how one’s security greatly influences quality of life. By providing additional features such as gates, personnel, alarm systems and personal alert systems, residents can rest easier.
3. Compassionate support to remain independent
One of the biggest fears that older adults often express is that of losing their independence and becoming reliant on their children or other family members.
Moving into a senior living community actually helps your loved one feel more independent as they can depend on a helping hand from the staff. This allows them to spend their time once again with loved ones enjoying activities and conversations together instead of in asking or receiving help.
4. Access to activities that promote health and senior living safety
Another fear commonly experienced as we grow older is that of losing our health and mobility. One of the best steps an individual can take is to remain active and become dedicated to physical and emotional fitness.
Senior living communities typically provide a fitness center or classes, equipment and instruction so the residents can remain in shape. Activities and amenities also foster the individual to remain connected and socially active.
5. Opportunities to make friends and guard against loneliness
Loneliness and social isolation unfortunately can become more common as we grow older. Friends move away, we may lose close family members and the ability to get out and see others can become more difficult.
Senior living communities support making new friendships with the many opportunities provided to help residents meet their neighbors. Whether at social events, activities or even while crossing paths in the common areas, relationships are soon formed.
Retirement living in Waukegan, Illinois
Galloway Senior Living, locally owned and operated, provides luxury and quality care for families in our community.
Assisted Living at Galloway Senior Living offers beautiful and contemporary private residences that range from alcove studios to two-bedrooms and include high-end stainless-steel appliances, maple hardwood cabinets, cultured marble countertops and thoughtfully curated décor and colors.
Our Memory Care community offers a family kitchen, dining room, walking garden, and lounge.
Our services include:
- 24-hour certified nursing assistants, on-staff licensed nurses, medication management, and on-site physician visits
- COVID-19 safety protocols
- Assistance with daily tasks
- Readily available safe transportation
- A fall-reduction program
- In-unit emergency response systems including an electronic monitoring system for exit doors
- On-site entertainment and activities personalized to reflect the residents’ preferences
- Housekeeping and linen services including personal laundry
Amenities you’ll find at Galloway Senior Living include:
- Country Café and Convenience Store
- Salon and Spa
- Theater with 85″ television
- Activity and Craft Center
- Game Room
- Library and Business Center
- Fitness Center
If you or your family is considering retirement living in Wadsworth, Illinois, we hope you will visit our community at Galloway Senior Living. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions.