Does the location of Assisted Living Facility play an important role in decision making?

Today’s changing lifestyles and technology interventions has a profound impact on senior citizens. Consequently, Senior Care is facing a different reality with sophisticated demands on both the healthcare and the accommodation aspects. There are several promising options available due to Preventive Health Maintenance and Healthcare Innovations. This enables senior citizens to have a better quality of life. These options provide the required support systems for fulfilling their daily living and medical needs. Thereby, seniors can lead an independent and more comfortable life with dignity.

Does the location of Assisted Living Facility play an important role in decision making?

Of late, Assisted Living (AL) is growing increasingly popular as a Senior Care option in the context of both housing and daily living requirements. Location of AL significantly impacts following aspects –

• Proximity to medical facilities – Elderly citizens are likely to face health issues due to their growing age. This may call for emergency healthcare services and crisis management. Proximity and accessibility of adequately equipped medical facilities are crucial for ensuring timely treatment. It is particularly relevant for treating existing chronic ailments in seniors. Additionally, proximity matters for encountering catastrophic events for preventing permanent body impairments (as in the event of a stroke) and in executing life-saving measures (like heart-attacks).

• Cost of living – The amount of expenses charged by the AL facility varies from one location to another. Usually, prime locations with high property values or rentals and AL facilities with sophisticated equipment and services are costlier than their counterparts located in other areas. Hence the cost of living has a direct impact on both the AL residents and their family in terms of affordability and providing mental satisfaction of meeting care demands.
• Closeness to Family Members - Seniors are likely to face a feeling of loneliness and homesickness when they are away. Hence the AL location should be chosen such that family members and friends can visit and interact with them personally and frequently. This inculcates a homely atmosphere within the facility.

• Amenities in the surrounding vicinity –The amenities in the neighbourhood should be considered matching the personal preferences, cultural   and emotional needs of seniors. Rather than merely looking for state of the art amenities, it is better to see which of them can actually be utilized practically. Conducive environmental conditions, in-house staff communication capabilities and hygiene standards are also important for maintaining their health properly. Additionally, connectivity issues (through internet and other technological aids) could be dependent on the vicinity making quick accessibility and monitoring difficult.

• Availability of assisted living communities the area - Seniors, as AL facility residents, must have the opportunity to participate in public gatherings and other AL community activities and festivals in the area. This ensures maintenance of adequate socialization and sufficient touch-points within similar age groups. By this, healthier relationships are fostered for better emotional well-being.

Thus, choosing the right AL facility and location delivers the promising potential of Customised Senior Care for their independent, dignified and full-filled living.