Couples in senior living

Many people think of senior living as a place for individuals to go when they can no longer care for themselves. In reality, plenty of couples move to senior living together and seek the many benefits provided by the care and services offered there. Navigating senior couples in communities can be a little different, so you may not be familiar with the options available to cater to each individual. Read on to learn about couples in senior living communities.

Different living accommodations

Couples can remain together while in senior living communities, even if they have different needs. One member of the couple may want to move into a senior community because he or she’d like the proximity to other seniors and to take advantage of meals and transportation services. The other member of the couple may have dementia and require assistance with addressing basic needs like hygiene and getting dressed. The couple can stay together, potentially even living in the same apartment, while taking advantage of the programs and services available to each individual. Both will benefit from the many safety features and amenities offered without the stress of maintaining their own home.

Senior living communities typically offer several apartment options, from studios and one-bedrooms to two-bedrooms or full condos. Couples have the power to choose what size home and amount of care and services they need so they can be comfortable together.

Often times when a couple decides to move to a senior living community it is because one of the individuals could use more help. His or her partner may have been the sole caregiver and could benefit from professional assistance of nurses, physical therapists and even access to dining options. It’s important to note that the senior who was the caregiver won’t have to stop helping his or her partner. Instead, the person will have extra help making sure his or her loved one is safe, happy and comfortable in the new environment.

Evolving needs

As people age, their health care needs change. One member of a couple mentioned above  may experience an increase in the severity of his dementia, which would require more around-the-clock care and assistance. He may move to memory care at the request of his family to help reduce wandering tendencies but end up very thankful for all the other helpful aspects of the senior community. The other member of the couple,  who originally moved to independent living, may have a fall and require post-surgical care, skilled nursing and medication assistance. Senior living communities are able to evolve with resident needs, providing increasing and decreasing care and services as necessary. Knowing that your senior loved ones are able to be a part of a community that promotes safety, health and well-being can provide peace of mind for both you and the seniors.