Deciding to move a loved one to an assisted or senior living community is a big decision. While some people may assume these living communities are a negative or cold environment for elders, the reality is that these communities are full of life, love, and community. One demographic that flourishes in these types of elder living communities is veterans.
A Social Community of Peers
A huge benefit of living in California assisted living is a strong sense of community with those who live there. These communities are typically full of people who love making friends, hanging out, enjoying activities together, and more. In addition, there are often many veterans living in these communities who will form strong friendships with one another and bond over their military experiences.
While a person may assume that they will be lonely in this type of living community, luckily, most people are not. A person can expect to have many visitors when they move in, as residents are usually excited to meet the new person and gain a new friend. Don’t be surprised if the loved one moving in complains about the community being too social and welcoming. As time goes on, the excitement of being the new resident will wear down, and the resident will have gained a new group of residents to visit with and enjoy community activities with.
Activities for Everyone
There is never a dull day in this type of residential setting. Each home, center, or community will have an activities director who will schedule an assortment of fun and safe activities for residents so that no one feels like they live in isolation. Activities for residents may include:
- Shopping trips
- Museum trips
- Casino visits
- Bingo
- Boardgame times
- Community dances
- Fitness activities
- Worship services
- Movie nights
- Meditation
- Book club
- Music club
- Craft time
- Veterans celebrations
- Cooking events
- Gardening
- Memory activities
Assistance with Daily Living Activities
A significant benefit for families who have their loved one living in an elder, retirement, or veteran community is that they can rest easy knowing their loved one is being cared for. Assistance with daily living activities is always included. Upon intake, the community will go through a list of items and determine the resident’s services. Staff can help residents with showers, grooming, dressing, hair, teeth, chores, laundry, medication management, getting medical care, and more.
For the Elder with Dementia or Memory Issues
If the elder has dementia or memory issues, they are not alone. Many residents of these communities have Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s, Frontotemporal Dementia, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Vascular Dementia, Huntington’s Disease, mixed dementia, or one of the other many types of dementia. In addition, many California communities offer memory care services for residents and veterans living with dementia diagnoses.
Disabled Veterans are Welcomed
All people are warmly welcomed in assisted and elder living communities, especially veterans and disabled veterans. It’s common for veterans of all ages to live in these communities, not just elderly vets. In addition, any veteran who needs assistance with daily living activities or medical care will be welcomed with open arms in these communities.
Often, injured or disabled veterans will live in these communities while recovering, going through physical therapy, and working to regain their independence. In addition, some veterans use these residential communities as an intern setting after they leave the hospital, as they aren’t physically or mentally ready or able to return to their homes. Having staff available to offer a friendly and supportive hand when needed comes in handy for the disabled veteran.
Families are Invited and Welcome To Visit
These communities are the resident’s home, and the staff understands that the resident wants their families to come for regular visits. While some communities may put restrictions in place to protect residents and staff from specific public health threats, every attempt is still made for residents to have time to visit with their loved ones. Phone calls are always an option, and many communities have set visiting hours for families.
Schedule a Tour
Some places may offer residents a private room, while others may give each resident a roommate. Scheduling a tour is the best way to feel a place out and have the knowledge to decide if the community is the right place for loved ones. While at the community, check out the schedule of activities, the common areas, the food, and ask about the rules and expectations of residents and the visitor guidelines. Some communities serve meals to residents in their private rooms, while others may expect residents to eat together when possible in a cafeteria or dining room.
An excellent way to help the family decide if this living arrangement is suitable for their loved one is to schedule a tour with local communities. Each community will have an impressive list of perks and benefits. Some veterans may prefer one place over another based on the activities, the number of other veterans residing there, the setup of the community, and driving distance from loved ones.
