Losing a spouse is a devastating experience. It can be difficult to cope with the grief and loneliness that come with this loss, especially for golden agers that live alone. Retirement communities, however, can provide resources and support aging adults need to heal and move forward. Here are some ways retirement communities support aging adults who just lost their spouse.
Routine and Structure
Retirement communities have a specially curated structure and routine. The new lifestyle can help hurting individuals find stability and comfort during a difficult time.
Retirees receive access to activities, classes, and events that can help keep them engaged and motivated. Settling into the new routine is a great distraction from the pain. It further gives grieving aging adults new activities to channel their emotions, thoughts, strengths as well as their pain.
Companionship
Many aging adults testify of the fact that they find companionship in senior living. Social interaction is highly beneficial for golden agers who are already prone to loneliness and isolation as it can help them feel less isolated and more connected with the world around them. There is a high chance that you will find great friendships can be a source of support and understanding as you grieve.
Security and Support
With a variety of amenities and programs, you can find the help and support you need to move on with your life. A retirement community provides a sense of security and solidarity, which can be especially important for those who are dealing with the difficult emotions that come with loss.
From support groups and activities to counseling and social events, there are many ways retirement communities can help residents after the loss of a spouse.
Professional Care
Retirement communities provide golden agers with access to professional care. This include access to healthcare and mental health support. These skilled professionals can help hurting aging adults cope with their grief and manage any physical and emotional challenges they experience.
Home Maintenance
Neglecting daily home and lawn maintenance to a point where it can become unmanageable is a possibility when golden agers grieve. In such cases, a retirement community is the way to go. It can provide you with a safe and comfortable living space and free up their time to grieve and process their loss in their own way.
Access to Professional Support Services
As a resident, you can receive access to professional support services such as counseling, spiritual guidance, and logistical planning. These services are really effective in helping aging adults cope with grief as they adjust to their new reality.
Social Events and Activities
There is a variety of social activities to help you stay engaged and connected. Aging adults who are hurting after the loss of a spouse may find these events helpful in moving through their grief. These activities may include support groups, creative or artistic activities, or social events put on by the facility, such as movie nights or luncheons.
Participating in events like these connect golden agers others who are experiencing the same loss. These activities can help aging adults socialise, see new possibilities, get emotional succour and distraction from their grief. In its place, aging adults can discover new passions, interests and views to life and its meaning.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance may be provided by the community or through an outside organization. This assistance may be offered in the form of reduced rent, cheaper utilities, reduced rates on medical care, or even free services, such as transportation or housekeeping.
