A healthcare facility is any building or location that provides healthcare services. These include hospitals, clinics, and other specialized care centers.
Look for retirement communities that offer a range of onsite healthcare options. Clinics that provide a variety of treatment specialties are also important. Residents can get the healthcare they require without departing their community.
Health and Wellness
Whether you are looking for an active senior community or a retirement living option offering healthcare, many options are available in North Carolina. Some communities, such as age-restricted or 55+ communities, do not have a healthcare component. In contrast, others, such as Life Plan Communities (Continuing Care Retirement Communities), offer independent housing, personal care services, and short-term rehabilitation on one campus.
Wellness programming in retirement communities like Grace Ridge, North Carolina is a great way to give seniors purposeful activities to help them live healthier and happier lives. This includes offering fitness programs that make working up a sweat fun and interesting, like yoga, tai chi, or group classes, and spiritual wellness programs such as meditation gatherings, prayer groups, and worship services.
To encourage residents to participate in daily activities, some communities even incentivize exercise participation by offering prizes and competitions for those who regularly attend. In addition, some of North Carolina’s senior communities have a wide range of classes tailored to different abilities so that residents can progress from beginner to advanced levels.
Safety and Security
As you assess retirement options, safety is a key factor to consider. Look for a well-lit community with an alarm system to thwart unwanted guests or vandalism. Having a security-related alert system is also helpful to help with medical emergencies, fires, and other situations.
Ask about security measures such as a visitor management/access control system and resident, family, and staff member education to reduce thefts of property or money. Look for steps that are taken to minimize elopement and wandering, too.
Many retirement communities offer onsite amenities such as a fitness center, games room, library, and coffee shop to encourage socialization and physical wellness. Check for various transportation options that allow residents to visit friends, attend activities, and keep up with medical appointments.
Transportation
Reliable transportation services promote independence and a sense of self-reliance for older adults. They also help reduce isolation by reducing reliance on family members for rides to visit friends or shop.
Whether you choose an independent living or assisted living retirement community, a quality transportation service will likely be available. These services can get you to places like grocery stores, religious services, or sightseeing tours. They may also take you to cultural events or local restaurants!
Ridesharing services such as Lyft and Uber provide curb-to-curb transportation for a fee that varies by area. In addition, private companies such as in America offer non-emergency medical transportation often covered by insurance or health facilities. Ask your local senior center or community resource on aging about these services. AARP also provides tools and information on low-cost transportation options.
Socialization in Healthcare
Loneliness is a significant problem in retirement communities and has been linked to health complications, including higher rates of high blood pressure, heart disease, infections, depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Fortunately, retirement living provides numerous opportunities to socialize daily through recreational activities, themed social events, and discussion groups.
Residents can connect with their neighbors through interest-based social clubs and spiritual opportunities such as bible studies or guided meditation. Adding new and fulfilling hobbies to their life can ease stress, which helps prevent various physical and mental health issues. In addition, many retirement communities provide round-the-clock certified nursing assistants who assist with medical needs as needed. This can include bathing and dressing, medication reminders, and around-the-clock monitoring for falls or other accidents that can occur while seniors live alone.