Page 34 - Florida SeniorLivingGuide.com eBook Summer/Fall 2020 Edition

34 STATEWIDE RESOURCES RESOURCES STATEWIDE 35

Dorothy and her sweet terrier, Toto, their existing residence or moving to
aren’t the only ones who believe a nursing facility as they age. Today,
“there’s no place like home.” Accord- there’s another option available that
ing to a report from the AARP Public appeals to many: a resort-style retire-
Policy Institute and the National Con- ment community that offers the best of
ference of State Legislatures, roughly both worlds.
90% of American seniors want to live
in their home or community for as The Benefits of Aging in Place
long as possible. They love being where Retirement communities offer an excit-
things are familiar and comfortable. As ing new choice for seniors, and provide
a result, more people are choosing to a range of services to accommodate
“age in place” rather than move into a more people with a variety of needs.
nursing home or assisted living facility. Living spaces are thoughtfully designed
for seniors, and the amenities and sup-
How Do You Age in Place? portive services offered allow people to
Seniors that prefer to maintain live independently and safely for a long
freedom and independence in their period of time.
residence of choice are said to be aging
in place. They wish to surround them- In fact, many seniors who insist on
selves with familiarity and comfort, staying in their homes suddenly feel
and be connected to the things most like they have an option to live on their
important to them, for as long as pos- own in a private apartment surrounded
sible. Fortunately, it’s becoming easier by their own things, while also enjoy-
for seniors to live at home for longer ing activities and services they would
periods thank to services like home never have at home. The concept of
health care, and advanced technology, aging in a community, where there are
such as medical alert systems. plenty of things to do and new friends
to meet, can make life more fulfilling!
Another trend that’s helping seniors A New Way to Age in Place
age in place is the expanded definition
of “place.” Until recent years, seniors As more seniors are researching com-
had the choice of either staying in munities, they’re discovering RLC is an
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