Depression rates tend to increase with age, and seniors are more likely to develop mental health issues than their younger counterparts. Loneliness and isolation are core contributors to this, but poorly maintained surrounding environments can also lead to depression and anxiety.
That's why amenities are extremely essential when selecting a senior living community for your elderly parents or other aging loved ones. Read on to learn some specific reasons to prioritize essential amenities in senior care.
The phrase "nursing home" often inspires fears of loud surroundings and dirty environments. This is true for many assisted living centers. However, when you choose a good senior living community in San Ramon, you won't need to think twice about these faraway problems.
You and your loved one can choose to live in several different types of rooms. Studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments offer seniors ample living space and privacy. The comfortable surroundings are clean, and housekeeping services are provided.
These apartments come with comfortable beds and other furniture. Carpeted floors and aesthetically pleasing artwork contribute to inviting and welcoming warm color schemes. A kitchenette, TV-equipped living room, and well-cleaned bathroom make living simple.
These amenities ensure that seniors feel at home even when they aren't aging in place at their prior home. Though senior living communities specialize in care plans and assistance with daily tasks, surroundings are just as important to comfort and security.
Your aging loved one won't remain in their apartment all day. To do so would be unhealthy and isolating. Unfortunately, if a community isn't well kept up or comfortable, residents are more likely to hide away in their rooms.
That's why good amenities and surroundings are important in all areas of a senior living community. Well-lit dining and entertainment rooms are essential. Library spaces and game rooms should be furnished, and fitness centers should be clean and orderly.
It's also important that seniors have an outdoor seating area to relax in on nice days. Sunlight boosts vitamin D and serotonin, which can stave off low moods and depression.
Entertainment relieves psychological stress and inspires creative thought. Whether your elderly loved one enjoys historical dramas on TV or spy thriller novels, it's important to make sure they have access to the stories they love.
That's why entertainment-related amenities are so important.
A top-tier senior living community will offer WiFi. This lets residents connect to the internet, use social media, and browse blogs and websites. It also makes it easy to stream shows, movies, and music regardless of where they live.
However, access to entertainment shouldn't stop there. California living communities should offer cable TV in every room. This gives seniors constant access to entertainment whenever they want it.
Most importantly, living communities like The Watermark go the extra mile with an on-premises library. Residents can go to the library whenever they wish and check out books in a wide range of genres. This keeps them reading well into their senior years.
Assisted living communities have many benefits, but one of the most important amenity options is a thriving social calendar.
Seniors need structured and organized space for group interactions and activities. Social events like holiday dinners, casual ice cream socials, board game nights, bingo days, book club meetings, and senior investment clubs make interacting with others easy.
Common areas are also important because seniors can choose to sit outside together or watch shows in communal spaces. This gives everyone the chance to interact with people on a day-to-day basis, even after mealtimes end.
Amenities like libraries, puzzle rooms, crafts, and game nights engage seniors in creative activities. They need to remain sharp to understand literature, and creative thought and problem-solving are essential when interacting with others or putting jigsaw puzzles together.
Since many elderly people struggle with cognition and memory, amenities like these can keep their minds in shape. This will make it easier for them to think critically, express their thoughts, retain long-term relationships with family and friends, and remember to complete daily tasks.
Fitness centers, dance and yoga classes, and stretching groups are great amenities to get your aging loved one's physical strength up. Group exercise is also highly motivating.
Low mobility is the single most common disability among people over 65. When people don't get enough movement and exercise, their flexibility and fitness naturally suffer. This makes it harder for them to move, which then has a cascading effect.
Ensure your chosen community emphasizes building and retaining muscle with fitness-related amenities and activities. This will keep your loved one moving for a longer time so they can perform as many daily activities as possible independently.
Most seniors stop driving eventually because it's no longer safe. This can be isolating when they cannot leave their homes. One important senior living amenity is access to reliable transportation to and from various places.
Public transportation could be a disaster if someone with low mobility or a bad memory wants to get to a park or store. Assisted living communities provide their own buses, cars, and shuttles to city centers and parks.
Transportation is also available for seniors to get to appointments. While no haircut appointments will be needed - we have our own salon and barbers - residents still need to get to doctor's appointments and other beauty appointments.
It's easy to do this and remain healthy and happy when reliable transit is available from point A to point B!
Now that you know why amenities are one of the most important factors in senior living choices, it's time to begin learning about how to help aging loved ones remain happy and passionate in their golden years. The Watermark at San Ramon offers a wide range of amenities like comfortable rooms, housekeeping, and social clubs.
Our team strives to provide individually tailored care plans and opportunities for every resident. Contact us to learn more about what we have to offer!