Senior adults and their loved ones can sometimes struggle with the decision of when to move into an assisted living community. Choosing to leave home and enter a new chapter of life is always going to be difficult, but sometimes it is for the best. Knowing when this is the best choice depends on a number of factors. Learning more about the average age for assisted living communities can help you make an informed choice about a senior adult’s care.
If you or a loved one has been considering assisted living for seniors, you can turn to Buckner Retirement Services. The professionals in our assisted living communities aim to make the transition as smooth and easy as possible. We tailor our programs to help ensure seniors have all the support they need daily. Contact the Buckner Retirement Services team at 214.227.7182 to find out more about moving into assisted living.
What Is the Average Age for Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities provide a safe environment where seniors can receive assistance with their daily needs while still maintaining a sense of independence. While almost any senior can enter assisted living, the age when people go into assisted living communities varies greatly depending on individual health and lifestyle needs. The average age for assisted living is between 65 and 85 years old. This is due to the fact that many seniors need help with daily activities. As people age, their physical abilities often diminish, making it difficult to remain independent at home.
Some enter assisted living sooner than average due to medical conditions or other lifestyle considerations. For example, if an individual has Alzheimer’s or dementia, they may require 24-hour care and supervision that is not feasible in a private home setting. In this case, an assisted living community would be the best option as they provide specialized services tailored to these needs.
On the other hand, there are those who may delay entering assisted living until later in life, whether due to a reluctance to leave their own home or because they are still able to manage their own day-to-day activities without additional assistance. In this case, individuals may wait until their late 70s or early 80s before deciding that moving into an assisted living community is their best option for long-term care.
Reasons to Go into Assisted Living
A good rule of thumb is that it isn’t a person’s age that matters, but their situation. Age is a factor, but should not be what determines whether they choose to enter an assisted living community. Thinking of it only in terms of whether or not it’s too early could prevent a senior adult in need from getting the proper care. There is no doubt that entering an assisted living community can provide numerous improvements to a senior adult’s quality of life.
Safety and Security
One of the primary reasons why people choose assisted living communities is for increased safety and security. These facilities are designed with safety in mind, providing secure entry points as well as 24-hour staff who are trained to respond quickly in case of emergency. This can provide peace of mind for both residents and their families alike.
Socialization Opportunities
Assisted living communities also provide seniors with the opportunity to socialize more often than they may have been able to alone at home. The close proximity between residents encourages them to interact with each other regularly, which can help foster meaningful relationships. Additionally, many assisted living communities offer activities specifically geared towards seniors, such as art classes or group outings which further enhance these social opportunities.
Improved Access to Medical Care
Assisted living communities typically have on-site medical professionals available for immediate care should any health issues arise. This may also include treatment and management of chronic medical conditions that affect a senior adult’s mobility. This improved access to essential care can reduce stress levels significantly while also helping seniors maintain their overall health.
Services and Amenities
Moving into an assisted living community has its share of perks when it comes to services and amenities. Most facilities will offer housekeeping services so that residents don’t need to worry about cleaning the house themselves. Meals may also be provided daily so that nutrition doesn’t become a concern. Depending on the community, other amenities offered can include:
- Recreational programs
- Educational programs
- Nutritional counseling
- Spa
- Library
- Group outings
- Arts and crafts classes
See the Benefits of Assisted Living with Buckner Retirement Services
Transitioning into senior assisted living doesn’t have to be stressful. At Buckner Retirement Services, we provide a variety of senior living options for older adults of varying health and cognitive levels. Our team members are committed to ensuring that you or your loved one can live a happy, fulfilling life in retirement. Contact us at 214.227.7182 to learn more about the luxurious amenities and comprehensive services of a Buckner community.