Seniors now have more choices
This private family owned and operated retirement home is more than a retirement home...it is home. When we think of our need for a retirement home most think of large buildings with 50 to 200 occupants but now seniors have more options. With host families like at Mary Lake Retirement Residence in Port Sydney, Ontario, seniors can also live in a home, much like their
own home. The hosts take care of the daily chores of driving, cooking, cleaning, snow removal, winter driving, etc. and the seniors can take in the safety and psychological benefits of living with a family. An article put out by MoneySense in June 25, 2015 states that, “Housing is the greatest monthly expense Canadian retirees are facing. On average Canadians are spending $2,400 month or $28,800 a year as revealed by the BMO wealth Management Study.”
More than half of those surveyed, or 55%, admitted to having spent around $10,000 or more at time of their retirement. 41% using their funds on a new vehicle, 22% on house renovations, 11% giving to family. Instead of worrying about new vehicles, renovation’s, winter driving and house expenses, living in a home with a host family eliminates these stresses and gives much peace of mind for the retiree as well as their families. In a blog on “A Place for Mom” website the article on “The Dangers of More Senior’s Living Alone” states, nearly 90% of people over the age of 65 want to stay at home for as long as possible – but research shows that a staggering number of seniors who should be receiving assisted living care are still living at home – in many cases – alone.”
When Living Alone is Unsafe
If we want our loved ones to remain safe and healthy, it’s important to make sure their environment is appropriate for their physical needs—particularly if they’re showing early signs of cognitive impairment. If you notice that your loved one needs help with daily activities such as eating, bathing and dressing, they may have decreased cognitive functioning associated with early or middle stage dementia. Even in their own home, the combination of poor eyesight and minor safety hazards can put seniors at risk for falls, broken hips and even death. Keeping track of physical symptoms, mental health, and senior nutrition is of critical importance. Warning signs that living alone is no longer safe for an older adult include:
• Medication management issues
• Poor eyesight
• Social isolation
• Forgetting appointments
• Unable to keep up with daily chores and housekeeping
• Poor nutrition or malnutrition
• Home safety hazards such as poor lighting and loose carpeting
• Unable to pay bills on time
“To some of us, the answer may seem obvious, (make the move to assisted living), however, there is a new option, living with a host family in a home where they will benefit from a home atmosphere, lack of loneliness, daily assistance and peace of mind abounds. Plus the number of individuals with Alzheimer or dementia are, quite lonely, stating: of the 60-70% of senior’s with dementia 25% live alone, reports the Alzheimer’s Association.
“Both social isolation and loneliness appeared initially to be associated with a greater risk of dying,” “But it was really the isolation which was most detrimental.” states Andrew Steptoe, a professor of psychology at University College in London who conducted a study on social isolation. At Mary Lake Retirement Residence, let’s just say “we do life… together”
We’ve all heard the saying; “Home Sweet Home” and “Home is where the heart is” well if you’re thinking of retiring soon (eliminating the stresses of daily chores) or you know someone who may need a bit more assistance with activities of daily living, well, now they have another option. Why not live in a home, with a host family. Mary Lake retirement Residence is just that…a private home where the hosts Chuck and Josee take care of the daily chores from cooking, cleaning, laundry, snow removal, cutting the lawn, etc. Let’s put fun, relaxing and peace of mind in the next chapter of your life!
