When
it comes to looking into a retirement home or an assisted living residence one
of the common misconceptions is that these are solely for widowers and those
people living alone. While this may be the case in certain senior homes, there
are certainly examples of those that allow couples to relocate together.
One
facility may require a couple to stay in separate private bedrooms while
another assisted living residence may be quite happy for a couple to stay
together as they have for the earlier years of their lives. This is something
to consider before you decide on which facility is best suited to you.
Couples
relocating to an assisted living residence
Simply
put, no assisted living residence should have a problem with you and your
husband or wife relocating together. Those that do are sadly missing out on one
of life's rare little gems; that of companionship. Whether you've spent all of
your married life together or just the past few years, spending your golden
retirement together is about as acceptable as it gets.
Moving
together into an assisted living residence has many advantages (as we shall see
shortly). One overshadowing advantage though is that it gives you the
opportunity to enjoy a relaxing and comfortable time together, something that
it's almost certain you didn't get to do in the years leading up to your
retirement.
By
staying together it also eliminates the chance for loneliness. An assisted
living residence counters one of the major senior pitfalls; that of sitting
home alone. This promotes a more positive mental attitude which in turn has a
positive impact on your mental wellbeing. This is just the first of the health
advantages of an assisted living residence.
The
health benefits for you as a couple
Senior
homes, be they independent living facilities or assisted living residence,
offer couples the chance to stay together even if one, or both, suffers from an
ailing health. With care staff on duty to assist with the likes of medication
and personal care, each of you is able to live a fairly routine life. It also
removes the need for one of you to rely too heavily on the other.
Many
senior homes offer onsite care amenities or easy access to the likes of
doctors, chemists, dentists and other healthcare professionals. This means that
a couple residing in an assisted living residence can easily maintain their
health (either together or individually), something which becomes increasingly
difficult as you grow older.
Another
advantage of an assisted living residence is that meals are prepared for you.
No longer will you need to traipse to the store to pick out the ingredients for
the evening meal. Menus today are often nutritious as well as delicious,
something you might not expect from a care home. This all but guarantees that
your dietary needs will be met, whatever they are.
The
social benefits for you as a couple
Many
senior homes offer an independence that is akin to that of those living in
their own home. For couples this means that as well as enjoying a safer and
healthier environment, an assisted living residence also allows for an exciting
and varied social life.
Together
you can visit the local region or take trips with others staying at the
assisted living residence facility. You can visit the local shopping center or
take a walk in a beautiful green park. Alternatively you can share the privacy
of your room to talk, reminisce, play games or even host your family members.
While
you may enter an assisted living residence as a couple this does not mean you
have to do everything together. Many of your fellow residents will be happy
with a spot of company while you can also enjoy all of the above by yourself.
For example, you can take a solo, or escorted if you prefer, trip to the mall.
While
deciding whether to move to a care home, as well as which one, is a strenuous enough
task for you and your family, the knowledge that you as a couple can relocate
to an assisted living residence at least alleviates one of the strains that you
will face along the way.
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