Elderly Care in 2012

Retirement home. When we hear the word, many of us cringe.
Sadly, this is not based on a true assessment of retirement homes and nursing homes, but rather based on some sensational stories of issues with nursing homes. This reaction is also caused by something else: a fear of aging. In America, there is a stigma attached to being old. This attitude has to do with America being a culture of youth. Ever since the Baby Boomer generation, most Americans have been young, active and focused on youth. Now that the Baby Boom generation is aging, this focus will likely change.

Senior couple considering retirement homes together.

Hopefully, this will allow us to admit that aging is simply a part of the cycle of life and that will come to us all. This shift in attitude can help people to admit that they are, in fact, growing older and in need of more active care. Pretending that we are young is simply not a good way to keep going. When seniors do not receive the care that they need, they risk injury and medical problems can proceed unchecked. This can become the difference between enjoying your later years and having to focus on care and medical needs.

A retirement home can also offer many great benefits beyond better elderly care, including being able to spend time with one's own peer group. This can mean that, rather than being alone, you are surround by individuals with the same needs, life changes and life experiences you are having.

If you are looking for more information on senior care, feel free to check out a great senior care blog or go to AARP.org for more information.

Remember, choosing a nursing home is not the end of the journey, just the beginning of a new chapter.