Rod Anderson-Executive Director, Bridges Senior Lifestyle Living
Most seniors who have moved to Independent Living Communities or Assisted Living report that they prefer life at their new home to life alone. Senior Living Communities of today are not the dark, depressing homes of the past. They no longer have that institutional feel but rather remind you of home or even a 5-star hotel. Here are eight reasons why more and more seniors are making the move:
- Goodbye Boredom
Between on-site activities and entertainment, to trips to local landmarks, restaurants and museums there is something for everyone. Games, movies, socials, performers and classes offer residents the opportunity to do as much or as little as they like making the boring old days sitting home alone a distant memory.
- Don’t Miss the Yard Work and Home Maintenance
Keeping up a home is hard work, especially for those of us who have developed physical ailments over the years. Mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, pulling weeds, climbing a ladder, vacuuming, all these become things of the past. There are plenty of other fun things to fill your time and keep you active (see #1).
- I Love the Food
When you live at home alone there is a tendency to not eat very well. Cooking for one can seem like a chore, some people just don’t bother and their health suffers for it. At Bridges Senior Living, Members don’t have to worry about meal preparation or even brewing a pot of coffee for that matter. We offer True Restaurant Dining with an extensive menu to choose from served at times that fit into your schedule. It’s common for new Member’s health to improve in the weeks after moving to a community just from getting better nutrition.
- Better Relationships with Family Members
Older folks frequently become dependent on their grown children, or other close family members, for help of all kinds. Role reversals and “parenting the parent” can put a strain on relationships and foster resentment among both parents and sons and daughters. Moving to Bridges Senior Living liberates family members from the roles of caregiver, housekeeper or repair man and lets you spend quality, meaningful time with your loved ones. You can return to your role as parent and let the kids be just your kids again bringing back family harmony.
- The End of Stressful Driving
Driving can be a tense and stressful chore as we age, if not for you, maybe your passengers. As we get older our driving abilities, reflexes, eyesight aren’t quite what they used to be. For these reasons, most Members prefer to take advantage of the free, unlimited transportation that’s provided by Bridges Senior Living. There’s no need to stress over finding a new doctors office or the expense of maintaining a vehicle anymore, although parking and valet service are available for Members who still choose to drive.
- You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
For seniors living at home alone there is often a lack of stimulation that can lead to anxiety and depression. At Bridges Senior Living there are opportunities to learn, try something new or be reminded of something you used to love to do. Classes, seminars, speakers or maybe even your neighbor down the hall teaching you a new stitch or a new card game can get the brain moving again.
- Making New Friends
Living at home alone can lead to isolation, which is unhealthy at any age. At Bridges Senior Living you can make friends, share a meal together and enjoy festive occasions with one another. While social opportunities abound in this setting if you are more of an introvert who likes to just curl up at home with a good book your privacy will be respected also. Of Course, it is always nice to have other folks around when you want some company.
- I Finally Feel Safe
In a home alone all those things that go bump in the night can leave you feeling uneasy but at Bridges Senior Living your neighbors are close at hand, the building is locked to the outside world and we even employ security guards for added safety. Furthermore, Members enjoy the peace of mind that comes from the emergency response system Bridges provide. This alleviates fears about falling and becoming trapped for hours or even days, a scenario that’s all too common for seniors residing alone.
Certainly, there are seniors who live alone and are just fine, but without a doubt there are a vast number of seniors living alone in unsafe or unhealthy situations who would benefit immensely from life at Bridges Senior Living. Come Take a tour and see for yourself all the amenities that we have to offer, you won’t regret it.