As we age, we are more prone to injury and accidents. It’s just the natural progression of things. However, it also means that you or a loved one may find yourself experiencing a crisis that could have been avoided by moving into a place that was set up for the aging adult’s needs.
“Fall-related injuries are a large concern but illness and accidentally hurting oneself from trying to do too much can be factors as well,” says Barbara A. Keller, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Peter Becker Community.
Oftentimes, these issues and risks could easily be avoided by moving into senior living – but that’s something that can give many older adults pause.
“Seniors, especially those who are still active and independent, can balk at moving into senior living because they don’t ‘need’ it,” Barb explains. “However, moving early puts you in a really great spot to take advantage of your retirement and also have peace of mind. For younger seniors, they can live a fun and carefree life without having to worry about home upkeep and repairs. Older seniors and their families can relax, knowing that issues and risks are greatly mitigated by being in a place that has caring assistance available around the clock.”
Common Injuries for Seniors
When a senior is living in a place that’s not designed for the aging body, injuries become more commonplace. Here are some of the most frequent injuries among seniors.
- Broken bones. Bones weaken as we get older, which puts people at a higher risk for injuries to joints and hips. Different medications and deteriorating eyesight also reduce the risk of falling and breaking or dislocating a bone. Unfortunately, broken bones can lead to complications that can further reduce the quality of life.
- Burns. Seniors can often get burns when they’re cooking, and depending on their health, they may not notice it. People with diabetes, for example, can experience neuropathy that can keep someone from recognizing that they are injured. Burns are also common for seniors with memory impairments (they may forget the stove is on, for example) or seniors with mobility issues. Burns can lead to severe infection if left untreated.
- Sprains and muscle injuries. Something as simple as losing one’s balance is enough to sprain an ankle or tear a muscle. Oftentimes, aging adults overtax themselves when exercising or doing physical activity, which can exacerbate existing conditions and lead to problems that simply won’t go away.
- Head trauma. Falling and vehicular accidents can lead to head injuries, which causes significant issues for older adults. This can lead to loss of brain function and even put someone at a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease or a form of dementia. In severe cases, it can also lead to brain bleed and death.
- Back injuries. Many seniors face issues like disc degeneration, arthritic joints and thickened ligaments in their backs, which can raise the odds of injury, especially in the lower back. Lower back injuries can lead to mobility problems, which in turn lead to an increased risk of falls, obesity and other related health issues.
How Senior Living Can Help Seniors Avoid Crises
Seniors who choose to move into a community like Peter Becker Community have the benefit of safety, security and independence. This is especially true for those who choose to move into residential living. In our community, residents live in their own private apartment or cottage (maintenance-free) and take advantage of all the services we have to offer. These homes are designed with the aging adult in mind – for example, there are no stairs to climb, along with other features. Here are a few other ways why moving to a community like ours early can help prevent crises:
- A focus on health and wellness. Managing health and wellness can be a challenge and take a lot of effort. However, at a senior living community, there is an overall approach to integrating a healthy, active lifestyle into every aspect of life. This ranges from delicious dining services to a fitness center with fun classes and mental stimulation through events, social opportunities and more. Plus, since residents no longer have to do chores, they have plenty of time to do the things they want (and stay healthy while they’re doing it).
- Around-the-clock safety and security. One big advantage of moving to a senior living community is no longer having to worry about scenarios such as what happens if you fall and can’t get to a phone. Communities are well-monitored and well-protected and have a team on site. Not only that, but there is a professional care team available around the clock. So if there is an incident, help is just moments away – which can help a small issue from ballooning into a crisis.
- An instant group of friends. Living at home independently can be pretty lonely, especially if a senior isn’t able to drive or get out as much as they’d like. One of the biggest benefits of senior living communities is the constant opportunity for socialization. At Peter Becker Community, there’s something going on every day, whether it’s a social club gathering, a scheduled movie night, off-site events … and of course, you’re living in a community where your neighbors are friends and they’re just outside your door. Socialization helps seniors age well – plus, friends make life that much more enjoyable.
- It provides peace of mind for everyone involved. We’ve mentioned peace of mind several times throughout this article, but it bears repeating. Worrying about the “what ifs” is enough to keep anyone awake at night and jumping at the sound of the phone ringing. By moving into senior living well in advance of any issues, older adults and family members can breathe a sigh of relief. Although accidents do happen and can’t always be avoided, living in a senior community that’s designed to help older adults live their best lives can help manage situations gracefully and successfully … leading to a better, happier, higher quality of life. And that is priceless.
Your Moments Are at the Heart of What We Do
At Peter Becker Community, it’s our mission each day to celebrate your individuality, whether you reside here full-time or are here as a temporary resident of our Health Care Center. Our support and encouragement are always expressed one-on-one. As a Continuing Care Retirement Community, we provide an environment that empowers you to remain active and independent, while ensuring your future needs will always be met. As a not-for-profit community, we are focused exclusively on the well-being of our residents.
We offer a full range of services – from independent Residential Living, to Personal Care, to Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, to compassionate Memory Care in our secure Memory Care neighborhood. Life here is good – it’s enriched by the time, choices, connections and involvement you’ll discover at our Continuing Care Retirement Community.
With our spectrum of activities, amenities, dining options, maintenance-free living and so much more, you’ll discover you spend more time enjoying our lifestyle and less time worrying about the details of life. You’ll find choices to build a secure life, connections that build closeness, involvement in the world at large and time to explore it all.
For more information about the services provided at Peter Becker Community or to schedule a personal visit to our Continuing Care Retirement Community in Montgomery County, please contact us at (215) 720-1087 to begin the conversation.