If you’re an older adult who has been leaning on loved ones or professionals for help, you may have considered — and dismissed — senior living because you value autonomy. Fortunately, independence and support go hand in hand in the right environment.
Senior Living communities provide what older adults may no longer want to worry about. For example, Santa Barbara community Wood Glen Senior Living offers meals, indoor and outdoor maintenance, medical appointment transportation, and social opportunities.
“This gives residents the absolute freedom to spend their time and energy enjoying life and focusing on things that are more meaningful and important to them,” Sales and Marketing Manager Holly Walling said.
While aging in place may feel like the right choice, moving proactively could prevent the need to move suddenly following an illness or injury.
An urgent move while recuperating is very stressful and options become limited, as many communities have waitlists or may not be able to provide the high level of care needed at that juncture.
Health Care is Easier
Senior living communities such as Wood Glen support physical and mental health with exercise programs, educational classes, spiritual gatherings, games, live entertainment, and much more.
If assistance with self-care or medications is needed at any point, these services are easy for residents to sign up for. Communities also address health concerns as they arise, including a major one: falls.
“While falls can happen in any setting, community living designed for seniors can help reduce the risk. For seniors living alone at home, daily tasks often become precarious – carrying groceries up the stairs, managing the landscaping, climbing a stepladder to reach the top shelf, or traversing a steep driveway,” Walling said. “In a community, these types of concerns are virtually eliminated.”
In addition, when residents have health concerns arise, Wood Glen staff are there to help and are available on-site 24/7 to respond to emergencies. Staff also regularly check on residents to ensure they’re safe — and happy.
“I have worked at Wood Glen for 14 years, and it’s a fabulous place for staff to work and residents to live,” Walling said.
Family Relationships Benefit
Family relationships are often an essential part of aging joyfully, but they may sour when adult children become caretakers to parents maintaining the notion of independence.
“This puts extreme strain on family relationships, ranging from mere tension to downright ugly,” Walling said.
Adult children may also have young children of their own or may be dealing with issues that come with their own aging, which can lead to burnout.
“When a senior moves to a community, it allows the community to take on their everyday tasks (and care needs if applicable) in lieu of the family, which often greatly improves and restores the familial relationship between senior parent and adult child,” Walling said.
Social Lives Get Better — But Privacy is Paramount
Perhaps you’re hesitant to move from a home and neighborhood you know. The good news is that your community and social opportunities will actually grow!
“Access to social life and activities increases dramatically when one moves to a community, especially if the individual is no longer driving or is only driving with limitations,” Walling said.
Wood Glen, for example, offers a wide selection of on-site events, in addition to transportation to optional off-site events such as theater programs, shopping, and lunch outings.
“Our residents have the best of both privacy and community. Each individual has a private, peaceful apartment where they may pursue their personal interests – reading, email, hobbies, calling friends, watching sports or movies; however, they also have a full menu of classes and events available right at their fingertips,” Walling said. “Residents also take advantage of our community’s extensive gardens for walking and enjoying the wonderful Santa Barbara weather.”
For more information about Wood Glen Senior Living or to schedule a tour, visit woodglensb.org.
