Blog

Have you visited a senior living community lately? If not, you may find yourself surprised at how far they have come.

Many people have an outdated view of senior living and what they offer. If you’re imagining a place where little happens during the day for residents except growing older, you might want to take a fresh look at senior living communities.

A glance back at senior care

In the 1940s, nursing homes began focusing on offering medical care and were built in conjunction with hospitals. Which explains why most nursing homes had a layout very similar to a hospital setting. The homelike atmosphere was missing and they appeared more similar to a facility or institution.

Quality of life was not necessarily a priority or helping the individual remain independent. A person might share a room with three or more people and have little space for personal belongings.

Today’s senior living communities, which include the options of independent living, assisted living and memory care, reflect a definite shift — in focusing not only on a place to sleep and eat but to live — and age well.

How senior living communities have transformed

The following is an overview of some of the changes, which reflect what today’s seniors are looking for when considering their options:

1. Support to remain independent

Older adults are living longer and are not interested in giving up their independence or the lifestyle they desire. Today’s senior living communities recognize this and support their residents to make decisions including how they will spend their days, when and what to eat and what activities they may choose to be involved in.

2. Private and accessible residences

You’ll typically find private residences in senior living communities as they are designed to provide a genuine home that residents can personalize to make their own. If your existing residence would require renovations to make it age-friendly, remember a senior living community is already equipped to meet all of your needs.

3. Assistance when needed

It’s not uncommon to need a helping hand as we grow older and you’ll find the assistance you need in a senior living community. Daily tasks such as bathing safely, dressing or managing your medications can be accommodated without you having to rely on your children or friends.

4. Activities that appeal to personal preferences

Remaining active is key to aging and living well but it’s important that you have opportunities to engage in activities that are appealing, stimulating or just plain fun. You’ll discover a monthly calendar of events to choose from so you know there will be something of interest.

5. Access to physical and cognitive fitness

Remaining in shape, both in body and mind, is a priority for aging well but it can become more difficult to go to the gym or attend different events as we grow older. A senior living community provides fitness centers or classes that will help you remain strong, flexible and cognitively sharp.

6. Opportunities to make friends and remain socially active

Another change when we grow older is we may not have access to as many friends or family as we once did – or the opportunity to meet new people. Today’s senior living communities make it easy to meet your neighbors and other residents and enjoy each other’s company with social events, amenities and in the common areas.

7. Healthy but delicious dining options

Eating well is another key to meeting your wellness goals but it’s understandable that as you grow older, it can become more of a challenge to plan, shop and prepare healthy meals. What a pleasure it is to let someone else take care of everything so you can just sit back and enjoy delicious dining.

8. Transportation options

If you are no longer driving, you may find yourself feeling left out of opportunities to get together with others or attend activities you always enjoyed. Senior living communities provide scheduled transportation so you can make your medical appointments, enjoy entertainment or shop with friends.

9. Enhanced security and safety

As we grow older, we often become more concerned about our safety and security. We may feel more vulnerable and worry about becoming injured or ill and being alone. One of the most reassuring benefits of senior living is knowing that along with the added safety features in the community and your home, there is always someone there if help is needed.

Discover life at a Northbridge community

If you’re considering senior living for yourself or a family member, we hope you’ll visit one of our communities. You’ll find a maintenance-free, activity-filled and engaging lifestyle to help support your wellness goals.

You’ll also discover many benefits in a Northbridge Senior Living community, including our Signature Program S.T.A.R. Club (Sharp Thinking, Active Residents) – which offers our residents several activities to participate in with others, including:

• Daily exercise group
• Walking club
• Tai Chi & Yoga
• Nutritional classes
• Library and book club
• Museum outings
• Artists in residence program
• Multi-generational music
• Genealogy Generations

We’re here to answer any of your questions and invite you to download our complimentary Family Decision Toolkit. Please contact us if we can provide further information or if you would like to schedule a personalized tour.