The Advantages of Living in a Residence

Choosing to move from your home to a private residence for seniors is not always an easy thing to do. Fear of change and fear of the unknown are understandable reasons for being reticent about making this important transition. It is nevertheless rare to find someone who regrets having moved into a residence. The following list provides a few examples of how life in a residence can be advantageous.

1. Security

Senior’s residences are usually equipped with a number of security measures so that residents can live a worry-free lifestyle. There are often security cameras and security staff that provide 24hour surveillance. Gaining access to the complex and the indoor parking lot is sometimes prohibited without an electronic key card.

There are security procedures that are put in place inside the residence as well. There are in fact certified residences that are equipped with emergency call devices (generally installed in the bathroom and the bedroom) that allow you to call for help if needed.

For fire prevention and protection, senior’s residences must follow strict rules: heat and smoke detectors as well as sprinkler systems greatly diminish the risk of fire or the damage that they can cause.

For those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, the risk of wandering is often associated with this illness. Choosing an environment that is equipped with coded door systems, or a special care unit reduces the risk of wandering.
When you live in a residence, you benefit from more enhanced security than at home.

2. Socializing
After the need for security, comes the need to socialize. Retirement homes give you the chance to bond with other residents and staff. The common areas (dining room, common rooms, library, etc.) encourage social interaction and at the same time, reduce the isolation sometimes experienced when ageing. Interacting with others will significantly reduce the feeling of loneliness that we can feel from time to time.
Scheduled activities also provide an opportunity to stay active and to meet interesting people: there is no age limit for making new friends! You could become close friends with other residents or maybe find your one true love, a second time around. A senior’s residence is a kind of community where people that are the same age, with similar interests, live together.
In a senior’s residence, you don’t have to leave the house to meet new people; they’re just outside your door.

3. Privacy
If you’re more of a homebody, an apartment or a studio will give you some “you time”. Some elderly people are hesitant to live in a residence for fear of having to adapt their lifestyles (bedtimes, meals, etc.). Apartment for retirees offer the independence that you are looking for in terms of mealtimes and bedtimes. You can also personalize your space so that you feel more at home: bring your own furniture and decorations.

4. Services
Some retirement home groups offer a large number of services all under one roof. These services make it easy to unburden yourself with daily chores like cleaning, laundry, making meals, etc. All you have to do is make the most of your day and take some time for yourself. Some larger complexes even offer certain commodities in the same residence: convenience store, hairdresser, pharmacy, post office, etc. For those with a loss of autonomy, nurses are on site to administer blood tests, check your blood pressure, etc.). Management and distribution of your medication can also help to preserve your autonomy. There are also residences (adaptive) that allow you to live in the same place, at any stage of personal autonomy.

5. Activities
When you’re in a residence, you don’t have think about what to do with your time. A leisure specialist organizes activities that are stimulating, fun and that encourage interaction. Many residences offer a wide range of activities inside and outside of the residence. These activities will keep you in shape both physically and mentally. Theme nights, seasonal activities, playing pool, aqua fitness, arts and crafts, pétanque, dancing and singing are only a few of the activities that are available to you in a residence. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover you have a passion you didn’t know about!

Our housing counsellors can help you during this process by explaining the benefits of living in a residence. Thanks to our housing consulting services, making the transition from your home to a residence can be stress-free and easy.

Read also :

• Living in a Residence as a Retiree
  
• An Overview of the Most Popular Services Offered in Private Residences