Living independently at an advanced age is not a walk in the park. Age takes a toll on the body and you will begin to encounter cognitive and physical changes as you get older. As a result, you will have to struggle a lot to do the things you used to do back in the day to maintain an autonomous life. Primarily, your safety will be compromised. Moving to an independent living property can change all that. Not only is such an accommodation secure but also supportive of facilitating an autonomous life. Our article aims to highlight ways in which safety in an independent living property can help to preserve your independence. Stay tuned!
Mitigated Risk of Falls
As you get older, your vision and cognitive function tend to deteriorate. The same thing happens to your flexibility and general mobility. As a result, you become more prone to senior falls. Falls at an advanced age can have a detrimental impact on your life quality besides compromising your independence. However, many independent living accommodations make safety a top priority in their design and operation. Apart from well-lit hallways, the accommodations also feature handrails for support and non-slip flooring to curb accidents.
Improved Mental Health and Peace of Mind
Your loved ones will be constantly worried about your safety when you live alone in a place that is too far for them to provide direct assistance. Living in a community that makes safety a top priority eliminated all that and grants them peace of mind. In the same way, residing in an environment that is supportive and safe minimizes the constant worry about health concerns and your safety.
Dependable Assistance with Daily Chores
Living alone at home means that you have to tend to daily chores by yourself. That can be a little problematic in old age. Having to move around frequently exposes you to the risk of falling. Poor vision and reduced cognitive function also increase your chances of making an error which could culminate in accidents.
However, residing in an independent living home means that you will not have to do as much. Most of your daily activities will be handled by the caregivers hence allowing your more time to focus on other things that improve your life standard. Most importantly, you will be out of harm’s way.
Reduced Loneliness and Isolation
Aging folks are more prone to isolation and loneliness particularly when they live on their own. That is attributed to their limited mobility and other age-related shortcomings. Feeling isolated and alone can trigger stress and depression which is not healthy at an advanced age. On the bright side, independent living homes offer numerous chances for aging folks to interact and socialize. These accommodations occasionally organize engaging activities that bring residents together such as social events, exercise classes, and group outings. Through these activities, older adults have better chances of making new friends and bonding with other residents which in turn boosts their emotional and mental health.
More Access to Emergency Services
Unlike living alone back at home, residents in independent living communities have access to emergency services. That means that you can get medical assistance in case of a medical emergency on a 24-hour basis. Besides emergency call systems, these accommodations are also equipped with medical experts and trained professionals who can help out in case of an unfortunate eventuality.
