Living in a Senior Living Community Can Provide Mental Health Benefits

Most seniors want to avoid a senior living community as they long as they are able, feeling as if they can deal with their health concerns and feelings of loneliness as long as they retain their independence.

At some point, however, these factors often reverse themselves. Seniors may no longer be able to afford the increased medical care they need at home, which could result in increased isolation and diminished independence. Additionally, maintaining their home becomes more of a challenge.

Adding to seniors’ anxiety is the fear that they are becoming a burden to their family as their care needs increase, and may even require a family caregiver to assist them.

According to The State of Mental Health in America, an estimated 20% of people aged 55 years or older experience some kind of mental health concern. These concerns commonly include depression and anxiety.

Independent or assisted living communities can provide the peace of mind the senior loved one requires. These senior living communities offer a level of freedom to the resident—freedom from worry about receiving medical care, freedom from loneliness, and freedom to live life in one’s own way at one’s own pace.

Freedom Delivered

In many ways, independent living communities offer seniors a living environment that focuses on minimizing responsibilities and enabling them to live life the way they want to.

Assisted living communities, by comparison, provide an option for seniors who are able to live independently with a little bit of assistance. Often the assistance includes help for older adults who are challenged with their eating, memory, ability to communicate and medication management. In some assisted living communities, dedicated memory support areas for those living with dementia also are available.

Both types of senior living communities often offer restaurant-style dining and beautiful surroundings, with gardens, courtyards and walking paths–as well as housekeeping, transportation, wellness programs and plenty of activities.

Safety and Security

As a senior, it’s important to feel a sense of safety and security where you live. For family members or family caregivers, safety and security for your senior loved one is most likely your top priority.

The mental and emotional relief that a senior living community offers can’t be overstated. Older adults living comfortably and safely in a senior community are freed from worry and stress, while family members are provided relief from their own anxieties concerning their loved one.

To learn more about the benefits of independent living and assisted living communities, read about the resources available at Bethesda.