The decision to invest in a senior living community is not always an easy one to make. However, paying for the services available can be very beneficial, especially as you grow older. Retirement communities that offer a continuum of care support individuals through various stages of life and accommodate unique and ever-changing needs. Here, St. Barnabas looks at the benefits of senior living and why it’s a worthwhile expense.
Continuum of Care
Start by thinking ahead and figuring out what your investment might mean in the future. Aging adults with evolving needs benefit from retirement communities that provide multiple levels of assistance. If you’re a young, active retiree who is looking forward to making the most of every day in retirement, you can find what you need in an independent living community. Independent living communities combine the convenience of secure, upkeep-free living centered on your needs with the independence that you typically enjoy at home.
If you or a loved one needs greater support for daily activities, accommodations with living assistance may be more ideal. Attendants provide 24/7 assistance, allowing residents to live as independently as they can while receiving more hands-on care for chronic illnesses and other conditions. Services may include:
- Regular safety checks
- Physical transfer assistance
- Ostomy and catheter care
- Incontinence support
As health needs change, more in-depth services may be needed and can easily be accessed in a community that offers a broad range of support. Retirees who need short-term or long-term rehabilitative care can find it through skilled nursing services. Skilled nursing services are available for individuals who are recovering after a stroke, an injury, joint replacement surgery, or another event that may require access to a team of medical professionals to help them on the road to recovery.
Balancing the Comforts of Home with Community Engagement
While researching retirement communities, making sure your prospects feel like home is important in determining if paying for senior living is a worthwhile expense. Comfortable accommodations and a variety of amenities can help make the transition from home life to a senior living community easier. What’s more, programming and social activities that keep residents active and meaningfully engaged with their neighbors can help make retirement life feel fulfilling. Some of the amenities to look for while searching for a retirement community include:
- Nutritious and delicious meals
- Calendar of social activities and special events
- Scenic grounds with opportunities for outdoor recreation
- Exercise centers and fitness classes
- Easy access to shops, movie theaters, and more
Learn More from St. Barnabas
At St. Barnabas, we understand that your needs may not be the same today as your needs tomorrow or 10 years down the road. We offer several senior living options that support varying levels of need, including comprehensive care services. St. Barnabas proudly supports residents in the greater Pittsburgh area, including Allegheny, Beaver, and Butler counties. To learn more about our senior living services and how they support a continuum of care, contact us today.
