Urban Residential Community for Elders “SenioCare”

A SOCIAL-LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND GERIATRIC CARE FOR THE ELDERLY “SENIOCARE”

Leisure activities, like bingo, are not only good for seniors’
competitive spirits they are also good for their mental and physical
health.

Leisure activities don’t have to be a big to do, they don’t have to be

as competitive as our game of bingo. They can be as simple as
crafting, playing a board game, or doing a puzzle.

Leisure activities are great for social interaction.

They offer seniors the opportunity to meet and engage with new
people. Social interaction is especially important because it
prevents feelings of isolation.

Social isolation is especially common among seniors. The

percentage of American adults who say they’re lonely
has doubled from 20 percent to 40 percent since the 1980s.

Isolation is also responsible for negative health outcomes and

mental decline. Isolated seniors are also more likely to need long
term care as they age.

By engaging in leisurely activities seniors have an

opportunity to be active.

Countless studies show that physical activity is especially good for

seniors as they age.

Social activities also stimulate the brain. They are an

opportunity to learn new things and meet new people.

Identifying the leisure and recreation needs of elderly

people:
The leisure and recreation needs of the elderly are obviously not as comprehensive
as those who are younger and more active. If the elderly are living in a situation
where they are sharing accommodation their leisure activities would come from
having group meals together, bingo, card games or organised outings in their community.
Leisure activities might occur every day for them as they are not physically exhausting.
Recreational activities for the elderly on the other hand may occur only 3 times a week and
maybe
just for an hour or two at a time. They may do bowls one day which is a low intensity activity
lasting
only an hour. A round of golf one day which may last 2 hours, although not too strenuous it does
involve
walking which would be tiring by the end of the day. An organised walking group by the end of
the
week which lasts an hour combined with a social get together. Most of these recreational
activities are for the more active elderly person.

What factors influence the elderly people into participation in

leisure and recreation?
The elderly may be influenced by some of these leisure and recreational activities due
to fitness level, health or how old they have got. Health especially would be a factor
for the elderly as they are more susceptible to illness and injury. This may keep them
out of recreational activities for months at a time. Health may also affect leisure activities
with long term health issues such as dementia.

Depending on the elderlies financial situation this may affect them in the amount of
recreational activities they participate in. Those elderly people who live on their own
and don’t have any family members to look after them may also be very isolated and not
get involved in any leisure or recreational activities within their community.

The barriers elderly people have towards leisure and

recreation:
the barriers of elderly people: financial situation, health and location

All these things are major influences in enabling the participation of leisure and recreation.
The elderly who live in remote areas without great facilities and support would have limited
use of recreational facilities. For example small country towns don't have the use of a
swimming
pool which is a great activity for the elderly.It is a low impact activity which benefits all levels of
fitness. Their financial situation mixed with isolation will also play a big part in them being able to
attend daily outings and mixing in their community.

Weight may also be a big deciding factor of how much you can participate in and the level that
they can be involved in some recreational activities. Weight gain is a huge burden on an elderly
person health. As you get older you have to take age and health in to account, without using the
excuse that your too old to do anything physical. Depending on your financial situation
recreational activities will vary greatly. It would be difficult to belong to a golf club if
your financial situation didn't allow this.

A barrier that an elderly person may have, what strategy to

overcome it:
A strategy to overcome weight gain as a barrier for the elderly: There are many
resources available now to educate people on nutrition and diet. Weight gain for
them may be through lack of education or just habit. Both of these things can be
overcome. Local communities run courses on nutrition or even courses on cooking
which enable you to learn about fresh healthy ingredients.

It is essential for elderly folks to sustain social relationships. This can be achieved when seniors
engage in interesting pursuits or activities that have a purpose. These social activities will help them
avoid the adverse effects of loneliness. Quality time should be spent with family members and
genuine peers. Older people are said to give more value to friendships. It is not just wealth that will
make you happy but honest and caring friendships.
And you’re never too old to make new friends. You can meet more people by accepting invitations or
attending worthwhile gatherings. For instance, there are senior centers and clubs that hold weekend
Bingo Socials, adult tours and excursions or get-together dinners for the elderly. You can also try
working part-time or as a volunteer to stay busy and earn extra money. Consider music concerts,
culinary classes Tai-Chi or yoga.

With the emergence of social media, seniors can set up FaceBook pages to connect with old friends
and long-lost relatives. It’s also very easy to start your own Facebook Group for sharing just among
your peers. More and more adults are using social media networking sites as a way to stay
connected to friends and family. You can also try working out at the nearest gym. This is also a good
place for meeting new friends and renewing old acquaintances. Adults age 50 and above really need
to interact socially as a way to avoid boredom, emotional troubles and sicknesses.

Actually, there are plenty of health benefits

that senior citizens can derive from social
interaction. Some of these are:
 Reduced hazards associated with heart ailments or cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers,
osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis
 Possible reduced risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease
 Lower blood pressure
 Lowered risks of mental health problems like depression
Social interaction will help your brain from becoming stagnant. And mental acuity can be enhanced
when combined with a wholesome lifestyle.

The process of sustaining social relationships and mobility in your senior years is essential. In other
words, it is crucial for your general well-being. That is why many elderly people need to work hard at
being active. Consult your doctor, friends and family. These are the best resources for creating an
enriching social life in your later years.
Specialty Care Services can provide professional home care nursing specialists that can create a
personalized program of diet and exercise that will ensure a healthy and active lifestyle.
Geriatric care management is the process of planning and coordinating care of the elderly and
others with physical and/or mental impairments to meet their long term care needs, improve
their quality of life, and maintain their independence for as long as possible. It entails working with
persons of old age and their families in managing, rendering and referring various types of health
and social care services.[1] Geriatric care managersaccomplish this by combining a working
knowledge of health and psychology, human development, family dynamics, public and private
resources as well as funding sources, while advocating for their clients throughout the continuum of
care. For example, they may assist families of older adults and others with chronic needs such as
those suffering from Alzheimer's disease or other dementia.[2]

Types of Care Facilities

A list of definitions and services provided at different levels of residential care.
Comfort, convenience, and safety are important components of your loved one’s environment, and the following list
can help you determine which type of residential care facility might best serve his or her needs.
Independent Living Communities

In independent living retirement communities, the care recipient has full choice and control over all aspects of his or
her life. He or she must be independent in all aspects of daily living such as bathing, dressing, being mentally alert,
having bowel and bladder control, and being able to walk. These communities provide a living environment for
individuals of a certain age and come in many housing styles, including single-family dwellings, townhouses,
duplexes, high-rise apartments, condominiums, and mobile homes, which are either rented or owned by the
individual. Additionally, the variety of services offered varies between retirement communities, with some offering only
police and fire protection and others offering social and recreational activities as well.
Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living facilities, which are also called congregate housing, are suitable for individuals who need little or no
help. Each individual lives in his or her own apartment, and these are often equipped with emergency signaling
devices. All residents use shared spaces, which usually include living rooms, dining rooms, or laundry rooms. Minimal
services, ranging from central dining programs to organized recreational activities, health, transportation,
housekeeping, nonpersonal laundry, and security services, are also usually available.
Residential Care Facilities

Residential care facilities, which also are called board and care homes, personal care homes, sheltered housing, or
domiciliary care homes, offer housing for individuals who need assistance with personal care or medical needs. This
means that the facility is normally state licensed and meets minimum staffing requirements. The facility is staffed 24
hours a day.
To be eligible for residential care facilities, an individual usually must be fairly mentally alert; able to dress, feed, and
take themselves to the toilet; able to eat meals in a central dining room; and need no more than moderate assistance
with personal care or behavior supervision. Check with the specific facility for any policies concerning walkers or
wheelchairs.
These facilities usually feature studio or one-bedroom apartments that lack kitchens, but have private bathrooms and
storage units. Occasionally, these facilities offer only shared rooms, which can be a difficult adjustment for many. Be
sure to check into the living arrangements at the facility first. Additional services include meals, social activities,
laundry, and housekeeping services.
Continuing Care Communities

Continuing care retirement communities, or multi-level care facilities, provide a nice balance between the skilled
nursing home, assisted living facility, and the independent living facility or retirement community. It assures the care
recipient independent living as long as possible, while providing for nursing assistance if or when it is needed. This
type of living arrangement can be particularly useful to couples who are often in need of different levels of care and
who wish to maintain a strong relationship.
These facilities offer many services, including personal conveniences (haircuttery, banks, library); organized social
and recreational activities; educational programs; exercise classes; craft and woodworking activities; gardening
space; transportation; and health care. Because these activities can be costly, the entrance fee and monthly charges
are often quite large. Additionally, entrance restrictions normally specify a minimum age, as well as a minimum level
of health and finances. Entrance lists are often months or years long for such facilities.

Nursing Homes

Nursing home care provides help for a seriously ill care recipient. These facilities offer 24-hour supervision, nursing
care, rehabilitation programs, and social activities. If you are not sure if a nursing home is an appropriate care facility
for your loved one, ask these questions:

 Does your loved one need specialized health care services?

 Is a nursing home the only option where your loved one will receive the medical care he or she needs?
 Are you emotionally and physically exhausted and ready for a break from your caregiving role?
 Does your loved one need post-hospital rehabilitation following an illness or injury?
 Have other alternatives been exhausted?
 Is a nursing home more cost effective than other living alternatives?
The level of care provided by a nursing home can be either intermediate or skilled. Intermediate care is given to
individuals who need assistance with activities of daily living and some health services and nursing supervision, but
not constant nursing care. This type of care is usually requested by a doctor and given by a registered nurse. In
contrast, skilled nursing care is given to individuals who need 24-hour medical supervision, skilled nursing care, or
rehabilitation. Again, a physician’s request may be needed for admission. Additionally, a few facilities offer a third
level of care—custodial care. Individuals receiving custodial care need supervision with personal care and other daily
living activities, but do not require the help of a practical nurse. Individuals suffering from dementia, including
Alzheimer’s disease, are often given this type of care.
You should investigate nursing homes as soon as possible for two reasons. First, it is always easier to make critical
comparisons when you are not facing an immediate emergency. Additionally, you should give yourself time to
consider more than one facility because these types of facilities are often in high demand.
When investigating nursing home options, find out whether the facility is government certified. If your loved one plans
to use Medicare or Medicaid for payment, check the limited coverage of these as well by contacting the local Social
Security Office.
Whether your loved one chooses an independent living community, assisted living facility, residential care facility,
continuing care facility, or nursing home, the ability to live in a comfortable and safe environment is extremely
important. After you have selected the type of residential environment that best fits his or her situation, be sure to
interview multiple facilities before selecting the one that you feel is right for your loved one.