Seniors typically become forgetful, lose independence, and their health starts to decline more rapidly than when they were younger. These signs of aging come with a great deal of responsibility that is either passed on to the family members like grown children or professional caregivers. Many seniors do not like to leave the comfort of their own homes because they have a hard time dealing with the unfamiliarity of convalescent homes or being around nurses that they do not know. They are initially left to make decisions by themselves or with their families about how they want to live the rest of their lives and be comfortable at the same time. Their living environments are changing due to senior communities, convalescent homes and assisted living, compared to aging in place.
In order to help seniors stay positive about moving, senior communities were designed to keep seniors functioning together or independently after retirement (Russell and Saison, 2012). Low income and subsidized housing are available to help seniors afford where they live and they are able to choose between living independently or in assisted facilities. Comprehensive care is given to those that need care for long term illnesses and or help (Russell & Saison 2012). Seniors can also be introduced to new people and activities to motivate and stimulate their minds and bodies depending on where they would like to live. According to SeniorHousingNet:“some independent living communities offer abundant recreational activities, which may include swimming pools/ spas, exercise facilities, clubhouses/lounges and library/ reading lounges. Typically these specific communities are built like apartments however they accommodate the senior by providing them with a secure housing facility. Unlike convalescent homes where seniors are under hourly care and are less mobile. “A convalescent home is interchangeably known as a rest home” (Olson, 2009-2012). These homes are designed to house seniors that need a primary care and rest home environment because they have become ill with cancer, alzheimer’s or dementia and can not take care of themselves as well as they should.
However nursing homes take away a seniors ability to live independently even though they are designed specifically to take care of an elderly senior that can not take care of themselves. “Seniors fear leaving home because they feel it is an easier way for them to lose independence” (MarketingCharts staff, 2007). “When asked what they fear most, seniors rated loss of independence (26%) and moving out of home into a nursing home (13%) as their greatest fear. Death was cited as the greatest fear for just (3%) of seniors” ( Staff, 2007). Seniors that have families that can take care of them are able to stay at home and stay comfortable. These seniors that decide to stay at home can have in home care from family members or home care registered nurses or home care helpers. (Angels, 2010) Ultimately, nursing homes are not a very popular option for seniors because they have already established their homes and are not willing to leave home. Many seniors and their families would rather have assistance from nurses within their house or care from family members.
Consequently seniors want to live comfortably but it can become difficult to continue to live and take care of themselves without help. Seniors that begin to forget certain things and need special care for health problems need to have extra supervision by family members or health care professionals at home or in nursing homes. Seniors that need to make these assisted living choices would rather stay in the comfort of their own homes but cannot always afford the costs to have in home care. Senior communities are made available so that those seniors that want to live amongst others can live comfortably. These particular facilities are designed to accommodate the needs of the senior by making it safe for mobility and entertaining for leisure. Convalescent or nursing homes are made available to provide help to those that cannot help themselves because of illness they struggle with however many seniors and their families fear their loss of independence because they will rely to much on the care that they are given. Therefore aging in place for seniors that qualify is the best decision because they are able to stay at home and be comfortable. They do not have to worry about a loss of pride because they could not live independently.
References
Angels, V. (2010, april 11). Elderly care options-home care nurse or home care helper?. Retrieved from http://www.visitingangels.com/elderly-care-options-home-care-nurse-or-home-care-helper-article_37
Manalastas, R. (2008, may 21). What is the most important problem that senior citizens face today. Retrieved from http://www.helium.com/items/1035841-what-is-the-most-important-problem-that-senior-citizens-face-today
Olson,M. (2009-2012). Convalescent homes. Retrieved from http://www.seniorhomes.com/p/convalescent-homes/
Russell, D., & Saison, J. (2012, september). Independent living for seniors. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/elder/independent_living_seniors_retirement.htm
Seniorhousing.net. (2012). Independent living. Retrieved from http://www.seniorhousingnet.com/independent-living/?source=web
Staff, M. (2007, november 12). Seniors fear loss of independence, nursing homes more than death. Retrieved from http://www.marketingcharts.com/direct/seniors-fear-loss-of-independence-nursing-homes-more-than-death-2343/
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