What separates a good assisted living home from an average one? This is a question many Americans are starting to ask. Due to fluctuating demographics, a significant portion of the United States’ population is aging and the need for proper retirement centers is growing as a result. However, many common misconceptions about assisted living still abound in mainstream media and can lead to frustration or confusion when picking the right one for a family member. Continue reading to learn a little more about senior living and why it’s one of the best options for those who are elderly, disabled or injured.
When Do People Retire?
More and more Americans are retiring. The average age of retirement is around 63 years old and ongoing surveys estimate more than 15% of the American population will be over the age of 60 over the next few decades. According to Age Wave, most people vastly underestimate the likelihood they will need long-term care. While around 47% of people at the age of 50 believe they’ll need long-term care, the reality is that 70% will require the assistance of a retirement community.
Why Do People Seek Out Assisted Living?
There are many different reasons people will seek out the assistance of a retirement home. More than three-fourths of assisted living residents have had at least two out of the 10 most commonly occurring chronic conditions — high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease and various stages of dementia are the most prevalent. A study by Genworth Financial found more than half of all respondents at 55% reported that their greatest fear regarding necessary long-term care was being a burden on their family. This was concluded to be five times higher than concern about dying.
Why Do People Look For In Assisted Living?
Whether it’s retirement centers in Florida or California, there are commonalities between all the people that read up on the benefits of assisted living. Assisted living facilities are designed from the ground up to provide its residents with medical assistance and resources to live a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle. Almost four in 10 assisted living residents received some form of assistance with three or more activities of daily living, with bathing and dressing the most common.
How Satisfied Are People With Assisted Living?
Assisted living is widely considered dependable, satisfactory and extremely helpful for multiple populations. Ongoing studies are regularly conducted to analyze the long-term satisfaction of assisted living residents. A recent survey found 81% of retirees citing good health as the most important ingredient for a happy retirement, with 48% of respondents to a MONEY survey reported being happier in retirement than initially expected.
Where Should I Start Searching?
The ideal retirement community should be one that covers all the necessary basics, from reliable transportation to consistent treatment of chronic illnesses. There are over one million Americans currently living in some form of senior living, with this number expected to rise exponentially by the time 2030 arrives. According to information shared by Holleran Consulting LLC in a 2013 conference — involving nearly 58,000 respondents across 36 different states — over 89% of independent living residents rate their overall satisfaction as either good or excellent. Over 85% would also recommend their community to someone else. From Port Charlotte retirement communities to independent assisted living, there’s an option available for everyone.
