How Retirement Homes Differ From Long-Term Care

You may have heard heartbreaking stories of neglect and loneliness in long-term care facilities. Maybe that’s why you are apprehensive of retirement homes as well. But it will take just one visit to our retirement home in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to realize how they differ. Indeed, they are one of the best housing options for seniors.

Here, we explain how retirement homes differ from long-term care and why seniors should be living on their own terms. These spaces offer a hassle-free, safe, and comfortable environment to live in dignity and have fun.

Retirement Residence in Niagara Falls vs. Long-Term Care

Modern retirement homes are a world apart from long-term care. Seniors actively choose River Road’s retirement residence in Niagara Falls while not all long-term care residents choose to live there. Here’s what makes retirement homes different from long-term care.

1. Medical Care & Facilities: Retirement homes offer excellent medical assistance. They have an on-duty doctor present on the premises around the clock. They give personal care and attention to each resident. Also, 24/7 security in retirement homes makes them a safe place to live.

2. Quality of Life: If you are 55 or older and want to lead an independent, high-quality life among like-minded people, our retirement residence in Niagara Falls is the place to be. Every resident gets a spacious suite. Some retirement homes can also customize the suite according to the liking of the residents; including furniture placement such as an extra bookshelf.

3. Leisure and Recreation: Retirement homes fulfill their residents’ recreational needs. That’s why they are equipped with gyms, clubhouses, entertainment halls, libraries, games rooms, guest rooms, and clinics for resident doctors.

4. Food: River Road monitors the diet of its residents and customizes their menus based on their personal preferences and nutritional requirements. They also take good care of hygiene in cooking and serving nutritious food. Long-term care homes generally have fewer resources to provide such a diverse diet.

5. Experience: If you want an enriched and luxurious retirement, retirement homes are the best option. Residents get enhanced emotional, physical, and mental care. There are a variety of facilities (among them exercise and entertainment options) and help is made available to residents to increase their quality of life.

5 Reasons to Choose Retirement Homes

Here are some reasons why people opt for retirement homes.

1. They Provide a Surrogate Family: Sometimes residents’ children work in different cities than their parents; at times even in different countries. Retirement homes not only provide care for these aging parents but also allow them to live in a community that feels like an extended family.

2. They Guarantee Security: Security becomes a more pronounced concern with seniors. Retirement homes are secure environments that protect residents by screening visitors. They also have CCTV to monitor the facility and its grounds.

3. They Provide a Sense of Community: Not everyone understands the struggles of retirement living. It’s easy to miss everyday routines and interactions with friends and colleagues within the same age group. In retirement homes, seniors find like-minded people of similar ages who are going through the same transition. This allows them to blend comfortably and lead an active life socially.

4. Medical Attention Is Always at the Ready: Senior citizens often require constant medical care and attention. They need to be monitored as medical emergencies are not uncommon. Retirement homes provide 24/7 medical help.

5. They Reduce Stress: Daily chores can be a source of stress for seniors. At River Road, staff can assist with routine tasks. That includes bathing, dressing, and taking medications on time to make sure they lead a healthy and hygienic life.

There are many benefits to living in a retirement home. But you need to choose your destination carefully. Consider the facilities they offer, security, food, and costs. Do some research and talk to those who are staying there to get the right idea about that particular retirement home.