Community Living Offers Companionship

For seniors living alone, the end of the holiday season typically means family and friends have gone back to work or school, and as such, their lives take on a much quieter pace. It can be especially isolating for seniors living in cold climates that get snow and ice. Freezing temperatures make it hard for seniors to safely get out of the house, and if you still drive, short daylight hours can make driving difficult. 

Problems contributing to loneliness in seniors are that they no longer work outside the home and social circles begin to shrink with the passing of spouses or friends, and family members moving away. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) cites studies showing seniors who say they feel socially isolated and lonely are more at risk for health problems such as cognitive decline, depression, and heart disease associated with loneliness. 

For many seniors the answer is moving to a retirement community where they find comfort, wellbeing and security as well as companionship. The experts at AgingCare.com say one of the biggest advantages of senior living (aside from receiving necessary care) is that opportunities for socialization and fulfillment are available right outside a resident’s door. 

Senior living offers several options including 55+ communities designed for adults 55 years or older with no (or grown) children. Many feature expansive campuses or neighborhoods with patio homes or condos to rent or purchase along with common spaces such as clubhouses or fitness centers. Independent living communities are ideal for active seniors looking for maximum independence and love the idea of built-in social and mental stimulation, security and minimal personal assistance within a maintenance-free environment. They may offer amenities such as full meal plans, housekeeping and transportation along with meaningful wellness programs. Assisted living is designed after the European model and provides a supportive, compassionate environment with the right amount of help seniors need to maintain their independence. 

The most supportive level of senior living is memory care. At communities like MorningStar of Billings, we provide compassionate, professional memory care for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 36 secure suites and uses therapeutic methods to calm and stimulate with purposeful and meaningful activities. In addition MorningStar of Billings offers unsurpassed independent living with 32 free-standing cottages and 72 bright suites and 70 suites for assisted living. Please visit our website for pricing and availability to the area’s finest senior living.