Many individuals are unfamiliar with today’s senior living communities or mistakenly believe they are the same as the nursing homes of the past. If you haven’t visited a community lately, you may be surprised at what you find.
Not only is there a type of senior living community for the needs and preferences of almost all older adults, they offer levels of care, activities and opportunities for social engagement that support both aging and living well.
Types of senior living communities
Independent Living
Residents are independent and enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle. Their home is accessible, and the community provides opportunities to interact with other residents and make new friends during the activities and social events offered throughout the week. Amenities include fitness centers, dining options, activities, and scheduled transportation.
Assisted Living
These residents live independently but need some assistance with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, or managing their medications. They enjoy all the amenities, services, and social events as independent living.
Memory Care
Those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia may eventually need more care than can be provided at home. A memory care community offers a secure environment and specialized care by a staff skilled in dementia practices.
Skilled Nursing Care
Residents who move into these communities are unable to care for themselves or live alone. They may have one or more chronic health conditions, frailty or mobility issues that require the assistance of around-the-clock nursing staff. These communities also offer some activities and opportunities to socialize.
Download our complimentary information, Family Decision Toolkit: How to Choose the Right Senior Living Community.
Advantages of today’s senior living communities
Take a look at a few of the benefits that senior living can provide. It’s easy to see how they contribute to both physical and mental health – and influence quality of life.
Accessible residences
Many adults find their existing homes to be in need of expensive or extensive repairs and renovations to be age-friendly. Moving into a senior living community provides accessibility so there is no longer a need to navigate steps and stairs. There is a choice of floor plans and residences can be personalized to make them home.
Assistance when needed
If you or a loved one is beginning to rely on others for help with dressing, grooming or other daily tasks, an assisted living community can provide what is needed. This also can allow family members to relinquish their caregiving roles and spend meaningful and enjoyable time together.
Healthy dining
As we grow older, it can become more challenging to plan, shop for and prepare healthy meals. Unfortunately, many rely instead on snacks, processed food or skipping meals altogether. But senior living communities provide nutritious – and delicious – meals. Menus offer a variety of selections to choose from and enjoy.
Activities and social events
Loneliness and social isolation can be detrimental to health. Living at home can often make it more challenging to see friends or participate in activities once enjoyed. Today’s senior living communities offer a busy weekly schedule of activities and social events, encouraging residents to benefit from the camaraderie of friends.
Fitness classes for both body and mind
Keeping your body and mind in shape contributes greatly to your overall health. Communities offer a fitness center and classes to help with exercise, strength and flexibility training, relaxation, improving balance and fall prevention. Being able to join in with others provides the added advantages of socialization, motivation and having more fun.
Opportunities to make friends
It can be more difficult to make new friends when we grow older. We may also discover there are fewer opportunities to meet new people. Senior living communities make it easy to meet others and discover what you have in common.
Scheduled transportation
If you no longer drive and hesitate to ask others for a ride, moving to a community and taking advantage of their provided transportation can be a true gift. Communities typically offer transportation to medical appointments, shopping trips, dining and other entertainment events.
Safety and security features
As we grow older, we often become more concerned about our security. Your home may need repairs to be safe or expensive renovations to make it accessible and age-friendly. It’s also more common to worry about falling or becoming injured or ill and not being able to get help. A great advantage of a senior living community is knowing that you are never truly alone.
Retirement living in Wadsworth, 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.
We also invite you to download our complimentary information, Family Decision Toolkit: How to Choose the Right Senior Living Community.
