The “Golden Age”, a term often used to refer to people aged 75 and over, represents a phase of life rich with countless experiences and wisdom.
However, it is also a period when the need for personal assistance or support in the role of caregiver can arise, making it essential to have increased help to maintain a high quality of life.
In this phase, choosing a residential community can make the difference between a serene life and one full of difficulties.
It is absolutely crucial to make this decision ahead of time, when one still has the clarity and peace of mind necessary to carefully evaluate the available options. Many of our guests’ children, when they come to my facility, often jokingly (or maybe not!) ask me to reserve a spot for them. This suggests that there is a proactive approach to choosing this type of service for their future. I am firmly convinced that we are far beyond the cultural stigma of what used to be called a hospice.
The Importance of Choosing in Advance
Choosing a residential community in advance allows you to have control over your future. It means being able to visit different facilities, compare the services offered, and choose the one that best meets your personal and family needs. This proactive approach avoids hasty decisions in times of emergency, ensuring a smoother and more informed transition.
The Challenge of Aging in Italy
According to Istat estimates (“Future of the population: fewer residents, more elderly, smaller families, 2021 report”), between 2040 and 2060, the elderly will represent 33% of the Italian population.
This significant increase will require a review of the elderly care system, which currently relies heavily on family support.
However, with declining birth rates and an increase in childless households, alternative solutions will be needed to ensure adequate care.
The preface of the document “Housing and Elderly (Fragile)” highlights the growing fragility and loneliness of the elderly. It is expected that those over 80 will increase by 68% by 2050, with a 353% increase for those over 100 years old.
This exponential growth will put enormous pressure on the health and social protection system, which is already lacking resources.
The Benefits of Choosing Your Residential Community
Services Offered by Residential Communities
Modern residential communities offer a wide range of services designed to improve the quality of life of their guests:
- Hotel Services:
- Daily Cleaning: a clean and well-maintained environment is essential for well-being. Residential communities offer daily cleaning services to ensure that rooms and common areas are always in optimal condition.
- Laundry Service: these facilities often include organized laundry services for managing personal clothing.
- Catering: Meals are prepared in-house and can be customized based on dietary needs and personal preferences. A balanced diet is essential for the health and well-being of the elderly.
- Social Care Services:
- Healthcare: scheduled presence of qualified medical and nursing staff to monitor guests’ health and manage therapies. Residential communities often collaborate with external specialists to ensure comprehensive and personalized care.
- Socio-assistential Care: 24-hour presence of personnel dedicated to personal care such as Social Care Operators, Social Health Operators, or similar figures.
- Support with Daily Activities: assistance with personal hygiene, mobility, and other daily activities. This support is crucial for the elderly with physical or cognitive limitations.
- Recreational Activities:
- Social Activities: organization of social events such as parties, group dinners, and outings to promote socialization and prevent isolation.
- Cultural and Recreational Programs: offering activities such as art, music, dance, and theater classes, group readings, and discussions about books and films. These activities stimulate the mind and keep interest in the surrounding world alive.
- Physical Activities: exercise programs adapted to the elderly’s capabilities, such as gentle gymnastics, yoga, and walks, to keep the body active and healthy.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Residential Community
When choosing a residential community, it’s important to evaluate several factors to ensure it meets your needs, such as:
- Quality of Staff:
- Training and Skills: Ensure the professionalism of the owner and the manager. The best choice is facilities managed by specialized healthcare personnel such as nurses (I will write an article on this topic) or social care workers.
- Empathy and Professionalism: Staff should demonstrate empathy, patience, and professionalism, creating a welcoming and respectful environment.
- Facilities and Services:
- Condition of Facilities: Rooms, common areas, and equipment should be well-maintained, accessible, and safe.
- Services Offered: Verify that the facility offers a comprehensive range of services, from healthcare to recreational activities.
- Activities and Programs:
- Variety and Quality: Activities should be varied and well-organized, with options that stimulate both the mind and body.
- Active Participation: The facility should encourage active participation from guests, respecting their interests and abilities.
- Cost and Transparency:
- Clarity on Costs: Clearly understand the costs and what is included in the price. It’s important to know which services might incur additional costs.
- Value for Money: Evaluate whether the services offered justify the cost, considering the quality of care and facilities.
- Reviews and References:
- Feedback from Other Guests and Families: Collect testimonials and reviews from other guests and their families to get a clear idea of the facility’s quality.
- Visits and Meetings: Visit the facility in person and meet with the owner, manager, or staff to form a direct opinion.
- Location:
- Proximity to Family and Friends: Consider the facility’s proximity to family and friends to facilitate visits and maintain emotional connections.
- Accessibility and Local Services: The location should be convenient and accessible, with local services such as shops and public transport nearby.
Concluding Reflections
The document “Housing and the Elderly (Fragile)” highlights how a long-lived society not only grows in the number of individuals to be assisted but also in their complexity of care that people will have to face over time.
The characteristics and needs of the elderly vary greatly depending on their age, making flexible and personalized solutions necessary.
Residential communities are not just places of residence but facilities that offer integrated support, security, and a social life that fills and enriches the days, essential elements for dignified and satisfying aging.
These facilities are designed to provide personalized assistance while promoting the independence of the elderly. In addition to ensuring a high level of care, residential communities offer a wide range of recreational and social activities that help prevent isolation and keep the cognitive and physical abilities of guests active.
Choosing a residential community is a crucial decision that requires time and reflection. Planning in advance allows you to select the facility that best meets your needs and preferences, ensuring a serene life full of opportunities during the Golden Age.
For more information on how to invest in a social care facility such as a residential community, contact me.