The move into an aged care facility can be a big life change, and one that can fill people with uncertainty. It’s something that you can’t really experience unless you’ve done it (unless you’ve participated in respite care at that facility). And while your life will definitely change once you move into aged care, the changes might not be as worrying as you might think.
In fact, in some ways, your life won’t change that drastically. You’ll still be able to choose how you spend your time, what hobbies and activities you participate in, how often you socialise with family and friends, what doctor you visit, the décor of your room etc. But your life will also change in certain ways too – here are some of the ones you can expect.
Click here to read more about overcoming the fear of moving into aged care.
Your life will become easier
Household and garden chores can get increasingly difficult as we get older, and many of us struggle to keep our homes and gardens to the standards we once used to. One of the best things about living in an aged care home is that you no longer have to worry about all the boring and challenging chores and housework, making your life much easier and much less demanding. All the hard work is done for you, giving you a much more comfortable, pleasant and easy life where you simply don’t even need to give housework a second thought. All you’ll have to do is enjoy your new home, without having to do any of the work.
As well, you’ll have help with other aspects of life that may have become challenging: personal care, dressing, exercise, grocery shopping, medication management, wound care, paying bills etc.
You’ll establish more connections
As we age, loneliness can become an increasing problem – and one with dire health consequences. Loneliness can lead to poor physical and mental health outcomes, increased incidences of diseases and even a shortened lifespan. As our circle shrinks, it’s all too easy to become increasingly solitary, isolated and lonely – and this can be a big problem. But not when you live in an aged care facility, as you’ll be surrounded by a built-in network of potential friends and acquaintances who can help keep you busy, engaged and connected.
Your life will become safer
Living in your own home definitely has its upsides, but you may have to sacrifice feelings of safety and security, particularly if you live alone.
Once you move into an aged care facility, you don’t have to feel alone and afraid in your home anymore. You can take advantage of all the safety and security features that the community provides, such as security systems, cameras, personal safety technology and alarms to help you feel safe at all times. And one of the best security features is that of living in community, where there are always people around you to watch out for you and help you when you need it. There’s safety in numbers, and an aged care community will provide a sense of safety and security that you just can’t get when living on your own.
Your life will become healthier
Your health will improve with a move into aged care, as you’ll be surrounded by people whose job it is to look after your mental and physical health and wellbeing. They will ensure you always receive timely health care when you need it. Plus, you’ll have well-balanced and healthy meals prepared for you regularly, as well as help ensuring you take your medication correctly and on time.
Your life will become more interesting
It can be hard to get out and do things as you age, particularly as your family and friends circle shrinks, if you have mobility issues or if you can no longer drive. A move into an aged care facility means you’ll have a wide variety of interesting activities right there on hand to participate in, and plenty of people to participate with. And of course, you’re free to participate as much or as little as you like. But rest assured, there will always be something going on to help keep life interesting.
You’ll make yourself at home
If you haven’t experienced communal living before, it can be hard to imagine feeling that this is your home. Chances are though, that you’ll start to feel at home sooner than you might think.
Your room is entirely your space to spend time in or retreat to whenever you want, and you can bring your personal belongings and effects along with you. You can put your favourite pictures up, scatter family photos around the room, decorate with your treasured ornaments, soft furnishings etc. It will make your room feel much more homey and familiar to have your own things around you. And once you make friends, you’ll really start to feel that this is your new home.
You’ll have greater peace of mind
Living alone can be stressful as you get older, but an aged care facility does away with all that stress and worry about whether you can manage. You’ll have peace of mind that your health is looked after, that there’s someone there if you need help, that your housework is done, your meals cooked, and that you’re safe.
What all this adds up to is that your life will become better in many measurable ways once you move into an aged care community. You might be surprised at how many things an aged care home has to offer, and just how much it will change your life for the better.
Click here to read more about how aged care facilities can improve the quality of life for older Australians.
